Test and Development car - 1990 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit II

Just over 5 years ago we started our test and development car program with the introduction of Dave our Silver Shadow. This was quickly followed by the acquisition of the 1990 Acrylic Cobalt Silver Spirit II.

As it is fuel injected, it was an ideal opportunity for us to utilise it as a moving test bed for parts not suitable for the carburettor-fed Silver Shadow. With an extensive list of development parts ready for fitting, this Spirit gives us the much-needed ‘real world’ experience that components need before going on sale.

Not everything that’s been fitted has been a success in the 1st attempt of testing. For example, we’ve had electric window lifting gear that failed after just a few months of operation. Engine coolant temperature sensors that have sent incorrect signals to the car’s ECU. Thermostats that stick. With any failed part we always go back to square one and start the process over again until we have a product that passes and meets our standards. We are so confident in our product introduction process that we’ve extended the warranty period of all our aftermarket and OEM products to a minimum of 3 years.

The Spirit hasn’t just been used to test new products. We use it to test various recycled products, as well as reconditioned units. For example, over the years power steering racks on the SZ model range have increasingly become an issue. Trying to get a rack that performs and operates to the standards of the car when it was built has been a big challenge. Our Technical Services Department using the Silver Spirit has been working on new reconditioning processes that will finally give us the rack that fits the bill. The latest version has been on the car, eating up the miles and we are confident that in the coming weeks, we will be able to give the product and process a pass for sale.

Examples of products that have been fitted, tested and passed.