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
Related posts:
- Rolls Royce Phantom
- Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe – British Aristocrat
- Rolls Royce – Elegance and Style
- Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit Information
- The Rolls Royce Mascot