1986 Rolls-Royce Hearse Silver Spirit

1986 Rolls-Royce Hearse: A Unique Gem in Blue

This 1986 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit Hearse was last seen in Lummi Island, Washington and sold at auction for $9,000.

The 1986 Rolls-Royce hearse, originally a European-spec model, has found its way to the United States with a U.S. title. This distinctive vehicle is based on the 1986 Silver Spirit, Rolls-Royce’s renowned full-size luxury sedan of its time.

This European-spec beauty made its debut in Germany before embarking on a journey to the United States via Japan in 2016. With a metric instrument cluster and an odometer displaying around 64,400 kilometers (approximately 40,000 miles), this hearse brings a touch of European charm to American soil.

While this ’86 Rolls-Royce started its life as a sedan, a previous owner’s vision transformed it into a hearse, complete with a distinctive wagon-like roofline and taller rear doors. This adaptation also included a sliding casket carrier and the addition of full interior curtains.

Factory equipment gracing this Rolls-Royce hearse includes 15-inch alloy wheels with metal hubcaps, a hydropneumatic suspension system, elegant wood interior trim, plush leather upholstery, and a cassette player for a nostalgic touch.

To achieve its current hearse form, numerous modifications were made. Interestingly, it was originally finished in black but was repainted in the striking blue color by a previous owner, giving it a unique identity.

Compared to its predecessor, the Silver Spirit introduced a more expansive, lower, and angular design in 1980. It continued Rolls-Royce’s tradition of focusing on comfort and luxury while housing a powerful V8 engine. This model shared its roots with the Bentley Mulsanne and Turbo models and gracefully bowed out in 1999.

Under the hood, this Silver Spirit hearse houses a robust 6.75-liter V8 engine, delivering a commanding 237 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. Power is seamlessly transferred to the rear wheels through a 3-speed automatic transmission.

Despite its uniqueness, a few flaws are worth noting, including a 2004 date code on the tires, a fuel leak at the carburetor, and a Freon leak in the air conditioning system’s low-pressure line. Some minor cosmetic issues, like swirl marks in the paint and creases in the leather upholstery, also exist. However, these minor imperfections don’t diminish the overall allure of this distinctive hearse.

During the current owner’s tenure, the air conditioning compressor has been dutifully replaced, ensuring optimal comfort for future journeys.

In addition to the hearse, the sale includes three keys, German and Japanese owner’s manuals, and a car cover to protect this unique gem.

The current owner imported this 1989 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit hearse from Japan in 2016. The vehicle holds a clean title in Washington, making it ready for its next adventure on American roads.