SZ-Series in "Mulliner" disguise TALK TO ME:-)
Discussion
http://www.ghostmotors.co.uk/pR823OFO.htm
I was wondering what our opinion is on the 1997/1998 SZ-range (Brooklands/Turbo RL) in the quite rare "Mulliner" editions? Side vents, "string vests" as map pockets on back of front seats, extra chrome on bumpers, and (my favourite) the chimney-like single exhaust with 3" diameter.
Tasteful? Certainly not. Interesting? Maybe.
As I am currently in the market for a 97/98 SZ, does it make sense to look for one of these?
I was wondering what our opinion is on the 1997/1998 SZ-range (Brooklands/Turbo RL) in the quite rare "Mulliner" editions? Side vents, "string vests" as map pockets on back of front seats, extra chrome on bumpers, and (my favourite) the chimney-like single exhaust with 3" diameter.
Tasteful? Certainly not. Interesting? Maybe.
As I am currently in the market for a 97/98 SZ, does it make sense to look for one of these?
325 BHP engine, all long wheel base, 100 made and numbered with a badge on the radio front, price was £119950. I have a bit more information in a draw somewhere and if you're really interested I may be able to dig it out. We were told that if the value of all the "extras" was added to a standard Brooklands then the list would add up to about £138000. These cars were difficult to sell new as they were the stop gap between the end of the SZ and the start of the Arnage, as most buyers were waiting to see the new car. They were built on the old production line and stored and then released to the dealers after all the other SZ cars had, by and large, been sold/registered and the new Arnage production line was being built. They have subsequently become quite good news because of the "limited edition" cachet and sell quite well.
Edited by buyer&seller on Sunday 30th September 09:30
I think that they usually look better in the flesh than in the pictures.
I used to love the wing vents when the cars were current, but now I'm not quite so enthusiastic about them; the wheels aren't my favourite style either but, overall, the cars are fine. I like the chrome bezel dials and the interior in general, although that particular seat/door trim might appeal more to some than others. It wouldn't have been my choice if I had been ordering it when new.
I would think that they would be quite sought after versions due to the limited numbers. I can't find the relevant book at the moment, but weren't the Brooklands versions all BrooklandsR Mulliners?
There used to be a blue one close to me years ago which I thought looked quite impressive on the road. As for taste, well, I guess it's all down to personal preferences. I was never particularly keen, many years ago, on a locally-owned bright purple / white interior Corniche convertible; although I understand that the owner loved it.
Whatever takes your fancy
I used to love the wing vents when the cars were current, but now I'm not quite so enthusiastic about them; the wheels aren't my favourite style either but, overall, the cars are fine. I like the chrome bezel dials and the interior in general, although that particular seat/door trim might appeal more to some than others. It wouldn't have been my choice if I had been ordering it when new.
I would think that they would be quite sought after versions due to the limited numbers. I can't find the relevant book at the moment, but weren't the Brooklands versions all BrooklandsR Mulliners?
There used to be a blue one close to me years ago which I thought looked quite impressive on the road. As for taste, well, I guess it's all down to personal preferences. I was never particularly keen, many years ago, on a locally-owned bright purple / white interior Corniche convertible; although I understand that the owner loved it.
Whatever takes your fancy
I am still up to decide whether I want an Arnage (pretty/refined) or a SZ (Brooklands/Turbo) (angular/boxy/brutal/Terry Tibbs).
Or both?
BTW most Brooklands were naturally aspirated cars, but there was a tiny population of low pressure turbo cars ("Brooklands R") which again were available in Mulliner spec (with all the trimmings).
I especially *heart* the BIG BORE single exhaust. Don't know why but it looks right.
Or both?
BTW most Brooklands were naturally aspirated cars, but there was a tiny population of low pressure turbo cars ("Brooklands R") which again were available in Mulliner spec (with all the trimmings).
I especially *heart* the BIG BORE single exhaust. Don't know why but it looks right.
Rushmore said:
I am still up to decide whether I want an Arnage (pretty/refined) or a SZ (Brooklands/Turbo) (angular/boxy/brutal/Terry Tibbs).
Or both?
BTW most Brooklands were naturally aspirated cars, but there was a tiny population of low pressure turbo cars ("Brooklands R") which again were available in Mulliner spec (with all the trimmings).
I especially *heart* the BIG BORE single exhaust. Don't know why but it looks right.
There were LPT Brooklands that are not Mulliners tooOr both?
BTW most Brooklands were naturally aspirated cars, but there was a tiny population of low pressure turbo cars ("Brooklands R") which again were available in Mulliner spec (with all the trimmings).
I especially *heart* the BIG BORE single exhaust. Don't know why but it looks right.
BTW most Brooklands were naturally aspirated cars, but there was a tiny population of low pressure turbo cars ("Brooklands R") which again were available in Mulliner spec (with all the trimmings).
All Brooklands were non turbo until the introduction of the 1997MY car in late 1996 (VCH chassis No) when the LPT (300bhp) became standard. The Brooklands R was the 1998MY (WCH chassis No), of which there were very few produced, new wheels, mesh Eight style grille, chrome bumper insert etc. The only Mulliner Brooklands were the 100 I mentioned earlier.
Mulliner RT's are rare as these were only built to order, they had a 420bhp engine, upgraded wheels, brakes and flared arches amoung other things.
I especially *heart* the BIG BORE single exhaust. Don't know why but it looks right.
Sorry to dissapoint but all this is, is a trim bolted on to the end of the exhaust system, it used to be available as a option or to order through the parts dept.
All Brooklands were non turbo until the introduction of the 1997MY car in late 1996 (VCH chassis No) when the LPT (300bhp) became standard. The Brooklands R was the 1998MY (WCH chassis No), of which there were very few produced, new wheels, mesh Eight style grille, chrome bumper insert etc. The only Mulliner Brooklands were the 100 I mentioned earlier.
Mulliner RT's are rare as these were only built to order, they had a 420bhp engine, upgraded wheels, brakes and flared arches amoung other things.
I especially *heart* the BIG BORE single exhaust. Don't know why but it looks right.
Sorry to dissapoint but all this is, is a trim bolted on to the end of the exhaust system, it used to be available as a option or to order through the parts dept.
I found several references to the numbers quoted when I was looking at buying mine 4 years ago.
However, there does appear to be conflicting numbers as you can see between these websites:
http://www.rrab.com/bbrookr.htm and http://www.rrsilverspirit.com/models/1998Brookland....
What production figures do you have? My car may be rarer than I thought!
However, there does appear to be conflicting numbers as you can see between these websites:
http://www.rrab.com/bbrookr.htm and http://www.rrsilverspirit.com/models/1998Brookland....
What production figures do you have? My car may be rarer than I thought!
Brooklands R said:
I found several references to the numbers quoted when I was looking at buying mine 4 years ago.
However, there does appear to be conflicting numbers as you can see between these websites:
http://www.rrab.com/bbrookr.htm and http://www.rrsilverspirit.com/models/1998Brookland....
What production figures do you have? My car may be rarer than I thought!
Brooklands R, I think your car is probably rarer than you thought. Brooklands R was only produced as a 1998 MY car ( UK market has a WCH chassis No ) along side the Turbo RT, also a 98 MY car. The first site you show there has mixed 97 MY cars with 98 MY cars, they were LPT cars but not designated as R's, this is were the confusion comes from. The second site with 22 RHD cars would seem more accurate. 1998 cars, from memory had different wheels, the mesh grille, a chrome moulding in the centre of the bumpers and the bumper centres were painted body colour unlike the 1997 MY which were black. When these cars were new I sold them for Broughtons who then had three dealers and a large share of the UK market, I can only recall us having one 98 MY Brooklands R car which was registered by Broughtons Birmingham as a demonstrator. The factory, by this time had run low on SWB bodies, that is why in the run out towards Arnage most cars Rolls-Royce & Bentley, 97 and 98 Model year were LWB. If your car is WCH chassis and RHD It'll be one of the 22.However, there does appear to be conflicting numbers as you can see between these websites:
http://www.rrab.com/bbrookr.htm and http://www.rrsilverspirit.com/models/1998Brookland....
What production figures do you have? My car may be rarer than I thought!
Thank you very much for the info Buyer&Seller, indeed my car is WCH and must therefore be one of the 22 RHD UK cars mentioned.
I always was a little sceptical of the 221 number given only 6 cars are recorded on the RREC database. (Only 33 of the 100 Mulliners are recorded on the database).
According to Howmanyleft.co.uk, 99 Brooklands R's were either taxed or SORN in 2001 and 84 in 2012. Which, if the remaining of 100 Mulliners are included, may be reasonably accurate. Although I'm sure some cross-over with the other Brooklands models mentioned is possible.
I always was a little sceptical of the 221 number given only 6 cars are recorded on the RREC database. (Only 33 of the 100 Mulliners are recorded on the database).
According to Howmanyleft.co.uk, 99 Brooklands R's were either taxed or SORN in 2001 and 84 in 2012. Which, if the remaining of 100 Mulliners are included, may be reasonably accurate. Although I'm sure some cross-over with the other Brooklands models mentioned is possible.
Edited by Brooklands R on Friday 5th October 18:40
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