ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTS
For anyone in the market for their first classic Rolls Royce or Bentley, is there one piece of advice that you always give over and above all others?
NIGEL SANDELL: The most important thing is to do your homework, with as much research as possible into both the car and the seller. I’d also advise getting the car checked over by a professional. You wouldn’t buy a house without a survey, and buying a Rolls-Royce or Bentley is exactly the same.
PETER JOHNSON, FLYING SPARES: In common with most classic car purchases, always be prepared to buy the best that you can afford, as a greater initial outlay can avoid disappointment and major expenditure in the future.
TIM MILBANK, PRIDE & JOY CLASSIC CARS: Take time in thinking about your choice of model. A prewar car will mean planning routes, while post-war Silver Wraiths and MkVIs mean you’ll be driving a 1950s vehicle in a modern environment, which involves more anticipation of other road users’ movements. Younger Rolls-Royce products – from Silver Cloud onwards – are easier to drive. If you like comfort and luxury, a Silver Shadow, Silver Spirit or Turbo R will give the feeling of fast luxury, able to cope with the motorway system.
RAY HILLIER, HILLIER HILL: Buy the best car with the best history in the best condition that you can afford at the outset.
My first piece of advice is to always buy with your head rather than your heart. If you’re going to buy the right car for your requirements and budget, you can’t afford to let common sense go out the window. Buying one of these cars with multiple faults can change your whole experience overnight. To coin a phrase, there’s nothing
