1999 Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph

Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph (Saloon), 1998-2002

The Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph was in production from 1998 until 2002. Styled in house by Stephen Harper, it is a front-engine, rear wheel drive saloon range seating five adults.

The Silver Seraph was the result of eight years' work, bringing together BMW componentry to replace outdated technology and the exquisite design and trim applications for which Crewe was so well known. Gone would be the L-series V8 which could trace its roots to the 1950s, replaced by a BMW V12 in order to fall in line with anticipated emissions regulations. Tweaked for higher torque by Cosworth, it might have been a 750iL engine, but the Cosworth changes made a difference A lot of the computer hardware would come from BMW too - but the Seraph was far from being a 7-series in a top hat. The floorpan was derived from the Silver Spirit - but only in theory, such was the level of revamping. It was 300lb lighter than the old model, softer-edged, smoother-styled, and far more driver-focused.

Inside, it was the typical Rolls-Royce story - the finest walnut, leather and soft, thick lambswool rugs. 1570 were built - including 127 Park Ward models. These were ten inches longer than the standard model, designed for the chauffeur market. 200 had been planned, but production of the Seraph would end before the full run could be completed. The Seraph was the last Crewe-built Royce, and production ended in 2002 when BMW's new Goodwood factory became ready to launch the Phantom VII.

The obvious alternative would be its sister car, the Bentley Arnage 4.4. Fitted with a twin turbo V8 instead of the V12 and with a rather sportier type of trim, the Arnage nonetheless shares the majority of its underpinnings with the Silver Seraph at a fraction of the cost. An earlier Silver Spirit might also capture the, ahem, spirit of the thing - but be aware that the technology is outdated. A Range Rover in Vogue or Autobiography trim retains the pomp, the power and the glory, but with added practicality at an affordable price. People might suggest the BMW 750iL or Mercedes S600L - but a Royce customer would never slum it with glorified toner salesmen...