The Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, and its long-wheelbase version, the Silver Spur, were announced in October 1980. A fresh styling approach resulted in a much more modern-looking saloon with a larger window area and a lower overall aspect, but still retaining the opulent interior features associated with cars produced in Crewe. This range also saw the introduction of the mineral fluid hydraulic system, while the proven 6.75 litre V8 engine, fed by twin SU carburettors, provided the power. The mechanically identical, but Bentley badged, Mulsanne saloon was introduced at the same time to cater for enthusiasts of that marque.
The resurgence of the Bentley name, however, undoubtedly began in 1982 with the arrival of the Mulsanne Turbo. Fitted with a Garrett turbocharger, and a 4-barrel Solex carburettor, power was substantially increased while none of the traditional interior appointments were compromised, resulting in the return of the ‘Silent Sports Car’, a name synonymous with Bentley in the early years. The letter ‘R’ for road holding was added to the name in 1985 with the introduction of modified suspension, wider wheels and tyres, and a front air dam all contributing to much sportier handling.
Over 38,000 models were built in a production run spanning 23 years, with the last model leaving Crewe 20 years ago.
The Silver Spirit and the many Bentley variations have been growing in popularity over the recent years amongst a thriving enthusiast community dedicated to these iconic cars
At Flying Spares we are making sure we can provide the products you need to keep your pride and joy on the road. We take these responsibilities incredibly seriously and work tirelessly to make sure that we have the products you need to either help restore your car to its former glory or keep it wafting along.
Of the cars we have purchased throughout the years many have been sold as rolling restorations. But if a car was beyond economical repair, it would be carefully dismantled, bolstering our recycled stocks of rare and no longer available parts. By dismantling one wrecked Rolls-Royce or Bentley we keep at least another six on the road.
We passionately believe that every Rolls-Royce and Bentley, regardless of condition, is a piece of motoring history, and we consider it our duty to save as much of this original engineering as possible. Around 95% of the parts we strip can be recycled or reconditioned, and what’s left is properly disposed of.
Read about our company ethos Recycle To Preserve Keeping Classics On The Road
Every single part we strip from a salvaged car will be assessed. Anything that can leak, radiators, for example, will be smoke tested for holes. Anything that’s rusty, bumper irons, for example, will go through the sandblaster, and maybe also aqua blasted, then prepared and painted with stone guard so they look good as new and will stay that way for longer.
Anything brass or aluminium will go through our polishing machine to bring it back to its original condition All road wheels go on our wheel balancing machine and are tested for trueness. The steel ones from the 1950s-80s cars will then go away to be dipped in acid and powder coated – no one manufactures them anymore, so we are about the only source of these important parts.
We do a lot of work in-house through our Technical Services Division which will reclaim original units by reconditioning braking and steering hydraulics, electric window lift, and wiper motors. Starters, alternators, and dynamos to name but a few products.
Throughout every aspect of our work, we are proud to say that no other supplier can match our exceptional commitment to recycling. Read more about our Exceptional Commitment To Recycling
We’ve listed just a few examples of recycled parts for the Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit and Bentley SZ models. All of which come with a 12-month warranty. Browse our full range