Lesser-known facts about Rolls-Royce, the British luxury carmaker
What's the story
Rolls-Royce is synonymous with luxury and sophistication. The British carmaker has been a symbol of status and wealth for more than a century. The company's journey began in 1904 when engineer Henry Royce partnered with aristocrat Charles Rolls to create one of the world's most prestigious automotive brands. Here are some interesting facts about Rolls-Royce that highlight its rich history and commitment to excellence.
First model
Royce 10 was the 1st-ever Rolls-Royce car
The first-ever Rolls-Royce, dubbed the Royce 10, was launched in 1904. It was powered by a 1.8-liter two-cylinder engine that produced 10hp. The vehicle featured advanced engineering for its time, including a three-bearing crank and twin camshafts controlling side exhaust and overhead valves. It also came with a three-speed manual transmission to ensure smooth performance on the road.
Iconic mascot
The Spirit of Ecstasy first debuted in 1911
Rolls-Royce's iconic hood ornament, The Spirit of Ecstasy, was first seen in 1911. It was commissioned by car collector Baron John Edward Scott-Montagu and is said to be modeled after his secretary-turned-mistress Eleanor Thornton. The statue originally had her finger on her lips as a nod to their decade-long affair. After Thornton died at sea in 1915, sculptor Charles Sykes adopted the design for Rolls-Royce cars.
Design details
Rolls-Royce redesigned the mascot in 2022
Despite its many revamps, the Spirit of Ecstasy has remained a constant feature on Rolls-Royce cars. At first glance, it looks like the figure has wings, but those are actually flowing robes. In 2022, Rolls-Royce redesigned the mascot to make it more aerodynamic. "Now, she is a true goddess of speed," said Rolls-Royce in their announcement at the time.
Ownership transfer
BMW paid $40 million to Volkswagen for mascot rights
When BMW acquired Rolls-Royce from Volkswagen in 2002, the rights to The Spirit of Ecstasy were owned by Volkswagen. The latter demanded a whopping $40 million to hand over the rights to BMW. In a surprising move, BMW agreed and paid the amount.
Durability
Over half of all Rolls-Royce cars are still running today
Rolls-Royce is known for making cars that stand the test of time. The brand's commitment to quality has resulted in a staggering statistic: at least 65% of all Rolls-Royce cars ever made are still running on roads today. This speaks volumes about the durability and longevity of these luxury vehicles, making them a worthwhile investment for many.
Engineering feats
Rolls-Royce once developed a revolutionary machine gun during WWII
During World War II, Dr. Spirito Mario Viale, head of the Rolls-Royce engineering team, developed a revolutionary .5 caliber machine gun. The gun fired at double the rate of its predecessor but was plagued by frequent jamming and excessive muzzle flash. Despite these issues, it was an impressive feat of engineering for its time and is still on display at Leeds's Royal Armouries Museum in England.
Speed milestones
Sir Malcolm Campbell set speed records with Rolls-Royce engines
In the 1930s, Rolls-Royce's 2,300hp, 36.7-liter supercharged V-12 engines were known for their blistering performance. The speed record was first set in 1933 by Sir Malcolm Campbell at a jaw-dropping 439km/h. He later took his land rocket to Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats and recorded an even more impressive run of 485km/h in 1935!