56 Empire Drive, Belleville, IL 62220
(618) 234-9911 Fax (618) 234-9911
www.callicos.com

The 1997 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur Super Stretch Limousine

Callico's Formal Limousine's Rolls-Royce Super Stretch Limousine is quite a rare find. With only a dozen of these Rolls-Royce Super Stretch Limousines in the world, it is easy to understand that you will not see to many of these limousines running the streets. This is the only example to be found in the mid-western part of the United States. Over the four year period (1995-1998) that Rolls Royce manufactured the Silver Spur, only 507 vehicles were produced, 44 of those into Touring Limousines and 12 into Super Stretch Limousines. The cost of Callico's Formal Limousine's Silver Spur Limousine was about $250,000 when it was manufactured, today's replacement cost would be well over $300,000 before taxes.

Based upon the successful Silver Spur saloon which was introduced in 1994, the Rolls-Royce Limousine offers the highest levels of comfort and features for both the driver and passengers. Distinguished by an increased overall length to almost 28 feet and a small rear window, the changes from the standard specification are all designed to provide additional comfort and privacy for the rear compartment passengers. The interior fittings, style and choice of materials reaffirm the long established expertise of the craftsmanship at Rolls Royce Motors Cars leaving aside short-lived styling fashions and superfluous gadgetry.

Virtually all the impressive 100 inch length increase is incorporated into the rear compartment, thus permitting the fitting of additional features for the comfort and convenience of the passengers. An electrically operated glass division with separate privacy blind is built in just behind the two individual front seats. Opposite the rear "J" seat is a cocktail cabinet with crystal accouterments and a burr walnut center console with a complete range of audio visual equipment including a CD player and authentic neon accent lighting. Blue Dot halo lighting enhance the interior roof line. A electrically operated glass moonroof with screen is provided above the rear seats and additional dark window tinting insure rear passenger privacy. The Rolls Royce Limousine is finished with hand rubbed magnolia white lacquer and fitted with navy hides with parchment piping

Rolls-Royce Fun Facts

The Rolls Royce radiator grille is made entirely by hand and eye - no measuring instruments are used. It takes one man, one day to make a Rolls Royce radiator, and then five hours are spent polishing it.

More than six out of ten of ALL Rolls-Royce Motor cars built are still roadworthy. The oldest known Rolls-Royce still on the road is the 1904 10hp owned by Mr. Thomas Love Jr. of Scotland.

Even today, every Rolls-Royce engine is completely hand built.

"The Spirit of Ecstasy" is certainly the most attractive and best known motor car mascot in the world. Designed by Charles Robinson Sykes, she has adorned the radiators of Rolls-Royce motor cars since 1911. This is the story of Eleanor Velasco Thornton, whose liaison with John Walter Edward-Scott-Montagu (after 1905 the second Lord Montagu of Beaulieu) was to remain a secret for a decade or more, principally because both partners acted with the utmost discretion. John Scott, heir to his father's title, was a pioneer of automobiles in England.

From 1902 he was editor of the illustrated magazine "The Car". Eleanor V. Thornton was employed as his secretary. To Lord Montagu's order, sculptor and close friend, Charles S. Sykes created a special mascot for his Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost. The small statue illustrated a young woman in fluttering robes having placed one forefinger to her lips. The sculptor had chosen Eleanor Thornton as model for this figurine, which was christen "The Whisper". Lord Montagu had, with a certain amount of flair, taken up an idea of his time, to put a mascot on top of the radiator, and it had became a fashion. Rolls-Royce had noted other owners of their cars following the new vogue, but doing so with less style by choosing mundane or even risqué and vulgar subjects. Following the Lord Montagu commission Charles Sykes was asked to create a mascot which in the future would adorn every Rolls-Royce. In February 1911 he presented to Rolls-Royce the "Spirit of Ecstasy", which was easily recognizable as being a variation on the theme of "The Whisper". The similarity was hardly coincidental because the model for both had been the lovely Miss Thornton.

Rarely, however, is the correct term "Spirit of Ecstasy" used - detractors remark this was only done at the factory in Crewe. The name "Emily" is widespread and Americans speak of the "Silver Lady" or the "Flying Lady".