And, more importantly, the first to be powered by a V12 engine from BMW Group, which acquired the Rolls-Royce name in July 1998 after a byzantine tug of war with Volkswagen AG while the Silver Seraph was in production.

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The new Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph had been unveiled to the world’s press in January 1998 at the suitably aristocratic location of Ackergill Tower Castle in Scotland. The assembled journalists were informed by the company’s head of public relations that the car had, ‘Solidness without heaviness. Authority without arrogance. Elegance without effort. Presence without pomp.’

Well, he would say that, wouldn’t he? It’s his job…

Yet it was all true: the Silver Seraph marked a technological milestone as the first Rolls-Royce designed using the aforesaid computer-aided design (CAD).

This innovation complemented traditional design methods, allowing for greater precision and efficiency. Moreover, the decision to use BMW engines, a 5.4-liter V12 for the Rolls-Royce and a 4.4-litre V8 for the Bentley variant, foreshadowed BMW’s eventual acquisition of the brand. This move proved instrumental in making Rolls-Royce an attractive proposition for its new owners.

If Sir Henry Royce and the Hon. Charles Rolls had foreseen a day when stewardship of the world’s most prestigious nameplate would pass to a company headquartered in Munich, they might have rethought their careers. But worse things could have happened. The Bayerische Motoren Werke – BMW, as you might better know it – has a respectable track record as a steward of hallowed British marques, first with the Range Rover and then the Mini. Why not Rolls-Royce?

The Seraph was powered by a 5.4 L aluminum alloy BMW V12 engine and was operated via a 5-speed automatic transmission, making it the first twelve-cylinder Rolls-Royce since the 1939  Rolls-Royce Phantom III.

Standard electronics included digital engine management, adaptive ride control and anti-lock brakes.

The body was 65 percent stiffer than that of its predecessor. Aside from the radiator grille, badges and wheels, the Rolls-Royce was externally identical to the contemporary Bentley Arnage, sharing both its platform and body shell. Paint was available in one and two-tone finwashes.

Inside, the Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph and the Bentley Arnage were similar but quite distinct from one another. In the Seraph, the gear selector was column-mounted and the gauges followed a traditional Rolls-Royce layout – for example, there was no tachometer. In both cars, the seats and dashboard were upholstered in some nine hides of Connolly leather, with dashboard trim and folding picnic trays for rear passengers faced with glossy burl walnut veneer.

The Seraph was known for its relatively limited acceleration and comfortable handling, yet it still had a top speed of 140 mph. A total of 1,570 Silver Seraphs were produced before the car ceased production in 2002.

Right now at Beverly Hills Car Club were have one of those 1,570 Silver Seraphs, a one-owner and ultra-low mileage 2000 Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph featured with merely 7,740 miles on the odometer.

This supercar comes equipped with an automatic transmission, a potent V12 engine, dual exhaust outlets, power steering, four-wheel-disc brakes, 4-spoke steering wheel, Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament, chrome trim, Goodyear tires, 16-inch wheels with Rolls-Royce branded wheel hubcaps, and a spare tire. Convenience features include air conditioning, cruise control, power-adjustable seats, fold-down picnic tables, outside rearview mirrors (electrically controlled), power-operated windows, Rolls-Royce-branded umbrellas, Alpine radio, and a multifunction steering wheel.

This particular example comes with a clean CARFAX report, providing peace of mind and assurance of its pristine condition. Additionally, it includes receipt copies totaling $22,777.24, documenting the significant investment made into the car from September 2010 through October 2022.

This meticulous maintenance history underscores the care and attention that has been invested into this vehicle, ensuring it remains in exceptional condition. The paint meter readings are also available in the photo gallery below. Note: this Silver Seraph was rolled out of the factory on June 23, 1999, but it is titled as a 2000.

This particular example is truly impeccable, with its one-owner history, incredible undercarriage, low mileage, and status as a California car. It is practically brand new, offering a rare opportunity to own a piece of Rolls-Royce heritage.

If you’re in search of a classic Rolls-Royce that combines elegance, opulence, and optimal performance, look no further than this Silver Seraph that is mechanically sound.

-Alex Manos, Owner