2001 Rolls-Royce Park Ward Limousine

This Park Ward is a very exclusive model with only 27 having been manufactured in this right-hand drive format. This is number 4 off the production line and is also believed to be the press car used to promote the 1-year production run of the long wheelbase Seraph and Bentley Arnage on which the body is based on. It is also currently the last model to use the ‘Park Ward’ name. 

Fitted with the BMW M73 engine rather than the twin turbo V8 found in the Bentley, the Park Ward packs a punch in addition to that extra leg room. Being the extended wheelbase model 250 mm have been added to the doors allowing for ample leg room in the rear. The current owner summed the rear space up perfectly describing it as ‘cavernous’ and we’d have to agree. 

Purchased by the current owner in 2019 from Hanwells of London with 88,143 miles on the clock, the car has average just under 1000 miles a year, with just shy of 5000 miles being added to the clock. 

With regular servicing by Colbrook R&B, this car has been treated like royalty itself by an enthusiastic and knowledgeable owner, which shows in the cars current condition. The owner also isn’t unfamiliar with Rolls-Royce’s in general having been a member of the RREC since 2015. 

That stunning dark blue metallic paint work matches the subtle but purposeful styling of the Park Ward to a tee, hiding the extra length well unless it’s parked up next to a Seraph of course. The paint is in great condition too and was even being polished when we arrived to do the photos. 

The panels are straight as we have shown in the gallery and the paint retains its glossy shine to highlight the lines of the extended wheelbase model. Everything here, in terms of build quality, shows the reliable build quality for which Rolls-Royce are renown.

Chrome work and trim is also in good order here with the front grill, badges and grills determining this model from the Bentley equivalent. The wheels are 16” alloys with chrome faces, which are in fine order with minimal issues if at all. Tyres are Avon CR227s all round with plenty of tread and a high profile to ensure maximum ride comfort. 

There really isn’t much to point to in the way of negatives on the exterior of this car, evidencing the fine condition it’s been kept in by the current owner, the only thing left for the new owner to do is to keep up the polishing and admiration of this fantastic example. 

If you picture luxury cars, you’re thinking of Rolls-Royce when it comes to interiors, this example is no exception and certainly does not fail to make anyone who sits in it feel like a VIP. 

Magnolia leather trimmed seats with matching pipework coupled with cobalt blue carpets and highlights all finished off with ample servings of walnut veneer, the Park Ward impresses even today. 

All seats are in great condition with very little evidence that they have had many occupants at all during the car’s life, remarkable considering this is believed to be one of the press cars for the model. Perhaps that shows the respect this car demands from those who drive it. 

The rear seats also retain their whiskey glasses in fold out compartments in the rear of the seats, perfect for celebrating that business deal or public appearance on the way home. Carpets remain full and luxurious with deep pile and little to no marks or stains we could see. The foot stools were also present and the folding trays and TVs in the rear of the headrests are here also. 

Moving to the rear of the car, the boot space is in great condition too as in line with the rest of the car. Under the carpet you’ll find a spare wheel and tool kit, set in the foam tray all neatly packed away should any break downs occur.

The dashboard upholstery is free from sun damage or rips and tears, the headlining is taught and clean and the door cards had minimal marks if at all. Electrically, everything in the car is reported to be working. 

Powered by BMW’s M73 V12 engine, a 5.4 litre aluminium unit mated to a 5-speed auto gearbox. The Park Ward was less about out and out performance and more about refinement and smoothness which the M73 provided in ample measures. 

The bay is neat and tidy, covered by plastic shrouding and things tucked away out of view. This example is in fine condition aesthetically too with only the smallest signs of wear from the approximately 94,000 miles on the clock. 

With 5 former keepers from new, the current V5 is present with the Park Ward showing regularly maintenance by a Rolls-Royce specialist and has been MOT yearly with any fixes needed being attended to in a timely manner.  

The car has also had a major refresh in 2018 to the sum of £11,884.14 where the entire car was gone over by Michael Hibberd motor engineers in Berkshire, the breakdown of which is included in the gallery. 

The car comes with two sets of keys, the current V5c and the host of owner manuals and books in the leather-bound wallet from Rolls-Royce. Servicing has been documented at the following mileage intervals. 

• 10,214
• 22,859
• 31,789
• 42,759
• 45,221
• 57,721
• 58,224
• 67,985
• 77,644
• 80,798
• 89,505
• 89,974

This is a rare example of Rolls-Royce history kept in wonderful condition by a caring and knowledgeable owner with ties to the Rolls-Royce and Bentley scene being part of the RREC since 2015.

It has been a passion purchase and treated as such during ownership. A reluctant sale due to downsizing the collecting, the decision has been made to pass on the Park Ward to another and we’re sure that this wonderful, exclusive example will continue to be admired and loved for years to come.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £25,000 - £35,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.