1980-2003 | Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit & Spur, all Bentley SZ models

This catalogue covers the following SZ models:
Rolls-Royce four door Silver Spirit and Silver Spur (I to IV) including the Flying Spur, Limousine and Silver Dawn.
Rolls-Royce two door Corniche (I to IV, S & Final Series).
Bentley four door Mulsanne (S, L, SL & Turbo), Turbo R, RL, S & RT, Eight and Brooklands (R, Mulliner & LWB - up to 1999).
Bentley two door Corniche & Continental range and the Continental R, SC & T and Azure (up to 2003) models.
The Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, and its long wheelbase version, the Silver Spur, were announced in October 1980. A fresh styling approach resulted in a much more modern looking saloon with larger window area and a lower overall aspect, but still retaining the opulent interior features associated with cars produced in Crewe.
This range also saw the introduction of the mineral fluid hydraulic system, while the proven 6.75 litre V8 engine, fed by twin SU carburettors, provided the power. The mechanically identical, but Bentley badged, Mulsanne saloon was introduced at the same time to cater for enthusiasts of that marque.
The resurgence of the Bentley name, however, undoubtedly began in 1982 with the arrival of the Mulsanne Turbo. Fitted with a Garrett turbocharger, and a 4 barrel Solex carburettor, power was substantially increased while none of the traditional interior appointments were compromised, resulting in the return of the ‘Silent Sports Car’, a name synonymous with Bentley in the early years. The letter ‘R’ for road holding was added to the name in 1985 with the introduction of modified suspension, wider wheels and tyres, and a front air dam all contributing to much sportier handling.
Fuel injection had been used on North American models since the early 1980s but was added across all the Rolls-Royce and Bentley range from 1986. Whilst the Silver Spirit and Spur remained as the standard four door Rolls-Royce models, their Bentley counterpart which started life as the Mulsanne was rebadged and underwent minor cosmetic changes as the Eight and Brooklands as well as the Mulsanne S (SWB) and L (LWB) which were offered alongside the Turbo R models.
One of the longest running styles, these cars continued in production until 1998, undergoing many modifications and upgrades along the way. In addition to the saloons, the two door Corniche and Bentley Continental models continued until 1996, with the extremely elegant Continental R coupe joining the line-up from 1991 until 2003 in various guises, along with its drophead stablemate, the Azure.
This period very much represented a move into the modern era with the largest variety of models and specifications ever offered.