Rolls Royce History

One hundred years ago, Rolls-Royce conceived a car that would redefine the pinnacle of luxury. Today, as Phantom marks its centenary, the marque reflects on a legacy as profound as it is personal—where power meets presence, and craftsmanship becomes culture. There are few names in motoring—perhaps even in luxury at large—that carry the weight of […]

Eric Platford, born on 25 February 1883 in Manchester, was a man whose contributions to Rolls-Royce were both fundamental and transformative. While figures like Claude Johnson and Ernest Hives are often celebrated in the company’s illustrious history, Platford’s pioneering work in testing, racing, and aero-engine development cements his legacy as one of the most influential […]

The Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph holds a uniquely significant place in the marque’s storied history. As the latest instalment in the Models of the Marque series—a retrospective marking the 120th anniversary of the first meeting between Henry Royce and The Hon. Charles Stewart Rolls—it is a fitting celebration of a car that served as the tangible, […]

Claude Goodman Johnson, born on October 24, 1864, in Buckinghamshire, is a name often associated with the heart and soul of Rolls-Royce. Known simply as “CJ” to his colleagues and contemporaries, he self-styled himself as “the hyphen in Rolls-Royce.” While this modest epithet captures some of his role, it drastically underplays his extraordinary contributions to […]

A Brief History of the Rolls-Royce 20 H.P. – Known as the ‘Twenty’ – Launched in 1922 The Rolls-Royce 20 H.P., affectionately known as the ‘Twenty’, represents a pivotal moment in the marque’s illustrious history. Launched on 6 October 1922, the Twenty was the first Rolls-Royce specifically designed for owner-drivers, marking a significant shift in […]

The Dawn of an IconIn 1906, Rolls-Royce unveiled the 40/50 H.P., a model that would become one of the most celebrated and enduring vehicles in automotive history. Known universally as the Silver Ghost, this car played a pivotal role in establishing Rolls-Royce’s reputation for unparalleled engineering and luxury. Its remarkable performance in early 20th-century motor […]

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Celebrates 120 Years of Iconic Luxury at the 2024 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este In a spectacular showcase of automotive excellence, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars celebrated its 120th anniversary at the renowned Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on May 25, 2024. The event marked the worldwide public debut of the Cullinan Series II, a bold […]

On May 4, 1904, a pivotal meeting took place between Henry Royce and The Hon. Charles Stewart Rolls, marking the beginning of the iconic Rolls-Royce brand. This year, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars celebrates the 120th anniversary of this historic event, highlighting the profound contributions of its founders and the enduring legacy of the marque. Henry Royce, […]

Born in the modest surroundings of Reading, Berkshire on April 21, 1886, Ernest Walter Hives embarked on an unassuming path that would eventually place him at the pinnacle of automotive innovation and leadership. At just 12 years old, Hives began an apprenticeship with a local engineering firm, showing an early fascination with the emerging field […]

Eleanor Thornton’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the iconic Rolls-Royce brand, primarily due to her being the inspiration behind the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot. Her story, however, spans much broader and richer canvases, revealing a life replete with secrecy, sacrifice, and scandal. Eleanor’s existence, marked by its brevity, was nonetheless vivid, complex, and impactful. As […]