2013 Rolls-Royce Ghost Alpine Trial Edition

“The sight of a group of cars running up a mountain road at high speed with a superb easy gait, to which little variation in the road surface gave the semblance of a greyhound in its stride, was inspiring…” The Autocar, June 1913.

AutoChina Shanghai 2013 also plays host to the world debut of the latest Bespoke Collection from the world’s pinnacle super-luxury marque.

The Alpine Trial Centenary Collection celebrates an extraordinary moment in Rolls-Royce and automotive history. A century ago this June, four Rolls-Royce Silver Ghosts embarked on the Austrian Alpine Trials, the most arduous test of automotive endurance of the time.

In performing without fault over 1820 gruelling miles of near impassable mountain terrain, the Rolls-Royce works team and privateer entrant James Radley helped cement the marque’s reputation for peerless reliability and mechanical excellence, a reputation the company proudly retains today. In doing so establishing the legend of Rolls-Royce as maker of the ‘Best Car in the World’.

This limited edition of Rolls-Royce Ghosts feature exquisitely crafted design cues that pay tribute to these extraordinary motor cars. The exterior paint hue, for example takes close inspiration from Radley’s Silver Ghost, a car that stands side-by-side with the 2013 model in Shanghai.

The Radley car’s distinct black grille and wheels are also replicated across the collection – the first time a painted grille has adorned a contemporary Rolls-Royce motor car.

The cabin plays host to Bespoke details that elegantly tell the story of the Alpine Trial. The clock displays the rally’s timing schedule, whilst inlays to rear picnic tables and the front fascia express the topography and distances of the Alpine route. Each element is meticulously hand-crafted and researched to ensure accuracy, epitomising hallmark Rolls-Royce attention to detail.

A hand-painted coach-line referencing the four participating Rolls-Royces and headlining, colour-matched to the hood of Radley’s car completes a beautiful homage.

This is the first time a Bespoke model has taken inspiration from a heritage Rolls-Royce.

“The 1913 Alpine Trial was an extraordinary moment in the rich history of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. China, a country with a profound appreciation of heritage is the perfect place to launch this exceptional Bespoke collection.” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “The standards of engineering and pioneer spirit required to achieve such feats stands as inspiration to everyone associated with the marque. The Bespoke Alpine Trial Centenary Collection is a fitting tribute to these achievements. It is testament to the enduring quality of a Rolls-Royce motor car that this 2013 car stand side-by-side with a participant in the original trials, the 1913 Radley Silver Ghost.”

In Detail