120th Anniversary of Rolls-Royce
‘The Rolls-Royce is not just a car, it’s an experience. A leather-scented, wood-polished, champagne-sipping experience.’
Henry Royce and Charles Rolls met for the first time on 4 May 1904 at the Midland Hotel in Manchester.
Thanks to mutual friend Henry Edmunds, Rolls agreed to sell all the cars Royce could make.
The foundations of an iconic brand are laid.
In 1904, Royce, a perfectionist engineer, and Rolls, a well-connected aristocrat, unite to build ‘the best car in the world.’
Their shared vision: ‘Perfection, and Nothing Less.’
1906: Rolls-Royce Limited was founded, and the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost debuted.
In 1910, Charles Rolls tragically died in a plane crash, becoming the first Briton to perish in an aviation accident.
Royce continues, and Rolls-Royce pivots towards aircraft engines, a move that will shape their future success.
In 1919, Rolls-Royce’s Eagle engine powered the first non-stop transatlantic flight, marking the company’s mastery in both automobiles and aviation.
During the1920s & 1930s, Rolls-Royce engines dominate in air, land, and sea records.
Sir Malcolm Campbell broke land speed records in the Blue Bird, powered by Rolls-Royce’s R engine.
1925, the legendary Phantom series begins with the Phantom I, continuing the tradition of elegance and craftsmanship.
Over the decades, various iterations cement the Phantom as the pinnacle of luxury motoring.
Rolls-Royce bought Bentley in 1931, and the two marques lost any form of distinctiveness, differing only by their badge.
After extensive negotiations, a deal was struck that enabled Volkswagen to make Rolls-Royce vehicles until 2003.
After that, it would make only Bentley models, with BMW producing Rolls-Royce cars.
In 2003, the Phantom was reborn under BMW ownership, reinvigorating the brand with modern engineering while staying true to its heritage.
From 2010 to 2018, new models like the Ghost, Wraith, Dawn, and the Cullinan SUV showcased the brand’s innovation. Each vehicle was hand-built to the client’s specifications.
In 2017, Rolls-Royce introduced the world to Sweptail, a one-off commission with a rumoured price tag of over $10 million that became the ultimate expression of RRolls-Royce’s bespoke craftsmanship.
2024: Rolls-Royce celebrates 120 years since that fateful meeting in Manchester.
Now more than ever, the marque remains a byword for luxury, perfection, and timeless elegance.
This milestone anniversary celebrates not just the cars but also the legacy of craftsmanship, innovation, and unparalleled luxury that Rolls-Royce has embodied for 120 years.
Whether it’s the whisper-quiet ride, the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy, or the seamless blend of tradition and technology, Rolls-Royce remains a symbol of success and prestige like no other.
A Rolls-Royce is not just a car—it’s a masterpiece of British craftsmanship.
‘Rolls-Royce is not bought. It is acquired, like a taste for caviar or a weakness for diamonds’
