2001 Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph

This Collection is offered by the family of the late J. Anthony Edwards whose passion for Rolls-Royce and Bentley motorcars spanned decades. With business success in his thirties, Tony as he was universally known, bought a Bentley S1 that started his enthusiasm that led to owning virtually every subsequent model of Rolls and Bentley since. Tony even passed his advanced driving test in a 1996 Bentley Brooklands at the age of 75! At the age of 80 his passion was still undiminished when he exchanged a Phantom Coupé for a new Wraith. The cars that Tony loved to drive remained in the collection, some retained by the family, and these four cars are a testament to his diligent maintenance, each on the button, for the next custodian to enjoy as he did.

When the Silver Seraph was launched in 1998, the most significant break with tradition was, of course, the adoption of BMW engines, the Seraph's power unit being the 5.3-litre, 60-degree V12 of the range-topping 750i, its engine management system appropriately reconfigured for the heavier Rolls-Royce. The ZF 5-speed automatic gearbox is likewise sourced from the 750i, and once again its electronics, which control shift points, are re-programmed to suit the different application. Whilst many flag-waving traditionalists were outraged, the buyers did not complain for the new Rolls-Royce offered the same level of build quality but with new, and reliable electronics and progressive power delivery from the silky smooth V12 engine. Bearing a strong resemblance to Bentley’s Arnage, which were mass produced by comparison, the Silver Seraph ceased production in 2002 with just 369 cars built in right-hand drive.

Supplied new to the UK on 21st May 2001, the silver paintwork compliments the cream leather and rich Burr Walnut veneers nicely. With some 20,000 miles on the car it was bought by Tony on 24th March 2003 and he enjoyed driving it, as evidenced by the current mileage of 48,425 miles. Presented to auction with service records, V5C and an advisory free MOT valid until 18th October 2023. We conclude that the Silver Seraph remains popular in the collector car market as do all limited production motorcars and it retains the historic link with the Silver Shadow that saved Rolls-Royce back in the 1960s, as a Rolls that is owner-driver focused whilst boasting rear passenger comforts unparalleled by its contemporaries.