1985 Rolls Royce Silver Spirit 6.8L Petrol · A18 DAR

A four-decade-old Silver Spirit showing four consecutive clean MOT passes with no advisories or failures is an exceptional record for a vehicle of this vintage, and the most recent test on 9 July 2025 confirms that the car continues to meet roadworthiness standards without any examiner-recorded concerns. The unbroken run of defect-free entries from 2022 through 2025 reflects consistent compliance across the full MOT scope, including brakes, suspension, steering, lighting, exhaust emissions, and structural integrity. While a clean MOT record is never a substitute for a physical inspection on a forty-one-year-old luxury saloon, the absence of recurring advisories for items such as corroded brake pipes, perished suspension bushes, or exhaust irregularities suggests the major mechanical and structural systems remain sound within the limits of what an annual roadworthiness check can detect. Recorded mileage of 107,927 over roughly forty-one years equates to an annual average of only around 2,600 miles, which is exceptionally low even for a vehicle of this class and era. The mileage progression between tests has been minimal, indicating either limited touring use or extended periods of standing between journeys. Such low accumulation is mechanically significant on a Silver Spirit because the hydropneumatic suspension system, brake calipers, and drivetrain seals are all prone to seizing or drying out when a vehicle is left stationary for long intervals. Equally, rubber components throughout the chassis, from suspension bushes to flexible brake hoses and engine mountings, can deteriorate more rapidly through inactivity than through regular use, so the test pass record alone does not fully reflect the internal condition of these age-sensitive parts. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the self-levelling suspension, which is the defining mechanical feature of the Silver Spirit and a known long-term cost area. On a test drive, listen for any whining or groaning from the hydraulic pump, check that the car returns promptly to level after being pressed down on a corner, and observe whether the rear settles overnight, all of which would point to accumulator sphere failure or hydraulic leakage. Any warning lights for the suspension system or a noticeably harsh ride over minor road imperfections should be treated as immediate points for negotiation or further specialist inspection. Given the low-mileage profile, it is also prudent to inspect the braking system with extra care, as corroded caliper pistons and seized slide pins are common on Silver Spirits that have spent long periods unused. Test the car from cold with a firm pedal application to detect any binding or judder, and check for uneven pad wear by examining the wheels and discs directly. Under the bonnet, look for signs of oil misting around the engine and transmission, and verify that the cooling system, radiator hoses, and fuel lines are free from perishing or seepage. Finally, a thorough inspection of the subframe, jacking points, and sill outriggers for any structural corrosion beneath the cosmetic finish is essential, as these areas tend to suffer on vehicles kept in less-than-ideal storage conditions, and any hidden rot would be the most likely source of a future failure despite the present clean MOT history.