80's Rolls Royce Silver Spirit Dash

[wings&wheels]

The local exotic car restoration and sales business always has something interesting and they let me play w/ the toys occasionally.... great folks and exceptional work, pricey but very good.

This is the dash from an 80's Silver Spirit. I would never own an old (or new) Rolls for a number of reasons, but I always really enjoy driving and even just sitting in them. Like siting in your favorite den chair, but without the Old Fashioned next to you; warm, comfortable and welcoming in a way that other vehicles just are not. Aside from the comfort, I really like the switchgear they used as well as the displays from this period. Look at all the details from the warning panel to the gauges, even the little reserve indicator in the fuel gauge that corresponds with the "low fuel" warming lamp. Also note the "ice" warning lamp, lit since the outside air temp was indicating -96dg C. Odd, didn't feel that cold. Obligatory British electrics comment can go here.

Always amused by the steering wheels, column and shift from this era. Skinny (celluloid?) wheels and column stalks through the 80's.

Modern video game radios in a car like this is unforgiveable.....

 

[SShooterZ]

That is amazing. Thanks for sharing.

 

[RooflessVW]

Bold of you to assume I wouldn't have an old fashioned driving my RR

 

[andrew_j]

Reminds me of parents AMC Eagle dash with the hideous wood.

There is no real design or art in that dash just function.

 

[fdcg27]

You do know how cheaply these cars can be bought?
There is a reason for this, as tempting as they may be.
The classic RR bus steering wheel is a nice functional touch.
The difference between this and an AMC Eagle is that everything in the Rambler was plastic while everything in the RR is actual wood from a tree.
Kinda like a seventies Mercedes as compared to a Cadillac.

 

[fdcg27]

Reminds me of parents AMC Eagle dash with the hideous wood.

There is no real design or art in that dash just function.

Of course, to give credit where it's due, the Eagle did have an AWD system long before any sedan or wagon from RR, Mercedes of even Subaru did.
If I were caught in bad winter conditions, I know what I'd rather be driving, fake wood and all.

 

[The_Jeff]

Rollers have for a long time combined the ignition switch and headlamps, and this is no exception. The steering wheel piano finish to me indicates that driving gloves are a must.

I do appreciate the three different brake warning lights. Have always thought that parking brake should be separate from low brake fluid and this takes it further with a light if (I assume) the proportioning valve trips due to a blown line.

But honestly the gauges, switchgear and controls look like they were stuffed in where they could fit with discrete parts that they could obtain. Push the turn signal to get wiper spray but reach below your dangling keys to activate the wipers? Having to ask the driver to adjust the HVAC must be part of the "experience."

 

[CleanSump]

..

Of course, to give credit where it's due, the Eagle did have an AWD system long before any sedan or wagon from RR, Mercedes of even Subaru did.
If I were caught in bad winter conditions, I know what I'd rather be driving, fake wood and all.

Yes! I had an Eagle LTD and it was very nice. Plush leather seats, console shifter, CB built into the AM.FM Cassette. All good and 4wheel was a little lever on the beautiful wood dash.
But that RR dash is disappointing. Guess it was intended for the help, not the owner.

 

[Kira]

It looks like some of the headlight/ignition switch panel bezel is gone.
Look beneath the battery warning light.

Note the finger clearance cutouts either side of the steering column (above and inboard from the panel dim and AC switches).

 

[QwikKota]

No tachometer for the Grey Poupon? Heaven forbid!

 

[kschachn]

You do know how cheaply these cars can be bought?
There is a reason for this, as tempting as they may be.
The classic RR bus steering wheel is a nice functional touch.
The difference between this and an AMC Eagle is that everything in the Rambler was plastic while everything in the RR is actual wood from a tree.
Kinda like a seventies Mercedes as compared to a Cadillac.

I have a friend who bought a Silver Spur a while back with numerous mechanical issues including some minor body damage. He is still… restoring… the car, or whatever you call it. It is fun to drive around though.

 

[fantastic]

The shift indicator letters on the column remind me of my Grandfather's early 63 Ford F-100.

 

[The_Jeff]

No tachometer for the Grey Poupon? Heaven forbid!

That goes with the "adequate" horsepower rating. By the time you have a Rolls you don't have to hurry.

 

[Kira]

10 years ago, a 1972 Silver Shadow with a FOR SALE sign was parked next to a bowling alley, unlocked.
Interior panels and wiring were out of place as if work was ongoing. The dark blue body was chipped and chalky.
Four matched, beat up wheels, etc. Interior smelled OK. ~90k.

I called the owner and asked to rent it for a week.
He declined.
FYI: He was asking $12,000.

 

[michaelluscher]

While I can appreciate the "style" and "class", and the top tier interior materials
That era Bentley/RR was embarrassing

Take the "significantly upgraded" '87MY cars, and remember that the '89 Lexus LS400 was in development at the same time

Funny comment on the likeness of the shift indicator, considering it's controlling a vintage 3 speed GM THM400 from '80-'91