Embark on a captivating journey through the world of Rolls Royce, an icon of extravagance and craftsmanship. Rolls-Royce reigns supreme in the automotive industry, with 41,875 dedicated employees and a market capitalization of $15.46 billion as of June 2023. Immerse yourself in the remarkable journey of Rolls Royce in the automotive industry. Indulge in the elegance, power, and prestige that define every Rolls Royce vehicle. In this blog, we’ll unveil fascinating facts about Rolls Royce that will leave you in awe.
1. Rolls Royce was only selling chassis and otors and not the whole body until 1946
Rolls Royce was considered a consistent brand, but only some know that before 1946, they only marketed chassis and motors, directing clients to Barker & Co Ltd for customized body and coach assembly. In other words, they did not sell entirely designed vehicles. Barker & Co, a renowned coachbuilding company based in London, held a prominent position and began manufacturing and selling cars in 1946. The Rolls Royce Boat Tail is currently the most significant car in the world, valued at $28 million.
2. The Spirit of Ecstasy cannot be flicked
In the early days of Rolls Royce, people frequently flicked off the Spirit of Ecstasy, a famous hood ornament, from the car’s front. However, the latest versions of the Rolls Royce have eliminated this problem by incorporating a safety feature that enables the mascot to retract rapidly into the car’s body when subjected to force. They have greatly minimized the chances of the hood ornament getting loose.
3. Spirit Of Ecstasy Scandal
The flying lady, positioned prominently at the front of Rolls Royce cars, holds significant value as a centerpiece in each vehicle. However, the scandalous origins of the Spirit of Ecstasy shroud its history. According to legend, the figure made its debut on a car specially ordered in 1911 by the car enthusiast Baron John Edward Scott-Montagu. The lady’s design was inspired by his secretary-turned-mistress, widely believed to be Eleanor Thornton.
4. The logo on Rolls Royce wheels always remains completely upright
Their wheel design stands out while discovering the fascinating facts about Rolls Royce. Unlike other conventional cars, a Rolls Royce’s center branding logo cap remains stationary, defying expectations. This captivating oddness proudly showcases the Rolls Royce branding logo, ensuring its constant visibility. Next time you encounter a Rolls Royce vehicle, take a moment to appreciate this remarkable detail that sets it apart.
5. Rolls Royce’s electric plane is the world’s fastest EV
Rolls Royce, renowned for its luxury automobiles and esteemed airplane engineering, embarked on a transformative journey in the early 1970s. Despite separating its automobile and airplane divisions with different owners, both entities proudly retained the Rolls Royce name and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Recently, the non-automotive division astounded the world by developing an electric plane. During testing, this battery-powered aircraft achieved an impressive top speed of 387 mph, solidifying its position as the fastest electric plane and the overall fastest electric vehicle.
6. Rolls Royce once made a 0.50 caliber machine gun
In World War II, Dr. Spirito Mario Viale, Rolls Royce’s engineering leader, revolutionized the Browning M2 machine gun. His creation, the Rolls Royce 0.50 cal, surpassed the M2 with a locked breech mechanism, enabling double the firing rate at 40% less weight. However, issues with jamming and excessive muzzle flash prevented it from replacing the Browning. The only surviving Rolls Royce 0.50 cal is currently on display at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds, England, serving as a testament to its great historical importance.
7. The coach line of Rolls Royce can only be painted by one man
One of the most well-known facts about Rolls Royce is that only one person, Mark Court, has been painting the pinstripes on all Rolls Royce cars. He has performed this intricate task since 2002. This is his sole occupation, and it reportedly grants him a six-figure income. The pinstripe paint is a distinct type that instantly adheres to the car’s paint, making it crucial to avoid any mistakes. Should errors occur, the entire car would require repainting. Given the high stakes and the necessary precision, Mark’s exceptional skill and dedication warrant his well-earned recognition.
8. Rolls Royce has a driver’s training program
Rolls Royce understands the importance of delivering a high-quality driving experience in their premium cars. In response, they have developed comprehensive training to enhance the chauffeur’s skills, known as the Rolls Royce White Glove experience. This program teaches different etiquettes, such as refraining from greeting guests while wearing sunglasses and avoiding placing sunglasses on the head or neck when guests are present. These are just a few examples of the etiquette that chauffeurs often overlook. By maintaining proper manners, chauffeurs can ensure they deserve a generous tip.
9. Rolls Royce Phantom IV is exclusive for Royals and Heads of the States
Rolls-Royce established a well-deserved reputation for elegance during the 1930s and 1940s, making it the exclusive choice of the world’s elite. In 1950, the British royal family chose Rolls Royce over Daimler, solidifying this perception. The first recipient of a Phantom IV was then-Princess Elizabeth, marking the beginning of a series exclusively designed for the royal family and other heads of state. Rolls Royce only produced 18 extremely rare models of the Phantom IV.
10. Rolls Royce Powered Blue Bird Broke The 300 Mph Barrier
Rolls-Royce has a rich history that is closely tied to speed. Among the fascinating facts about Rolls Royce, their improvements have broken the 200 mph barrier, allowing hypercars to exceed 300 mph and even reach 400 mph. Rolls Royce had already put its imprint on the title before the Bugatti Chiron. Sir Malcolm Campbell recorded an average speed of 301 mph in his Blue Bird in 1935, powered by a 36.7-liter supercharged V12 Rolls Royce engine.
From its rich history to its commitment to exquisite design, Rolls Royce captivates with elegance, craftsmanship, and unrivaled engineering prowess. Knowing about Rolls Royce’s dedication to perfection, innovative technologies, and the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy emblem provides valuable insight into this esteemed automotive marque’s appeal and enduring legacy. We hope this blog has highlighted some remarkable Rolls Royce facts, offering a glimpse into the world of automotive excellence.
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