Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph

Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph (SXB). 1998–2002 (prod. 1,570). 4-door saloon. F/R, 5379 cm³ (V12 DOHC). Whereas Bentley had suffered from a lack of marketing in the 1970s, Rolls-Royce fell to the same fate by the late 1990s when the company fell under Volkswagen control. Twin Bentley Arnage got all the attention, while the Silver Seraph, with its BMW M73 V12 (first 12-cylinder since 1939 Phantom III), was allowed to wither—sales declining to three figures in the last year. Same as Arnage in bodyshell, but different engine and details such as gear selector location. Rare, and at the time blamed on Rolls-Royce’s over-ostentatious image, but more to do with lack of promotion as VW knew the company would fall into BMW hands after 2002. Last Royce from Crewe workforce.

Manufacturing location: Crewe, Cheshire, England

Marque: Rolls-Royce | Predecessor:Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn (1994–8), Rolls-Royce Silver Spur (1995–8) | Successors: Rolls-Royce Phantom (RR01), Rolls-Royce Ghost