When Charles Rolls and Henry Royce got together, they created what is arguably the most iconic brand of all time, Rolls Royce.

Rolls Royce is not only the name of a posh carriage, oh no. It has passed into the lexicon of modern English to mean the apex, the pinnacle, the cream of the cream, the top of the tree. It might even be said that the Rolls Royce, is the Rolls Royce of motor cars. See what I did there?

Front and centre of most Rollers since the beginning, is Charles Sykes’ flying lady, the Spirit of Ecstasy. It comes from a time when bonnet ornaments ruled, the bigger the better. That wasn’t good enough for the people at Rolls Royce. Their posh motors were being adorned with all manner of “inappropriate” fittings and Rolls Royce was not best pleased.

It went through several versions, including “the Wisper”, modelled a lady called Elenore Thornton.  Somehow the robed whispering lady wasn’t quite right, and the modern mascot was born. Some 1934 Rolls Royce cars had a kneeling lady instead. She was discontinued in favour of a smaller version of the standing model, as the first versions blocked a little too much of the view ahead.

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ABOVE: Rolls Royce through the years

That brings us up to the present. In 2003, the new Phantom was born under the stewardship of BMW, with its 7.6cm Spirit of Ecstasy. Fixed bonnet mascots don’t comply with modern standards, so are now fixed to sprung-loaded mounts which lowers her into the grille when parked, and when an unexpected incident occurs.

In the early years, Rolls Royce bodies were coach-built by craftsmen such as Mulliner Park Ward.  Previous generations had a single model in various body styles, and in 2003 Phantom stood alone, in a standard or long wheelbase body. Now, there is a veritable cornucopia of body shapes that have sprung up like gilded mushrooms. There are convertibles, coupes, limousines, SUVs, and a more personally sized “Ghost” 4 door for those who like to give the chauffeur a day off.

What the boys said (a series of random thoughts):

Max:

When the 2003 Bangle Roller came out, I was as horrified as I was at the terrible BMW 7 Series. Whereas the 7 Series mercifully vanished from roads, the Phantom has grown on me. It is way out of my price range, but it doesn’t mean I can’t marvel at the wonderful excess.

A family friend had an early version of the second generation, and took me on a road trip. I rather think he had designs on more than a drive, but that’s a story for another time. We stopped at his country pile in the Hunter to replenish snacks and drinks, where I saw his big surprise. IN the shed stood a pristine Cloud III Drop head Coupe, a Series II Corniche, and a rather shabby Camargue. We took all three for a turn in the countryside, punctuated by lunch in a country pub.

An experience from the back seat of a Rolls Royce is something all should have on their bucket list.

Favourite Rolls Royce: Ghost

Casper:

I’ve loved every single Rolls Royce, ever. I had models in my boyhood bedroom. Other kids had Lambos and Mercs, but I lusted after the voluptuous limos and convertibles. The Corniche IV is still my favourite. Dad had the turbo model while posted briefly to a London gig. Sadly, the government wasn’t that keen to bring it back to Australia, the buggers.

Rolls Royce cars may well have crossed continents, but a 5,000km trip in an open top car on mud roads isn’t my idea of fun. I admire early explorer pluck, but that’s where it stops. It is sealed roads for this little black duck.

It is a car that stands proudly solo in its own niche, and is one that others have aspired to, but have never actually achieved.

Favourite Rolls Royce: Ghost Phantom

Ethan:

I rode in an old one once, a Silver Cloud, and it is true, there really was a silver lining. It was a wedding car festooned in silver lamé, as a shop-stopping centre piece to a no-expense-spared gay wedding. You should have seen the venue.

But modern Rolls Royces are where I’d want to be. I saw a new Dawn the other day, and decided, after much panting and the odd bit of drool,  that it was my aspirational car. The owner made the lady on the bonnet vanish, which made the little kids with me squeal with delight.

I bet there isn’t a person alive who doesn’t want a ride in a Rolls Royce.

I rather fancy the SUV, just because. Don’t hate me for it!

Favourite Rolls Royce: Ghost Cullinan

Alan:

There is an exception to every rule, and Rolls Royce is one such exception. There is nothing that Rolls Royce can’t provide for you if you have the money.

Some say that 8 out of every 10 Rolls Royces ever made are still on the road. Through many painful changes of ownership, one thing has remained: Rolls Royce is the epitome of luxury. Even the Americanised models like Silver Spirit were a thing to behold.

While Bentley was sold as the sportier version, I always wondered why people bothered. Now it is split off and owned by VW, Bentley lost any claim to being a Rolls Royce rival.

The only current model which is visually challenged is the Wraith, a coupe which just doesn’t do it for me. Dawn however, is serene. Some say Cullinan is not their cuppa, but I’m all for something a bit different.

Like all modern cars, Rolls Royce is crammed full of cutting edge technology, but they still ride like they’re on a cloud.

No matter what, I’ll always prefer a convertible. Of course, I’d collect it from Goodwood, and drive home via all of Europe.

Rolls Royce will always evoke feelings of comfort and luxury. It is perhaps the fact that it is out of reach, that makes it the thing that everyone wants, even if they won’t admit it. if you don’t believe me, try sneaking in to a showroom. Open the door and get in. Don’t be shy. Feel the leather, and caress the woodwork, but above all, try to resist running your fingers through the luscious, deep pile, of the soft lambs wool floor mats.

Favourite Rolls Royce: Dawn

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