Built at Crewe alongside Bentley production, the Silver Seraph was unique since it used the 5.4-liter BMW V12 engine. Unfortunately, other than the radiator grille, badges and wheels it was outwardly identical to the Bentley Arnage. When Rolls-Royce was eventually sold to BMW in 2002 these models finally parted ways.
At the time these cars were one of the most expensive of their time. The Silver Seraph was completely hand-built in Crewe and intended primarily as a limousine. For example no tachometer was fitted and the gear selector was column-mounted. The rear passengers were treated to Connolly Leather and burl walnut veneers.
Powering the Silver Seraph was the aluminum alloy BMW V12 from the BMW 8-series line. This produced an ample 300 bhp for the very heavy 5181 lbs bulk. Due to the size of this car, it was slower than the Bentley Arnage with its twin turbo V8.
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Series Production Car |
| production years | 1998 – 2002 |
| released at | 1998 Geneva Motor Show |
| built at | Crewe, England |
| production | 1570 |
| price $ | $ 219,900 |
| price £/td> | £155,175 |
| succeccesor | 2003 Rolls-Royce Phantom |
| engine | V12 |
| valvetrain | SOHC 2 Valves / Cyl |
| displacement | 5379 cc / 328.2 in³ |
| bore | 85 mm / 3.35 in |
| stroke | 79 mm / 3.11 in |
| compression | 10:1 |
| power | 240.1 kw / 322.0 bhp @ 5000 rpm |
| specific output | 59.86 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 137.02 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 490 nm / 361.4 ft lbs @ 3900 rpm |
| driven wheels | Front Engine / RWD |
| front tires | 235/65R16 |
| rear tires | 235/65R16 |
| front brakes | Vented Discs w/Power Assist & ABS |
| front wheels | F 40.6 x 17.8 cm / 16.0 x 7.0 in |
| rear wheels | R 40.6 x 17.8 cm / 16.0 x 7.0 in |
| steering | Speed Sensitive Rack & Pinion w/Power Assist |
| curb weight | 2350 kg / 5181 lbs |
| wheelbase | 3116 mm / 122.7 in |
| front track | 1608 mm / 63.3 in |
| rear track | 1608 mm / 63.3 in |
| length | 5390 mm / 212.2 in |
| width | 2125 mm / 83.7 in |
| height | 1515 mm / 59.6 in |
| transmission | ZF 5HP30 5-Speed Auto |
| gear ratios | 3.55:1, 2.24:1, 1.54:1, 1.00:1, 0.79:1 |
| final drive | 2.93:1 |
| top speed | ~225.3 kph / 140.0 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~7.1 seconds |
| 0 – 100 mph | ~17.8 seconds |
Auction Sales History
Last of line only 180 built in Crewe factory in England. Black Sapphire exterior with Oatmeal hide interior. Finest Connoly leather upholstery piped in Dark Blue. Wilton carpeting, lamb wool rugs and foot rests. Mahogany interior with burlwood accents. Fully veneered picnic tables and telephones in armrest. Power reclining seats front and rear. Dual climate control and 6 disc CD player Alpine System. Aluminum 5.4L V12 engine 322 HP 5800 RPM 361 LB/FF @ 3900 automatic 5-speed transmission. Automatic ride and headlight leveling. RR embroidered cushions. Factory wheels with spirit of ecstasy symbol. Original White glove spare replacement kit that was never used. Power locks, power seats, power windows, mirrors, power sunroof, power brakes. Very rare automobile, a future collectible.
Auction Source: 2011 Monterey Daytime Auction by Mecum
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