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Showing posts with label RollsRoyce. Show all posts
Showing posts with label RollsRoyce. Show all posts

Monday, December 5, 2011

Maharaja's tiger-hunting Rolls-Royce brings the firepower to Quail auction

BONHAMS TO AUCTION THE EX-MAHARAJA OF KOTAH'S TIGER-HUNTING ROLLS-ROYCE
Mounted machine gun, cannon, rifle stand and brass searchlights included.

22 July 2011 - San Francisco – A truly unique, handmade automobile will be auctioned by Bonhams at its forthcoming Quail Lodge sale, held each August in Carmel, California during the world-famous Pebble Beach Car Week.

The custom-made 1925 Rolls-Royce New Phantom was originally commissioned by Sahib Bahadur of India, officially known as Umed Singh II, Maharaja of Kotah, for the purpose of tiger hunting. The Rolls-Royce Limited company–then in Derby, England– employed preferred coachbuilders Barker & Company of London who created the highly specialized and bespoke Sports Touring body for His Highness the Maharaja.

The massive and impeccably crafted car is powered by an 8.0-liter, 6-cylinder engine with dual-spark ignition that's set to a low gearing ratio, allowing it to creep powerfully through the roughshod jungles of Rajasthan.

In addition the standard luxury fittings for which Rolls-Royce and Barker are renowned, the purpose-built motorcar contains a hidden safe, a nickel-plated hissing snake horn, mounted Howdah gun (double-barrel shotgun in pistol form), rifle stand in the rear passenger compartment, two powerful searchlights for night spotting, a mountable Lantaka cannon, attached to the bumper, and, if that weren't enough, a machine gun mounted on an attached, matching trailer.

Due to its distinctive history, it's been said that the Indian Consulate had once requested the car be repatriated to India to be displayed in a museum as a piece of national heritage. Respectfully declined by the then owner, the car will now be available at auction for the first time and carries an estimate of $750,000-$1,000,000.

This is just one example of the exceptional cars that will be auctioned at Bonhams' annual two-day sale August 18th and 19th. For more information on this anticipated event and to register to bid –in person or remotely– please visit www.bonhams.com/quail.


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Rolls-Royce proves its Provenance with new certified pre-owned program


PRE-OWNED ROLLS-ROYCE SCHEME OFFERS UNRIVALED PEACE OF MIND

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced the latest details for its approved programme for pre-owned cars. Rolls-Royce Provenance offers unrivaled peace of mind with its industry-leading programme which includes fully inclusive servicing.

Each car has to meet exacting criteria set by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Factory-trained technicians conduct a painstaking inspection procedure, including a full road test, to ensure that every Provenance car reaches the highest standards prior to delivery. Cars must have been maintained in strict adherence to Rolls-Royce servicing requirements to be considered and are only sold through the international network of authorised Rolls-Royce Motor Cars dealers.

When buying a Rolls-Royce Provenance motor car, customers are protecting their investment. As well as successfully completing a rigorous pre-delivery inspection and preparation, each Provenance Rolls-Royce offers the reassurance of an independently obtained vehicle history and unlimited mileage verification, together with a minimum 24 month warranty, fully inclusive servicing and 24-hour roadside assistance.

Jolyon Nash, Director, Sales & Marketing, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said, "We are delighted to announce the latest details for Rolls-Royce Provenance. Our customers expect the very best motor cars in the world and we are pleased to be able to offer the same support and peace of mind for approved pre-owned cars that we offer for new vehicles."


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Sunday, December 4, 2011

Rolls-Royce discusses its potential future in electric cars

Rolls-Royce 102EX Rolls-Royce 102EX Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery
At the grand opening of the Rolls-Royce dealership in Chicago's Gold Coast area, Kicking Tires got the chance to sit down with David Archibald, president of Rolls-Royce North America. On discussion was the general business strategy of the ultra luxury brand and how electrics play into that.

Since its debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the 102EX Concept electric vehicle has been making the rounds at various events and dealerships. The automaker is even letting customers drive the concept back-to-back against the Phantom (on which it is based) to get an idea if it has market potential. According to Automotive News initial feedback has been a bit lackluster, with the 100-mile range being the biggest hurdle.

However, Archibald pointed out, "If you'd have come here 12 months ago and asked our customers, 'What do you think about alternative fuels,' they would have said, 'What are you talking about.'" Now, that's starting to change as new electric vehicles are pretty much popping up weekly.

Still, no decision has been made regarding a production electric or hybrid. With alternative fuels now on the minds of even a luxury car buyer, it sounds to us like it's not a matter of if but when.


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Bijan offers up special edition Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe

Bijan Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe

Bijan Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead CoupeIf there was anything Bijan Pakzad loved more than clothing A-list celebrities and heads of state, it was creating the most luxurious automobiles around. The Persian fashion designer (commonly known by his first name alone) owned a one-of-a-kind custom yellow Bugatti Veyron, and before he died, he commissioned a second Grand Sport roadster in his trademark color.

He was also set to team up with Rolls-Royce for a limited run of special Phantoms, but while he may have passed before his time, his successors are evidently keen to keep his legacy alive with this special-edition Phantom Drophead Coupe.

Decked out in Bijan yellow from the body (including hood, window frame, mirrors and wheels) to the interior, the special DHC has Bijan signature touches all around, including a diamond-pavé watch embedded in the dashboard and a picnic set (complete with crystal stemware) in the trunk.

A limited quantity of these unique and extroverted convertibles will be made available at a price reported as high as $1.6 million, and are sure to be snapped up by the same Middle Eastern sheikhs who draped themselves in Bijan's luxurious suits.


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Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé for Masterpiece London is especially special


ROLLS-ROYCE PRESENTS ONE-OFF BESPOKE DROPHEAD COUPÉ AT MASTERPIECE LONDON 2011

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars proudly presents a very special Phantom Drophead Coupé, hand-built by craftspeople at the home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England. The highly bespoke model was designed to capture the essence of a perfect weekend get-away, offering drivers and their passengers the ultimate luxurious and relaxing experience in roof-down motoring.

As well as bespoke luggage, the Masterpiece London 2011 Drophead Coupé features a one-off Asprey jewellery box, housed discretely in the glove compartment. Designed for rings, cufflinks and earrings, it presents stylish and secure storage for these essential valuables before drivers and their passengers sink back into sumptuous leather seats, set the roof down and head out of town.

The model was created for Masterpiece London 2011 and hosts a suite of additional bespoke design details, including teak decking, engraved tread plates and Spirit of Ecstasy with inscription that marks the centenary of the world's most famous bonnet icon.

The Masterpiece 2011 Drophead Coupé is also the first Rolls-Royce to be presented in Mazarine Blue, a bespoke finish that joins a palette of 44,000 shades already available to clients ordering Phantom models. This eye-catching colour takes inspiration from the Mazarine Blue butterfly, a whimsical creature at home in continental Europe, which can still occasionally be seen wafting by in the South of England.

The luxurious natural-grain leather interior comes in Seashell with Navy Blue contrast for floor and door panels with embroidered R-R logos finished in headrests. With roof down, the car reveals its yacht-inspired teak decking, with mother-of-pearl inlays throughout cross-banded Santos Palissander wood veneers. White instrument dials, rotary controllers and clock finished in mother-of-pearl complete the design.

"We are delighted to present this outstanding Rolls-Royce at Masterpiece London 2011," said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. "Craftsmanship and attention to detail shine through in features developed at Goodwood and in partnership with Asprey. It's a model that demonstrates the breadth of our bespoke offering, where the only limit to what we can deliver is a client's imagination."

Asprey Jewellery Case

The Asprey jewellery case, which fits neatly into the passenger glove compartment, took two working days to finish, using a hide of softest grade-one suede cut into 15 separate pieces.

Its central earring holder is detachable and can be interchanged for use with clip earrings or stud styles. There are also two additional sections for elegant cufflinks, and a separate compartment for the owner's most precious rings. An embossed silver foil Asprey stamp finishes this stunning one-off feature.

Bespoke Luggage

Designed in Goodwood, the bespoke luggage set can be found nestled neatly in the picnic boot of the Masterpiece London 2011 Drophead Coupé. The leather used to craft this bespoke set of four cases is of the highest quality and employs a traditional approach in its creation.

Hides were carefully selected for the firmness and grain structure then tanned in pits, a slow artisanal way of producing hard-wearing yet supple leather – and a process that takes four months to complete. The result is beautiful; a substantial material, in deep Navy Blue, that is also resistant to hard wear. Moreover the leather has a distinctive and intense aroma of vegetable tannins that come from the mix of bark, wood and berries used to stabilise and pigment the hides.

Masterpiece London 2011

Masterpiece London 2011 is held in the South Grounds of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, and the Rolls-Royce car is available for preview from Friday 29 June 2011. The fair runs from Saturday 30 June – Friday 5 July 2011. For further details please visit www.masterpiecefair.com


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Rolls-Royce doubling Bespoke team to create more custom cars [w/video]

ROLLS-ROYCE EXPANDS BESPOKE OPERATION DUE TO GROWING DEMAND

10.08.2011

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is expanding its Bespoke operation due to growing customer demand for bespoke items, a trademark service by the British manufacturer of super-luxury motor cars.

The Bespoke operation, based at the Home of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars at Goodwood in West Sussex, will see a surge of team members, including designers, engineers and project management staff, doubling the headcount by the end of 2011. It will bring the number of Bespoke experts throughout the business to over 50.

This year, Rolls-Royce has seen a significant increase in customer demand for personalised bespoke features, transforming the brand's super-luxury cars into unique hand-crafted masterpieces which are as individual as their owner's fingerprints. In order to satisfy demand, the business is recruiting additional Bespoke designers as well as engineers in manufacturing and project management functions. Operational support functions will also expand in various areas including product marketing and sales.

Bespoke operations are not limited to design and development of automotive parts. Bespoke allows Rolls-Royce customers the luxury of commissioning motor cars to suit their personal lifestyles. Examples are as versatile and unique as picnic sets that are colour-matched to a car's interior, carefully selected luxurious interior materials or the creation of seamless storage for an owner's favourite belongings.

"The ability to bespoke one's vehicle has always been at the heart of Rolls-Royce so it is very encouraging to see that after more than one hundred years at the very pinnacle of the automotive world, our Bespoke services are still very much in demand from customers all over the world today", explained Member of the Board and Director, Sales and Marketing, Jolyon Nash.

To see an example of an exceptional Bespoke car, please visit our website www.21stCenturyLegends.com and be inspired by the story of "The Man Who Became a Paint".


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Saturday, December 3, 2011

Rolls-Royce recalling 2010 Ghost over possible engine fires

Vehicle Make / Model: ROLLS ROYCE / GHOST
Model Year(s): 2010
Manufacturer: ROLLS-ROYCE MOTORS, INC.
Mfr's Report Date: OCT 20, 2011
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V522000
NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OTHER FUEL TYPES:TURBO-CHARGER
Potential Number of Units Affected: 589

Summary

ROLLS-ROYCE IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 GHOST VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 2009 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2010, EQUIPPED WITH TURBOCHARGED ENGINES, BECAUSE THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE ELECTRIC AUXILIARY WATER PUMP CAN OVERHEAT.

Consequence

THIS COULD LEAD TO A SMOLDERING OF THE PUMP OR AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT OR VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

ROLLS-ROYCE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUXILIARY WATER PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING NOVEMBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ROLLS-ROYCE CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-877-877-3735.

Notes

OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .


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Rolls-Royce celebrates Year of the Dragon with special Phantom line

ROLLS-ROYCE PRESENTS EXCLUSIVE YEAR OF THE DRAGON COLLECTION
Goodwood, 17th August 2011

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars proudly presents the Year of the Dragon Collection, a commemorative offering in preparation for this festive celebration. Inspired by the legendary creature that is revered in China, the Year of the Dragon Collection has been created to celebrate the ultimate symbol of power, prosperity and good fortune. Designed at the Home of Rolls-Royce by the Bespoke team, this exclusive collection features a suite of unique detailing and design, which includes:

Dragon Coachline

On first glimpse of the car, a prominent feature is the twin coachline with a dragon, in gold colour, hand-painted to the side of each Phantom or Phantom Extended Wheelbase. In order to achieve perfect symmetry and balance, the dragon will always look forward. The hand-painted dragon coachline is inspired by the Forbidden City in Beijing and provides distinctive finishing touches to the car's exterior.

Dragon Headrest Embroidery

The dragon also appears on the leather of every headrest, carefully hand-embroidered using a combination of four thread colours: Tan, Golden Sand, Black and White. The colours are designed to complement a palette of recommended leather colour options and the design can be finished with an additional seat piping feature.

Dragon Phantom Passenger Panel Inlay

A dragon inlay will be hand-laid to the passenger panel of every car in this unique collection. The Phantom model name is also applied in gold, the two features match together perfectly.

Embroidered Cushions with R-R Logo and Piping

The interior promises two hand-stitched cushions for the rear passengers, specified with embroidered double R-R logos and piping to carefully accentuate the chosen interior.

Illuminated Treadplates

The four door sills feature exclusive illuminated treadplates with 'Year of the Dragon 2012' highlighted in LED lighting.

A Celebratory Marquetry Selection

Designed at the Home of Rolls-Royce, the Year of the Dragon Collection offers a choice of either modern or traditional marquetry to match the customer's veneer choice which - as a reflection of the Woodshop's craftsmanship and attention to detail - is laser-cut and then hand-assembled into position in the veneer.

"At Rolls-Royce Motor Cars we delight in bringing new, exclusive designs to our customers", said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. "The Bespoke team elegantly captures the imagination with this Year of the Dragon Collection, celebrating the turning of a New Year of prosperity and good fortune with this unique creative offering."

"The Bespoke team is privileged to commemorate the Chinese Year of the Dragon with this exciting Collection," said Thomas G. Jefferson, Bespoke Sales Manager, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. "This limited edition car embodies the synergy of craftsmanship, creativity and culture in a manner that is uniquely Rolls-Royce."


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1926 Rolls-Royce Phantom 10EX prototype up for auction


RM AUCTIONS PRESENTS AN OUTSTANDING SERIES OF ENGLISH MOTOR CARS AT INAUGURAL SALON PRIVÉ SALE

- RM Auctions consigns a fine selection of 'quintessentially English' cars and motorcycles for its debut Salon Privé sale, 23 June, 2011
- Historic 1926 Rolls-Royce Experimental Phantom 1 '10 EX' headlines high-quality offering
- Unique ex-works 1939 Aston Martin 2-Litre Speed Model offered in fully restored condition leads exciting series of Aston Martins

LONDON (28 April, 2011) – RM Auctions, the world's largest collector car auction house for quality automobiles, is delighted to announce a selection of notable highlights for its forthcoming 'Quintessentially English' sale, at the Salon Privé luxury car show and Concours d'Elegance, 23rd June, 2011.

Held at the stunning Syon Park estate in West London, the recently-launched summer sale will lift the hammer on a host of great British marques, including Aston Martin, Jaguar and Rolls-Royce among others.

Max Girardo, Managing Director, RM Europe says, "We have pulled together a collection of very interesting and significant collector cars and motorcycles which represent some of the finest and most significant vehicles produced in England during the pre- and post-war periods."

"This new annual sale is wonderful 'boutique' style auction, which both complements the nature of Salon Privé and sits very comfortably alongside our broader Automobiles of London event at Battersea in October. It is not to be missed by anyone wanting to secure a genuine piece of English automotive history," adds Girardo.

Unquestionably, one of the star consignments for the sale is the unique and historic 1926 Rolls Royce Experimental Phantom 1 Continental, '10 EX' (pictured). Commissioned by Mr. D. Claude Johnson, then Managing Director of Rolls-Royce Motors, 10 EX was the first prototype Phantom 1 Continental to be fitted with sports body 'torpedo' coachwork by Barker. Known as the 'CJ Sportscar', it was intended to gain top speed by a lighter body with a lower steering column, and became known as the first sports car to be produced by Rolls-Royce. Three subsequent cars were produced on this design, consecutively known as 15 EX, 16 EX and 17 EX, however, chassis 10 EX was the only experimental Phantom 1 Continental to be kept by Rolls-Royce Motors for six years and the only test car of the factory. During this time, this rakish sporting Rolls was reportedly loaned by the factory to Laurence of Arabia for continental touring. 10EX has an estimated value of £400,000-£800,000 and is one of seven Rolls-Royces to be presented during the 23 June sale.

Another significant car to be offered at RM's Salon Privé sale is a one-off, ex-works 1939 Aston Martin 2-Litre Speed Model, chassis number 727U, which was originally built by the factory for outer circuit racing at the historic Brooklands race circuit in England. Featuring a Speed Model chassis with a narrow track, 727U and was tested at Brooklands by Gordon Sutherland and Charles Brackenbury, a 'works' Aston driver, although sadly never actually raced by the factory due to the outbreak of war. The car remained in Aston Martin ownership until 1947. Since then, this well-known and highly desirable Aston Martin has been a regular on the historic racing scene. Its recent racing successes include a notable 2nd place at Goodwood in 2006 and an appearance at Laguna Seca in the USA, where it also appeared at the famous Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. It is offered today in exceptional condition having been rebuilt and prepared by one the world's leading marque specialists. (Estimate: £320,000 - £380,000). For Aston Martin enthusiasts, 727U joins a series of no less than 13 Astons consigned to the auction.

Other notable entries include:

- a 1929 Bentley Speed Six "Le Mans" VDP Tourer, chassis number FA 2518, a faithful recreation of the 1930 No 3 Speed Six Le Mans team car (Estimate: £450,000 - £550,000);
- a beautiful 1937 Jaguar SS 100 2.5 Litre Roadster, chassis number 18116 (Estimate: £200,000-£230,000);
- a highly-desirable 1955 Bentley R Type Continental Fastback, (Estimate: £330,000-£380,000); and,
- an historically-interesting ex-Works Le Mans entrant 1961 Sunbeam Harrington Alpine Coupe, chassis number B 9102730/OD/HRO (Estimate: £58,000 - £70,000).

Joining the automobiles will be a select group of motorcycles, headlined by a wonderful 1939 Brough Superior 11.50, chassis number M8/2214, which is an excellent, late example of one of these highly desirable machines in superb, original condition (Estimate: £35,000 - £45,000).

For further information on RM's inaugural Salon Privé sale and a frequently updated lot list, please visit www.rmauctions.com or call RM's London office at +44 20 7851 7070. For further information on Salon Privé, please visit: www.salonprivelondon.com.

Event Details – RM at Salon Privé
Sale date:
23 June, 2011, Auction commences at 5:00pm GMT

Preview dates:
22 June, 2011, 11:00am – 9:00pm* GMT
23 June 2011, 9:00am – 5:00pm GMT

*Please note that on Wednesday, 22 June, the preview will be open to Salon Privé guests only until 4:30pm. The preview will then open for those with an official auction catalogue (plus one guest) until 9:00pm.

Location:
Syon House,
Syon Park, London TW8 8JF
United Kingdom

Admission:
Admission to this event requires the purchase of an official auction catalogue available for £50. The catalogue admits two to the auction and must be presented at the entrance of the sale to be granted entry. Please note that the purchase of an RM catalogue does not grant admission to the Salon Privé event.

For those unable to attend the event in person, Internet, absentee, telephone and iPhone bidding options are available. Visit www.rmauctions.com for further information.


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Rolls-Royce once again proves its Bespoke department knows no bounds

Purple Rolls-Royce Phantom

Since its inception, Rolls-Royce has made a living making its customers feel very, very special. Given the average net worth of its buyers and the custom-tailored nature of their vehicles, this sort of approach makes good business sense. That said, some customers are clearly more special than others. Michael Fux, a businessman and philanthropist who commissioned the unusual purple Phantom Drophead Coupe seen here, is clearly one of the latter.

Fux is one of Rolls' very best customers, and he's also known for being one of its most outlandish, perpetually giving Goodwood's Bespoke department specialists a workout. Rolls has debuted one-off Fux cars during past Monterey weeks, and this year, they've teamed up again to reveal this striking purple and white Phantom. While the visuals that Fux pushed for certainly won't be to everyone tastes (we're more accustomed to seeing these sort of aesthetic choices among aftermarket firms like Mansory), there's no denying the quality of the workmanship, from the matching purple roof to the customized engraved sill plates and relentlessly white leather interior. And Fux isn't the only Rolls buyer whose tastes require an increasing degree of personalization – earlier this month, the automaker announced plans to double the size of its Bespoke operations to keep up with demand.

Fux's custom Rolls-Royce commissions have never been known for their subtlety. In the past, he's ordered a screaming yellow Phantom Convertible (shown in Pebble in 2008), as well as a candy red Drophead that featured Rolls' first-ever black-and-red carbon fiber inserts. That car was such a test for the English automaker's bespoke team that they not only named the paint for Fux (and guaranteed its exclusivity), they produced a 2010 video about it that you can watch after the jump.


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Friday, December 2, 2011

Rolls-Royce owner can't figure out what color he wants, chooses them all

colorful rolls-royce phantom

You can order a Rolls-Royce Phantom in nearly any color you'd like. That's a fact the luxury automaker takes very seriously and is quite proud of... But what if you liked a lot of different colors?

One Phantom owner decided to taste the rainbow go the custom route and incorporate a handful of his favorite hues. The varied palette can be seen throughout the entire vehicle, as the exterior bodywork, interior trim and even the grille and wheels get a pop of color.

We are going to call upon every inch of willpower we have in order to refrain from comment on this one. Barf. We've included two clips of the car so you can draw your own opinions. See them for yourself after the jump, and feel free to sound off in the comments.

We'll end this way... To each their own, but this is pushing it.


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Rowan Atkinson checks in with <i>Top Gear</i>, shows off V16-powered Rolls-Royce Phantom

rowan atkinson in the reasonably priced top gear car

Before you get angry at us in the comments, we're using the first line of this post to issue a spoiler alert.

Rowan Atkinson is best known to American audiences as Mr. Bean. He's a hilarious comedian with a lengthy career comprising works on both the silver and small screen. If you weren't already aware, he's also completely infatuated with cars. You've got to be if you wind up putting a McLaren F1 in your garage, and then tack over 37,000 kilometers on the odometer. Recognizing this passion for speed, it's no surprise that Atkinson wound up on the Top Gear guest couch staring down Jeremy Clarkson.

Rowan brought along a prop car from his upcoming film Johnny English Reborn. What appears to be a standard Rolls-Royce Phantom from the outside actually hides a rather large secret under the hood. According to Atkinson, Rolls flirted with the idea of building a 9.0-liter V16-powered Phantom, but ultimately scrapped the idea. Still, the British car maker wound up producing three or four of the mega mills, and Atkinson asked to use one for his new film. The engineers at Rolls obliged, and his Phantom is now a truly exotic luxury coupe.

Rowan wasn't there simply to talk about his movie and the Phantom. He is a star, and the Reasonably Priced Car was on the track waiting for him. How'd he do? Click past the jump to find out.


View the original article here

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Rowan Atkinson checks in with <i>Top Gear</i>, shows off V16-powered Rolls-Royce Phantom

You are here: Auto News > Video >  Top Gear, shows off V16-powered Rolls-Royce Phantom">Rowan Atkinson checks in with Top Gear, shows off V16-powered Rolls-Royce Phantom
rowan atkinson in the reasonably priced top gear car

Before you get angry at us in the comments, we're using the first line of this post to issue a spoiler alert.

Rowan Atkinson is best known to American audiences as Mr. Bean. He's a hilarious comedian with a lengthy career comprising works on both the silver and small screen. If you weren't already aware, he's also completely infatuated with cars. You've got to be if you wind up putting a McLaren F1 in your garage, and then tack over 37,000 kilometers on the odometer. Recognizing this passion for speed, it's no surprise that Atkinson wound up on the Top Gear guest couch staring down Jeremy Clarkson.

Rowan brought along a prop car from his upcoming film Johnny English Reborn. What appears to be a standard Rolls-Royce Phantom from the outside actually hides a rather large secret under the hood. According to Atkinson, Rolls flirted with the idea of building a 9.0-liter V16-powered Phantom, but ultimately scrapped the idea. Still, the British car maker wound up producing three or four of the mega mills, and Atkinson asked to use one for his new film. The engineers at Rolls obliged, and his Phantom is now a truly exotic luxury coupe.

Rowan wasn't there simply to talk about his movie and the Phantom. He is a star, and the Reasonably Priced Car was on the track waiting for him. How'd he do? Click past the jump to find out.


View the original article here

Maharaja's tiger-hunting Rolls-Royce brings the firepower to Quail auction

BONHAMS TO AUCTION THE EX-MAHARAJA OF KOTAH'S TIGER-HUNTING ROLLS-ROYCE
Mounted machine gun, cannon, rifle stand and brass searchlights included.

22 July 2011 - San Francisco – A truly unique, handmade automobile will be auctioned by Bonhams at its forthcoming Quail Lodge sale, held each August in Carmel, California during the world-famous Pebble Beach Car Week.

The custom-made 1925 Rolls-Royce New Phantom was originally commissioned by Sahib Bahadur of India, officially known as Umed Singh II, Maharaja of Kotah, for the purpose of tiger hunting. The Rolls-Royce Limited company–then in Derby, England– employed preferred coachbuilders Barker & Company of London who created the highly specialized and bespoke Sports Touring body for His Highness the Maharaja.

The massive and impeccably crafted car is powered by an 8.0-liter, 6-cylinder engine with dual-spark ignition that's set to a low gearing ratio, allowing it to creep powerfully through the roughshod jungles of Rajasthan.

In addition the standard luxury fittings for which Rolls-Royce and Barker are renowned, the purpose-built motorcar contains a hidden safe, a nickel-plated hissing snake horn, mounted Howdah gun (double-barrel shotgun in pistol form), rifle stand in the rear passenger compartment, two powerful searchlights for night spotting, a mountable Lantaka cannon, attached to the bumper, and, if that weren't enough, a machine gun mounted on an attached, matching trailer.

Due to its distinctive history, it's been said that the Indian Consulate had once requested the car be repatriated to India to be displayed in a museum as a piece of national heritage. Respectfully declined by the then owner, the car will now be available at auction for the first time and carries an estimate of $750,000-$1,000,000.

This is just one example of the exceptional cars that will be auctioned at Bonhams' annual two-day sale August 18th and 19th. For more information on this anticipated event and to register to bid –in person or remotely– please visit www.bonhams.com/quail.


View the original article here

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé for Masterpiece London is especially special


ROLLS-ROYCE PRESENTS ONE-OFF BESPOKE DROPHEAD COUPÉ AT MASTERPIECE LONDON 2011

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars proudly presents a very special Phantom Drophead Coupé, hand-built by craftspeople at the home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England. The highly bespoke model was designed to capture the essence of a perfect weekend get-away, offering drivers and their passengers the ultimate luxurious and relaxing experience in roof-down motoring.

As well as bespoke luggage, the Masterpiece London 2011 Drophead Coupé features a one-off Asprey jewellery box, housed discretely in the glove compartment. Designed for rings, cufflinks and earrings, it presents stylish and secure storage for these essential valuables before drivers and their passengers sink back into sumptuous leather seats, set the roof down and head out of town.

The model was created for Masterpiece London 2011 and hosts a suite of additional bespoke design details, including teak decking, engraved tread plates and Spirit of Ecstasy with inscription that marks the centenary of the world's most famous bonnet icon.

The Masterpiece 2011 Drophead Coupé is also the first Rolls-Royce to be presented in Mazarine Blue, a bespoke finish that joins a palette of 44,000 shades already available to clients ordering Phantom models. This eye-catching colour takes inspiration from the Mazarine Blue butterfly, a whimsical creature at home in continental Europe, which can still occasionally be seen wafting by in the South of England.

The luxurious natural-grain leather interior comes in Seashell with Navy Blue contrast for floor and door panels with embroidered R-R logos finished in headrests. With roof down, the car reveals its yacht-inspired teak decking, with mother-of-pearl inlays throughout cross-banded Santos Palissander wood veneers. White instrument dials, rotary controllers and clock finished in mother-of-pearl complete the design.

"We are delighted to present this outstanding Rolls-Royce at Masterpiece London 2011," said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. "Craftsmanship and attention to detail shine through in features developed at Goodwood and in partnership with Asprey. It's a model that demonstrates the breadth of our bespoke offering, where the only limit to what we can deliver is a client's imagination."

Asprey Jewellery Case

The Asprey jewellery case, which fits neatly into the passenger glove compartment, took two working days to finish, using a hide of softest grade-one suede cut into 15 separate pieces.

Its central earring holder is detachable and can be interchanged for use with clip earrings or stud styles. There are also two additional sections for elegant cufflinks, and a separate compartment for the owner's most precious rings. An embossed silver foil Asprey stamp finishes this stunning one-off feature.

Bespoke Luggage

Designed in Goodwood, the bespoke luggage set can be found nestled neatly in the picnic boot of the Masterpiece London 2011 Drophead Coupé. The leather used to craft this bespoke set of four cases is of the highest quality and employs a traditional approach in its creation.

Hides were carefully selected for the firmness and grain structure then tanned in pits, a slow artisanal way of producing hard-wearing yet supple leather – and a process that takes four months to complete. The result is beautiful; a substantial material, in deep Navy Blue, that is also resistant to hard wear. Moreover the leather has a distinctive and intense aroma of vegetable tannins that come from the mix of bark, wood and berries used to stabilise and pigment the hides.

Masterpiece London 2011

Masterpiece London 2011 is held in the South Grounds of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, and the Rolls-Royce car is available for preview from Friday 29 June 2011. The fair runs from Saturday 30 June – Friday 5 July 2011. For further details please visit www.masterpiecefair.com


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Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Maharaja's tiger-hunting Rolls-Royce brings the firepower to Quail auction

BONHAMS TO AUCTION THE EX-MAHARAJA OF KOTAH'S TIGER-HUNTING ROLLS-ROYCE
Mounted machine gun, cannon, rifle stand and brass searchlights included.

22 July 2011 - San Francisco – A truly unique, handmade automobile will be auctioned by Bonhams at its forthcoming Quail Lodge sale, held each August in Carmel, California during the world-famous Pebble Beach Car Week.

The custom-made 1925 Rolls-Royce New Phantom was originally commissioned by Sahib Bahadur of India, officially known as Umed Singh II, Maharaja of Kotah, for the purpose of tiger hunting. The Rolls-Royce Limited company–then in Derby, England– employed preferred coachbuilders Barker & Company of London who created the highly specialized and bespoke Sports Touring body for His Highness the Maharaja.

The massive and impeccably crafted car is powered by an 8.0-liter, 6-cylinder engine with dual-spark ignition that's set to a low gearing ratio, allowing it to creep powerfully through the roughshod jungles of Rajasthan.

In addition the standard luxury fittings for which Rolls-Royce and Barker are renowned, the purpose-built motorcar contains a hidden safe, a nickel-plated hissing snake horn, mounted Howdah gun (double-barrel shotgun in pistol form), rifle stand in the rear passenger compartment, two powerful searchlights for night spotting, a mountable Lantaka cannon, attached to the bumper, and, if that weren't enough, a machine gun mounted on an attached, matching trailer.

Due to its distinctive history, it's been said that the Indian Consulate had once requested the car be repatriated to India to be displayed in a museum as a piece of national heritage. Respectfully declined by the then owner, the car will now be available at auction for the first time and carries an estimate of $750,000-$1,000,000.

This is just one example of the exceptional cars that will be auctioned at Bonhams' annual two-day sale August 18th and 19th. For more information on this anticipated event and to register to bid –in person or remotely– please visit www.bonhams.com/quail.


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Thursday, July 28, 2011

Rolls-Royce discusses its potential future in electric cars

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Rolls-Royce 102EX Rolls-Royce 102EX Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery
At the grand opening of the Rolls-Royce dealership in Chicago's Gold Coast area, Kicking Tires got the chance to sit down with David Archibald, president of Rolls-Royce North America. On discussion was the general business strategy of the ultra luxury brand and how electrics play into that.

Since its debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the 102EX Concept electric vehicle has been making the rounds at various events and dealerships. The automaker is even letting customers drive the concept back-to-back against the Phantom (on which it is based) to get an idea if it has market potential. According to Automotive News initial feedback has been a bit lackluster, with the 100-mile range being the biggest hurdle.

However, Archibald pointed out, "If you'd have come here 12 months ago and asked our customers, 'What do you think about alternative fuels,' they would have said, 'What are you talking about.'" Now, that's starting to change as new electric vehicles are pretty much popping up weekly.

Still, no decision has been made regarding a production electric or hybrid. With alternative fuels now on the minds of even a luxury car buyer, it sounds to us like it's not a matter of if but when.


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Monday, June 6, 2011

1926 Rolls-Royce Phantom 10EX prototype up for auction


RM AUCTIONS PRESENTS AN OUTSTANDING SERIES OF ENGLISH MOTOR CARS AT INAUGURAL SALON PRIVÉ SALE

- RM Auctions consigns a fine selection of 'quintessentially English' cars and motorcycles for its debut Salon Privé sale, 23 June, 2011
- Historic 1926 Rolls-Royce Experimental Phantom 1 '10 EX' headlines high-quality offering
- Unique ex-works 1939 Aston Martin 2-Litre Speed Model offered in fully restored condition leads exciting series of Aston Martins

LONDON (28 April, 2011) – RM Auctions, the world's largest collector car auction house for quality automobiles, is delighted to announce a selection of notable highlights for its forthcoming 'Quintessentially English' sale, at the Salon Privé luxury car show and Concours d'Elegance, 23rd June, 2011.

Held at the stunning Syon Park estate in West London, the recently-launched summer sale will lift the hammer on a host of great British marques, including Aston Martin, Jaguar and Rolls-Royce among others.

Max Girardo, Managing Director, RM Europe says, "We have pulled together a collection of very interesting and significant collector cars and motorcycles which represent some of the finest and most significant vehicles produced in England during the pre- and post-war periods."

"This new annual sale is wonderful 'boutique' style auction, which both complements the nature of Salon Privé and sits very comfortably alongside our broader Automobiles of London event at Battersea in October. It is not to be missed by anyone wanting to secure a genuine piece of English automotive history," adds Girardo.

Unquestionably, one of the star consignments for the sale is the unique and historic 1926 Rolls Royce Experimental Phantom 1 Continental, '10 EX' (pictured). Commissioned by Mr. D. Claude Johnson, then Managing Director of Rolls-Royce Motors, 10 EX was the first prototype Phantom 1 Continental to be fitted with sports body 'torpedo' coachwork by Barker. Known as the 'CJ Sportscar', it was intended to gain top speed by a lighter body with a lower steering column, and became known as the first sports car to be produced by Rolls-Royce. Three subsequent cars were produced on this design, consecutively known as 15 EX, 16 EX and 17 EX, however, chassis 10 EX was the only experimental Phantom 1 Continental to be kept by Rolls-Royce Motors for six years and the only test car of the factory. During this time, this rakish sporting Rolls was reportedly loaned by the factory to Laurence of Arabia for continental touring. 10EX has an estimated value of £400,000-£800,000 and is one of seven Rolls-Royces to be presented during the 23 June sale.

Another significant car to be offered at RM's Salon Privé sale is a one-off, ex-works 1939 Aston Martin 2-Litre Speed Model, chassis number 727U, which was originally built by the factory for outer circuit racing at the historic Brooklands race circuit in England. Featuring a Speed Model chassis with a narrow track, 727U and was tested at Brooklands by Gordon Sutherland and Charles Brackenbury, a 'works' Aston driver, although sadly never actually raced by the factory due to the outbreak of war. The car remained in Aston Martin ownership until 1947. Since then, this well-known and highly desirable Aston Martin has been a regular on the historic racing scene. Its recent racing successes include a notable 2nd place at Goodwood in 2006 and an appearance at Laguna Seca in the USA, where it also appeared at the famous Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. It is offered today in exceptional condition having been rebuilt and prepared by one the world's leading marque specialists. (Estimate: £320,000 - £380,000). For Aston Martin enthusiasts, 727U joins a series of no less than 13 Astons consigned to the auction.

Other notable entries include:

- a 1929 Bentley Speed Six "Le Mans" VDP Tourer, chassis number FA 2518, a faithful recreation of the 1930 No 3 Speed Six Le Mans team car (Estimate: £450,000 - £550,000);
- a beautiful 1937 Jaguar SS 100 2.5 Litre Roadster, chassis number 18116 (Estimate: £200,000-£230,000);
- a highly-desirable 1955 Bentley R Type Continental Fastback, (Estimate: £330,000-£380,000); and,
- an historically-interesting ex-Works Le Mans entrant 1961 Sunbeam Harrington Alpine Coupe, chassis number B 9102730/OD/HRO (Estimate: £58,000 - £70,000).

Joining the automobiles will be a select group of motorcycles, headlined by a wonderful 1939 Brough Superior 11.50, chassis number M8/2214, which is an excellent, late example of one of these highly desirable machines in superb, original condition (Estimate: £35,000 - £45,000).

For further information on RM's inaugural Salon Privé sale and a frequently updated lot list, please visit www.rmauctions.com or call RM's London office at +44 20 7851 7070. For further information on Salon Privé, please visit: www.salonprivelondon.com.

Event Details – RM at Salon Privé
Sale date:
23 June, 2011, Auction commences at 5:00pm GMT

Preview dates:
22 June, 2011, 11:00am – 9:00pm* GMT
23 June 2011, 9:00am – 5:00pm GMT

*Please note that on Wednesday, 22 June, the preview will be open to Salon Privé guests only until 4:30pm. The preview will then open for those with an official auction catalogue (plus one guest) until 9:00pm.

Location:
Syon House,
Syon Park, London TW8 8JF
United Kingdom

Admission:
Admission to this event requires the purchase of an official auction catalogue available for £50. The catalogue admits two to the auction and must be presented at the entrance of the sale to be granted entry. Please note that the purchase of an RM catalogue does not grant admission to the Salon Privé event.

For those unable to attend the event in person, Internet, absentee, telephone and iPhone bidding options are available. Visit www.rmauctions.com for further information.


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Sunday, May 8, 2011

Build your next Phantom with the Rolls-Royce iPhone app

by Aaron Richardson (RSS feed) on Apr 29th 2011 at 9:33AM

Rolls Royce Phantom App
Rolls Royce Phantom App – Click above for high-res image gallery
Rolls Royce is letting owners and enthusiasts unleash their creative juices on the 2011 Phantom with a new app for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. The program lets would-be buyers and reams build their very own, fully-customized version of the hyper luxury sedan, complete with a frightening 44,000 exterior color options. If, somehow, you can't find a shade you like, you can use your device's camera to take a picture of the exact hue you're looking for, and the app will apply it to your virtual Phantom.

True, this may not be the most utilitarian app out there, but it could definitely occupy a good portion of a long layover or school play without all the racket of Angry Birds. Once you've nailed down the perfect color for your Roller, you can scroll through photo galleries of interior piping choices, wood grains and options to make sure everything matches up just so.

The best part of this virtual Rolls builder is that it's completely free from the App Store, which means even street urchins like us can afford to build our dream Roller, however unattainable the car may be in the metal.


[Source: Rolls Royce] Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Rolls-Royce, Toys/Games, Luxury

Tags: 2011 rolls-royce phantom, app store, apple, ipad, iphone, ipod touch, phantom, rolls, rolls-royce, royce


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Saturday, April 30, 2011

Cadillac Planning RWD Sedan to Go After the 7-series and S-class . . . And Maybe Even the Rolls-Royce Phantom

April 25, 2011 at 3:17pm by Jens Meiners

Cadillac has talked about building a true flagship for years—the beautiful Sixteen concept, shown above, dates to 2003—and it appears that a rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan is finally taking shape. The brand’s bosses have realized that the XTS, a stretched derivative of the front-wheel-drive Epsilon platform also underpinning the Buick LaCrosse and Saab 9-5, will not quite be enough to scare the Audis and BMWs of the world, let alone cement the automaker’s position building the Cadillac of automobiles.

According to insiders, Cadillac’s new flagship model will be built on a standalone rear-drive platform, dubbed Omega, rather than sharing underpinnings with the CTS or upcoming ATS. As we predicted in the past, it will be powered by six- and eight-cylinder engines, and all-wheel drive would be optional. A hybrid version could follow later, a diesel— which would account for the bulk of the vehicle’s sales in Europe—won’t. The new, impressively styled sedan will be launched in 2014 as a 2015 model.

Naturally, offering rear-wheel drive and a V-8 won’t be sufficient for Cadillac to take on the world. A Cadillac flagship pointed squarely at the Mercedes-Benz S-class and BMW 7-series will need to be jam-packed with safety and comfort technology, and requires cabin accommodations indulgent enough to make Buckingham Palace’s interior designer weep.

And Now, to Rolls-Royce

We also have learned that General Motors is considering an even more exciting use for the Omega platform—though it’s one we’re skeptical will see the light of day. Our sources tell us that Cadillac is looking at building a super-luxury sedan to compete head-on with the likes of the Rolls-Royce Phantom. (Yes, someone at GM actually referred to Rolls-Royce’s locomotive.) It’s far from a done deal, but it would be great to see such a halo car fighting for American supremacy in billionairemobiles.

No matter what happens, we’re guessing the Cadillac Sixteen’s 13.6-liter V-16 engine won’t be nestled in the engine bay. What a shame.

Tags: Cadillac, Cadillac ATS, Cadillac Omega, Cadillac XTS |


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