2002 Rolls-Royce Park Ward Sedan

A new generation of Rolls-Royce cars was unveiled to the public on March 3rd of 1998 at the Geneva Motor Show. They were dubbed the Silver Seraph and served as a replacement for the Silver Spirit. They were similar to their predecessors but with minor changes to the styling and mechanical components. The styling became more smooth and the front-end, especially the radiator shell, was updated.

Under the bonnet was a BMW V12 and mated to a ZF 5-speed electronic automatic gearbox. This was the first time Rolls-Royce commissioned outside suppliers for their engines. The V12 had a smaller displacement size to the V8 engine it was replacing, but able to match the top speed of the turbocharged version of the V8. Other features of the car included adaptive ride control and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes.

This example has been owned by Richard Solove since new. It is painted in black with an ivory leather interior with ebony accents. Mounted in the back of the front headrests are video monitors giving the rear-seated passengers the opportunity to watch DVDs from a console player. There are privacy curtains on the rear and side windows. A fold-down picnic tables, augmented by a built-in wine cooler, offer a unique opportunity to entertain while on the road.

These were the last Crewe-Built Rolls-Royce automobiles in Cheshire. This example has seen very little use and is a one-owner car. In 2007 it was brought to the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, CA where it was estimated to sell for $160,000 - $180,000 and offered without reserve. Those estimates proved accurate, and the lot was sold for $176,000, including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2008