Rolls-Royce

Research, History, Reviews, Media & More

News / Models / Current Lineup / Model Hubs / Featured Stories / The Market / Events / Videos / Images

When Henry Royce was designing the first Rolls‑Royce, a friend advised him to “turn out a reliable car at a low price”. But Royce had other ideas. He sought to turn out “the best motor car in the world regardless of cost”. More than 100 years later, that same desire for perfection is the driving force behind Rolls‑Royce Motor Cars.

Since 1904, we’ve created instantly recognisable motor cars that have made the marque an icon all over the world. With a shared ambition to make the future of motoring extraordinary, the Honourable Charles Rolls and Sir Henry Royce joined forces in 1904. Despite being from very different backgrounds, the founders of Rolls‑Royce Motor Cars formed an unlikely partnership – one forged from a shared passion for engineering and a desire to create the Best Car in the World.

Rolls and Royce first met on 4 May 1904 in Manchester. Within minutes of seeing Royce’s twin-cylinder 10hp, Rolls knew he had found what he was looking for. After taking the motor car for a drive, Rolls agreed on the spot to sell as many motor cars as Royce could build, under the name Rolls‑Royce. One of Johnson’s early adverts for the 40/50hp motor car promoted it as: ‘The six-cylinder Rolls‑Royce – not one of the best, but the Best Car in the World.’ In that moment, he had introduced the phrase that would forever be associated with Rolls‑Royce.

Rolls‑Royce produced the 1907 Silver Ghost, the motor car that founded the marque’s legendary status. After faultlessly completing the 1913 Alpine Trial – a 14,371-mile drive through some of the toughest mountain terrain – the Silver Ghost had demonstrated such a level of comfort and reliability that critics named it ‘The Best Car in the World’. The rest as they say is history.

Since then, Rolls-Royce has been through a number of owners, lots of near-death experiences and a whole lot of amazingly memorable cars. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has always been the epitome of automotive luxury, but the last decade has witnessed a remarkable evolution for this iconic marque. Beyond the enduring presence of the Phantom, Rolls-Royce expanded its horizons, crafting new models that captivated a wider audience. The Wraith, a sleek and powerful coupe, brought a dynamic edge to the lineup, appealing to those who craved a more driver-focused experience. Then came the Dawn, a drop-top beauty that embodied open-air glamour and effortless sophistication. And who could forget the Cullinan, the "high-sided vehicle" that conquered the luxury SUV market with its commanding presence and go-anywhere capability?

But Rolls-Royce didn't just add new models; it reimagined its icons for a new generation. The eighth-generation Phantom emerged as a masterpiece of engineering and opulence, boasting a new aluminum architecture, cutting-edge technology, and an even more lavish interior. The Ghost, in its second generation, embraced a more contemporary aesthetic, emphasizing minimalist design and enhanced driving dynamics. Throughout this evolution, Rolls-Royce remained steadfast in its commitment to bespoke craftsmanship. Clients were empowered to personalize every aspect of their vehicles, from unique paint colors and exquisite interior materials to personalized embroidery and one-of-a-kind artwork.

Perhaps the most groundbreaking moment of the decade was the unveiling of the Spectre, Rolls-Royce's first all-electric production car. This sleek and seductive coupe marked a pivotal shift towards sustainable luxury, combining the marque's signature craftsmanship with a cutting-edge electric powertrain. Looking ahead, Rolls-Royce shows no signs of slowing down. We can anticipate even more innovative bespoke creations, further exploration of new segments, and a continued commitment to sustainable luxury. With a rich heritage as its foundation and a bold vision for the future, Rolls-Royce is poised to maintain its reign as the pinnacle of automotive excellence for generations to come.