If you like cars and haven’t heard of Rolls-Royce, then you may as well have been living under a bush for the majority of the last century! Not only are Rolls-Royce a properly old and well established company, but they are well-known for producing some of the most luxurious and expensive executive cars that you can find around the world. Every little thing about the cars is meticulous and intentional, a feat of engineering that has bought them a great deal of respect and which has kept them going through all the trials and tribulations the last 100 years or so has thrown at them.
Rolls-Royce cars are so popular that there is even a mass market out there for used Rolls-Royces, with lots of dealerships scattered all around the country. Considering their huge starting price it is also worth mentioning that they barely seem to depreciate, instead staying as a largely unachievable status symbol for as long as they are looked after carefully and are professionally maintained.
With such a long and distinguished heritage, it only seems right that this most respected and established British brand has an equally respected and prestigious abode. Enter Goodwood, the Rolls-Royce headquarters situated appropriately in the heart of the British countryside. Considering the regal fronting and amazing quality of this esteemed mansion, it is often hard to understand the modern and technical nature of the engineering work and design that goes on within.
If the historic estate is a regal and antiquated setting, then don’t let that make you assume that the building itself will be fuddy-duddy and old-fashioned. After all, Rolls-Royce entered the 21st century a way ahead of the crowd, and they built a headquarters to represent this. This explains the fact that the Goodwood location, a venue for all sorts of racing events and festivals, has a mile long glass section that allows eager visitors to get a glimpse of the famous Rolls assembly lines, which is of course where the magic happens – and where those beautiful car designs are magically made into a luxurious reality!
The Goodwood location really is the perfect representation of the Rolls-Royce brand. If you could sum the style and the attitude to car creation up in an architectural representation, then it is fair to say that this is exactly what a Used Rolls-Royce will look like in most people’s heads. It is mainly to do with the fact that if you look at an actual Rolls car, you don’t just see for wheels and a chassis. Instead, you see a beautiful creation, with a strong bold design and a certain style that suggests a true to god pedigree. Then you drive it, and you realise the incredibly workmanship and modern design is in the engine too, as it drive like nothing else on earth. This is why the Goodwood location is so apt – because you get that same vintage feel with lots of heritage, but effortlessly combined with a set of modern looking, liking and materials.
Pete J Ridgard
Used Rolls Royce – How Has Different Ownership Changed It?
The emblem that adorns the bonnet of all Rolls Royce models is called the ‘Spirit Of Ecstasy’ and I for one can really think of no better tribute to one of the all time greatest car manufacturers ever. As the Rolls Royce brand is over a century old (103 years to be exact) there can be no doubt that models such as the Phantom have truly become integral parts of automotive history, shaping and revolutionising what is possible in prestige vehicles. However, the Rolls Royce Company has changed hands a great many times. This is a trend mirrored by practically every automotive company that began life on British soil. From Bentley, to MINI, one by one they have all been bought up by larger companies such a BMW. The question is, how has new ownership changed the traditional visage and performance of the Rolls Royce.
The newer Phantom is as good a place as any to start. Visually, the similarities between the Phantom and an older model such as the Camargue are hard to spot, other than the ‘Spirit Of Ecstasy’ emblem on the bonnet. It would seem like the current owners (BMW) have focused more on the performance side of things, rather than necessarily the aesthetics.
The Phantom has a more powerful 6.75 Litre V12 engine than any other Rolls Royce model ever manufactured. It produces 453 BHP, which is absolutely incredible. It seems like the Phantom has been designed as a stately and impressive motorcade, but it is also able to speed off in a matter of seconds if required.
Whether the ownership has had any major effects on the direction of the brand is hard to tell. All I have been able to surmise is that although the Phantom is very powerful, it doesn’t have some of the elegance and class that older models like a Used Rolls Royce Camargue have.
Pete J Ridgard
I have owned and driven a used Rolls Royce Silver Seraph for five years now, the car that Rolls Royce eventually developed into the Phantom. I bought the Silver Seraph following a long search – I’d wanted one since seeing the car in a TV programme years ago. From then on I was hooked! Several years and much saving up later I finally achieved my long-awaited dream.
What a car the Silver Seraph is. It really is a piece of British heritage, and I’m so happy to own a British-built Rolls Royce. Knowing that my car was one of the last to be built at Crewe is just the icing on the cake. The Silver Seraph is a little bit like me – it’s old and quite slow to get going!
If you are looking for a car that takes you from 0-60mph before you can blink, the Silver Seraph is not for you. If, however, you love to take leisurely, luxurious drives around the countryside, this car is a dream. You will struggle to find a more luxurious car.
I prefer to drive than be driven, and my wife and I like nothing more than to pack a picnic and disappear off for a drive through some leafy lanes. We drive on to our favourite spot then take our time over lunch while we read the Sunday papers. The Used Rolls Royce Silver Seraph’s built-in picnic table is just perfect, and if rain stops play we can dine in comfort in the spacious rear of the car. The risk is then that we are so comfortable on the soft leather seats that we fall asleep!
I think Rolls Royce broke the mould when they designed the car. No other car I’ve driven has given me the same satisfaction. It’s not an everyday car, but it sure does put a smile on my face.
Pete J Ridgard
Used Rolls Royce – Buying a Car of Amazing Quality
Since 1904, the first year that the Rolls Royce was created, developed, and manufactured, it has become the standard of quality and wealth for car owners. It is well known globally as a signature car that is used by members of royal families, and only the most wealthy and established families. For that reason, only the elite are able to own them, since they are considerably more expensive than other luxury cars. But for someone who has the money to spend, but might not want to buy one brand new, something to consider might be to buy a Used Rolls Royce.
A Used Rolls Royce can still offer all of the amenities and the status of a brand new Rolls Royce, but at a fraction of the cost. A new car can be anywhere from $250,000 to $450,000. They are very expensive, but even new ones are well worth the cost because they will last a lifetime. It is very important to remember that when you are buying a used car, other used cars are deteriorating because they were not made well, but a Rolls is still in great condition.
There are many reasons that a Rolls Royce is a great option. One of the well known facts about the Rolls cars is that they are all hand made. Because they are hand made, there are not nearly as many problems with the parts and the way everything is put together. You are ensured that there was a person that was caring for each part of the car as it was being put together.
For anyone that wants to impress with the status symbol of having a Used Rolls Royce, it is a great idea to check out all the options, and all the prices for the perfect one for you. There are many reasons why it is one of the best ideas to get a car that is not only going to give you the impression that you want to make, but will last you for years and years to come. Any person wants to invest in something that is known for quality.
Pete J Ridgard