The Awesome History of the legend Brand “Rolls Royce”

What makes a Rolls-Royce motor car unique is the combination of advanced technology and timeless attention to the finest detail, creating an individually commissioned motor car which meets each and every owner's personal needs and tastes. The name is a legend. The reputation is unique. Throughout the company's proud history, Rolls-Royce has been dedicated to the hand-crafting of supremely refined motor cars, commissioned to reflect the personal needs and tastes of individual discerning owners. It is a fact that there is no more universally recognised and admired blend of advanced technology and timeless craftsmanship than a Rolls-Royce. A partnership between Charles Stewart Rolls and Frederick Henry Royce, British-based Rolls-Royce Ltd. was officially formed in 1906. The company's six-cylinder Silver Ghost was unveiled that same year. Right from the start, the company's dedication to excellence was clear; the Silver Ghost exhibited amazing attention to detail and remarkable quality, and promptly earned kudos for being "the best car in the world." During the '20s, the automaker acquired a second factory in Springfield, Massachusetts to help keep up with rising demand; the factory remained open for 10 years. The '20s also saw the launch of the Phantom I, a car that was powered by an all-new, pushrod-operated overhead valve engine with detachable cylinder heads — cutting-edge technology for its time. Rolls-Royce added another, very similar brand to its family with the acquisition of Bentley in 1931. For decades following the takeover, Rolls and Bentley vehicles were almost identical mechanically. The company hit a rough patch in the early 1970s. Problems with an engine contract led to severe financial difficulties, which in turn caused the manufacturer to file for bankruptcy. The company was eventually nationalized by the British government. In 1980, Rolls was purchased by Vickers PLC. The Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit was launched in 1981; the car was the first of a new generation of Rolls vehicles. Mechanically, the Silver Spirit was designed to meet strict new international safety and emissions regulations. Aesthetically, the car was styled to appeal to a younger generation of buyers, with a clean new look that was very much in step with the times.Rolls changed hands yet again in the '90s. Vickers put the marque up for sale, and BMW seemed like a front-runner to take the reins; however, in a surprise move, Volkswagen outbid BMW. The two German automakers arranged for VW to relinquish control of the Rolls-Royce name on January 1, 2003, with VW keeping Bentley and the Crewe plant. As a result, BMW has built a $100 million facility in Goodwood, England, to accommodate the distinguished British manufacturer. These days, the Rolls-Royce family of vehicles is comprised of a trio of majestic Phantoms — the sedan, coupe and Drophead (British for convertible) — as well as the smaller, "entry level" Ghost. While there are other automakers also offering cars at these rarefied price points, we don't doubt the company's ability to keep rolling for the foreseeable future.