We live in an era where everything becomes commercialized in a process of reducing manufacturing costs and selling higher volumes. The automotive industry is no exception to this trend, however a handful of companies retain their bespoke boutique character without compromising in modern technology adoption. Rolls Royce is one of those firms that has managed to remain a status symbol in today’s market, providing the same exceptional luxury and manufacturing superiority as 112 years ago, in the distant 1904.
Rolls Royce represents a brand that has persuaded excellence since the time it was founded. The iconic company was founded in the beginning of the 20th century by a partnership between two of the finest minds of recent history, a successful young engineer called Henry Royce and a Charles Rolls , one of the first car dealership owners in the UK. The first creation of this joint venture partnership was the 1907 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost, an iconic vehicle that even in its early production phase, it managed to complete a 14,371 mile drive through some of the toughest terrains without any mechanical fault. It was instantly named by various critics ”the Best Car In the World” combining unprecedented levels of comfort and reliability with an amazing focus on luxury.
Despite the World War, Rolls Royce has managed to break several records on both land and sea, during the 1930’s. Meanwhile, recent automation breakthroughs made the creation of the Phantom III possible, becoming the first ever Rolls Royce vehicle to feature a V12 engine. With new developments in the area of craftsmanship during the 1940’s and 1950’s Rolls Royce was able to produce its new Silver Wraith model with an individual coach-built body and as soon as the Silver Dawn model was designed, Rolls Royce had pioneered a steel construction for its body.
During the 1950’s Rolls Royce started an ongoing relationship with the English Royal Family that has managed to portray Rolls Royce as the status symbol vehicle of its era. Princess Elizabeth had ordered the first Phantom IV that was exclusively designed for heads of state and royalties. The Phantom IV today is one of the rarest Rolls Royce cars in existence as only 18 were ever built. In late 1950’s the Phantom V was introduced, one of the most popular vehicles the brand has ever produced.
Continuing its tradition of building the most luxurious vehicles on the planet Rolls Royce started to become a symbol of success between actors and rock stars redefining once again the brand as a status symbol. The 1970’s were a difficult era for Rolls Royce, as it was struggling with the high costs associated with its new engine development. The company decided to split into two separate brands. Under a new brand name, Rolls Royce Limited managed to create another iconic vehicle, the stylish Corniche which was available as a hardtop and a convertible model. During the decade from 1980 to 1990 Rolls Royce was bought by Vickers and started producing motor cars along with Bentley Motors.
An indication of Rolls Royce exceptional manufacturing was demonstrated in 1983 when Thrust 2 managed to make a new world speed record featuring a Rolls Royce build jet engine. From the 1990s until the present years Rolls Royce belongs to the BMW group, retaining its status character and is considered to be the most luxurious car maker in the world. Due to its long history of achievements and continuous perfectionism Rolls Royce is one of the most iconic car brands along with Ferrari, Porsche and Mercedes Benz.