ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS TO PRESENT EUROPEAN DEBUT OF GHOST ZENITH AT SALON PRIVÉ

ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS TO PRESENT EUROPEAN DEBUT OF GHOST ZENITH AT SALON PRIVÉ

The Rolls-Royce Ghost Zenith

The Directors of Salon Privé are delighted to confirm the European debut of the stunning, limited edition Rolls-Royce Ghost Zenith which made its North American debut recently at Pebble Beach.

The Rolls-Royce Ghost Zenith will be a true collector’s item with just 50 of these extraordinary motor cars being made available by the marque. It comes to being as Rolls-Royce Motor Cars acknowledges the success and global adoration that has been lavished on one of the world’s most luxurious motor cars during its ten-year life cycle and with Ghost now truly at its apex, now is the time to celebrate the ultimate in craftsmanship and automotive perfection. 

It was the Silver Ghost of 1908 that established Rolls-Royce Motor Cars as manufacturers of ‘The Best Car in the World’ and just over 100 years later, an experimental, contemporary expression of the iconic nameplate, 200EX was shown at the Geneva Motor Show. Since its introduction in 2009, Ghost has gone on to become the most successful Rolls-Royce motor car ever built, attracting a new and much younger group of owners to the marque, resulting in the average age of owners now being just 43.

The original 200EX concept was intended to be both driver and passenger-focused, and no other car combines performance and dynamic driver experience with luxury in the way that Ghost does. The Ghost Zenith Collection retains the car’s dynamism but takes luxury to a new level, drawing many references from 200EX, the most significant being the inclusion of a commemorative ingot, made from the original concept’s Spirit of Ecstasy, melted down and set into the centre console. Engraved with the three key design lines of Ghost, the plaque details its significant origins and even the Collection’s own Spirit of Ecstasy and clock are engraved with the name of this highly anticipated motor car. In the centre console, a blueprint inspired artwork enlarged to a point of abstraction has been divided into 50 distinct pieces, allowing each Ghost Zenith customer their own individual work of art.

The interior of the car is a testimony to the incredible skill of the master craftsmen and women in the marque’s legendary Woodshop as well as the members of the Bespoke Collective from the Home of Rolls-Royce’s Leather shop. Three different finishes are offered; wood, Technical Fibre or Piano finished veneer, all of which perfectly compliment the exquisitely embroidered leather interior. Unique to the Ghost Zenith Standard Wheelbase, the famed Starlight Headliner is presented in a Shooting Star configuration, depicting shooting stars randomly firing across the cabin roof.

Externally, the Ghost Zenith Collection is presented in a stunning two-tone application with a high gloss contrast paint finish and Silver Satin bonnet, first seen on 200EX. Three different colour-ways are available; Iguazu Blue with Andalusian White, Premiere Silver with Arctic White or a daring Bohemian Red with Black Diamond, with multiple variants available highlighting the flexibility of the model.

Commenting on the Ghost Zenith Collection, Salon Privé Co-Founder & Sales Director, David Bagley commented,“It is a real honour for us to host the European debut of the Rolls-Royce Ghost Zenith at this year’s event straight after its reveal at Pebble Beach. Henry Royce had an instinctive desire for perfection and his fabled ethic of taking the best that exists and making it better is demonstrated here today as Rolls-Royce have taken the most successful car they have ever produced – and made it better. The workmanship and expertise that has gone into creating this limited-edition luxury collector’s item is simply extraordinary and we are thrilled to be presenting this sensational new luxury car on the lawns of Blenheim Palace during Salon Privé.”

ROLLS-ROYCE & BENTLEY SPECIALIST, P & A WOOD CELEBRATE BENTLEY’S CENTENARY IN STYLE AT SALON PRIVÉ 29 July 2019 Established more than 50 years ago in the Essex Village of Moreton, P & A Wood are one of the world’s leading Rolls-Royce and Bentley specialists restoring, servicing and selling cars across both marques from 1904 to the present day. Operating from their beautiful, traditionally-styled premises in Great Easton, P&A Wood were appointed in 2001 as ‘The Official Rolls-Royce and Bentley Heritage Dealers’ in recognition of their knowledge and expertise. As Salon Privé is set to host the UK’s most spectacular centenary celebration for Bentley this year, it is fitting that P & A Wood will be supporting the event with their own display of exceptional motorcars, which it is hoped will include the following examples: Bentley 3½ Litre 2-door Coupé by Hooper This car features exceptionally attractive coachwork and is finished in Brewster Green and Black with Tan hide upholstery. It is in excellent condition and has an impressive history of major concours awards. Bentley Continental S Convertible LHD This is a unique example and considered as the most desirable of all the Continental Convertible models. Converted to Bentley specification by P & A Wood, the engine was modified with a Zetec engine management system for enhanced performance and also features the latest braking system. Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost London to Edinburgh – Chassis No. 1701 Known as the Sluggard, this is the actual original car that completed the London to Edinburgh top gear trial in 1911.  Fitted with rare underslung rear suspension, it is one of the most famous Rolls-Royce’s in the world. Rolls-Royce Phantom V LHD (PV23) by James Young One of very few made with the Hooper rear quarter windows, exceptionally elegant coachwork. Commenting on their attendance, Managing Director Georgina Wood said ‘We at P & A Wood are delighted to be taking part in this year’s Salon Privé as an exhibitor, particularly due to the Bentley Centenary celebrations. We have attended the event with various customers and their cars over the years and are very much looking forward to a closer working relationship with the team at Salon Privé’. Co-founder & Sales Director of Salon Privé, David Bagley commented, “It’s been a while since P & A Wood last exhibited at Salon Privé and so we’re very pleased to see them back with us and with such a spectacular display of Rolls-Royce and Bentley models. We’re grateful too for the support they have shown us in curating the amazing collection of 50 + Bentley's for the centenary celebrations.”

ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS BRINGS THE HOME OF ROLLS-ROYCE TO THE GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED

ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS BRINGS THE HOME OF ROLLS-ROYCE TO THE GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Festival of Speed Collection 2019

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will serve a highly contemporary presence at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, presenting a spectacularly faithful recreation of the Grand Courtyard at the Home of Rolls-Royce.

14,000 cobbles and 50 tons of sand were employed to authentically reimagine the iconic Nicholas Grimshaw-designed entrance to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars on the Festival of Speed’s Laundry Green where highly Bespoke expressions of the brand’s full product portfolio will be presented to the public.

Guests of the marque will also be invited to the British debut of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ Collection Car, Wraith Eagle VIII. This remarkable motor car follows the lineage of aviation-inspired Rolls-Royce Collection Cars and, in this instance, celebrates the first powered transatlantic flight and the pioneers who brought this historic feat to fruition, Captain John Alcock and Lieutenant Arthur Brown.

Phantom

Phantom, the marque’s flagship, will be presented front and centre reflecting its standing as the rarest and most desired object in the luxury world. Additionally, this commission serves as an insight into the taste patterns of the global wealth community.

During the development of New Phantom, many clients informed the Home of Rolls-Royce that they often drive their Phantom rather than employing a chauffeur; they enjoy its commanding stature on the road and, by taking the wheel, they can further absorb themselves in the experience that they had curated through Bespoke design.

This shift in user case has led clients to more vibrantly express the marque, often displaying a refreshing irreverence towards the expected codes of automotive luxury. Conveying both the rebellion and tradition that exists at the heart of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, a vibrant Salamanca Blue exterior is balanced by Scivaro Grey leather with Cobalto Blue accents. A less formal bench-style rear seat concludes the highly modern commission.

Cullinan

Following its global launch in the peaks of the Grand Tetons, Wyoming, Cullinan has embarked on a remarkable Bespoke journey with the marque’s patrons who continue to create truly personal expressions of their lifestyles. An exclusive Cullinan has been curated in recognition of this extraordinary adventure.

The commission boldly reconciles the distinct notions of luxury and utility that Cullinan embodies. The brand’s hallmark high gloss paint finish is rendered in Dark Indigo, while Selby Grey with contrasting Tailored Purple interior appointments represent a more playful expression of the brand. In addition, natural Open Pore Blackwood veneer is jewelled with a Bespoke timepiece and highly polished aluminium Bespoke Audio speaker grilles, referencing the technical capability of Rolls-Royce’s proprietary audio system.

Black Badge 

Since the introduction of the marque’s family of Black Badge motor cars, younger, more dynamic patrons of luxury have responded by progressing the marque’s bold alter-ego through their own highly personal Bespoke commissions. For the 2019 Festival of Speed, Rolls-Royce presents three powerful visions informed by the taste patterns of this new breed of entrepreneur.

A Magma Red exterior finish was selected to signify the dramatic intent of this Ghost Black Badge commission. Beyond the marque’s hallmark nine-coat paint finish is a Mugello Red leather interior that, for the first time, is emboldened by a Starlight Headliner with 1,340 individual red fibre optic lights, confidently resolving the interior aesthetic.

Wraith Black Badge is presented in heavy metallic Dark Emerald coachwork with a deep gloss black bonnet. The exterior colourway is extended to the interior: black textured Natural Grain leather is discreetly highlighted with fine cotton Dark Emerald monogramming to the headrests. The dynamic substance of Dawn Black Badge is sensationalised by Galileo Blue coachwork and a modernist Selby Grey interior, complemented by the marque’s carbon fibre Aero Cowling, trimmed in Selby Grey, creating the elegant silhouette of a two-seat roadster.

Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Badge on Goodwood Hillclimb Course

A visceral demonstration of the most assertive expression of the marque, a Wraith Black Badge will ascend the rigorous Hillclimb course at Goodwood during the Festival’s Supercar Run. It will be driven by a House Driver from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ Black Gloves Programme; a bespoke driving curriculum for Black Badge patrons who wish to exploit the full dynamic potential of their motor car.

Rolls-Royce Phantom as Course Director’s car

The Course Director’s car at the Festival of Speed is recognised as the vehicle that carries celebrities, dignitaries and media guests throughout the event. The marque’s flagship, Phantom, was selected for this honour and will be a regular presence on the course.

CO2 EMISSIONS & CONSUMPTION.

Rolls-Royce Phantom: CO2 emission: 356-341 g/km; Fuel consumption: 18.0-18.8 mpg / 15.7-15.0 l/100km. (#) Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge: CO2 emission: 378-374 g/km; Fuel consumption: 16.9-17.0 mpg / 16.7-16.6 l/100km.(#) Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge: CO2 emission: 382-380 g/km; Fuel consumption: 16.7-16.8 mpg / 16.9-16.8 l/100km.(#) Rolls-Royce Cullinan: CO2 emission: 377-355 g/km; Fuel consumption: 17.0-18.1 mpg / 16.6-15.6 l/100km. (#) Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Badge:CO2 emission: 370-365 g/km; Fuel consumption: 17.2-17.4 mpg / 16.4-16.2 l/100km.(#) #WLTP (combined)

“NELLIE”, THE EX-MAHARAJA 1912 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER GHOST WINS THE ICONS AWARD AT THE LONDON CONCOURS

“NELLIE”, THE EX-MAHARAJA 1912 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER GHOST WINS THE ICONS AWARD AT THE LONDON CONCOURS

“Nellie”, the ex-Maharaja 1912 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost

The 2019 London Concours Icons Award, sponsored by Footman James, in association with Azure, was won by the 1912 ‘Taj Mahal’ Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost of Katie Forrest.

In a category comprising 13 truly special vehicles, the iconic cars were all invited to attend the prestigious international concours held in the manicured and historic grounds of the Honourable Artillery Company in the heart of the City of London.

After much deliberation by the judges, the 1912 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost was awarded the trophy for its incredible condition, remarkable provenance and engaging back story. 

Ordered new by Rolls-Royce Bombay, it was built for the Indian market and was designed to withstand tropical climate and usage. Specified with additional features, including higher coachwork to protect occupants from wildlife and with upgraded wiring to survive the Indian heat, the Silver Ghost was named the ‘Taj Mahal’. It was purchased new from the dealership by the Maharaja of Nabha in 1912 and remained in his ownership until the 1990s when it was returned to the UK and purchased by its current owner for use on club events and rallies.

Sympathetically restored over two decades, the Silver Ghost has been regularly enjoyed ever since and has covered more than 75,000 miles in this time. Affectionately known by the owner’s family as ‘Nellie’, owing to its grey colour and elephantine proportions, the car was presented on the lawn of the HAC by the owner’s daughter, who has herself competed in motorsport events, in the vehicle, on many occasions.

Katie Forrest was presented the Icon award by Managing Director of Footman James, David Bond.

She said: ‘It is a great surprise and huge honour to win this award when up against such a collection of wonderful cars in this category. ‘Nellie’ is not usually shown at these sorts of events as she is used so often over the summer, but it’s a pleasure to display her for the public to enjoy. It’s also a real joy to share this moment together with my parents, as we have always enjoyed the car together as a family.”

David Bond added: “It is a pleasure to be able to present this award to a vehicle that is not only historically important but also wonderfully cared for and regularly used by its owner and his family. In a category that included many stand-out vehicles, the decision was not an easy one but we felt this vehicle was deserving of recognition as a true icon of the motoring world.”