Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has once again captivated the world with the unveiling of its latest masterpiece, the Wraith Eagle VIII Collection Car. Presented on the elegant shores of Lake Como at the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, this remarkable vehicle is more than just a car; it’s a tribute to a pivotal moment in history and a testament to Rolls-Royce’s unparalleled bespoke craftsmanship. Limited to just 50 examples worldwide, the Rolls-Royce Wraith Eagle VIII is designed to tell the incredible story of the first non-stop transatlantic flight, forever linking the spirit of adventure with the luxury and innovation synonymous with the Rolls-Royce Wraith.
Celebrating a Century of Aviation History
The Rolls-Royce Wraith Eagle VIII Collection commemorates the 100-year anniversary of Captain John Alcock and Lieutenant Arthur Brown’s groundbreaking achievement in June 1919. These intrepid aviators, contemporaries of Sir Henry Royce himself, defied the limits of human endeavor by completing the first non-stop transatlantic flight. Taking off from St. John’s, Newfoundland, they navigated the uncharted skies to land in Clifden, Ireland. Their aircraft, a modified First World War Vickers Vimy bomber, was powered by two robust 20.3-litre, 350 bhp Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII engines. It’s this very engine that lends its name to this exclusive collection, honoring not just the flight, but the unwavering reliability of Rolls-Royce engineering.
Sir Winston Churchill aptly captured the magnitude of their feat, remarking, “I do not know what we should most admire – their audacity, determination, skill, science, their aeroplane, their Rolls-Royce engines – or their good fortune“. This perilous journey propelled 20th-century society forward, and Alcock and Brown rightfully earned their place among legends like Donald Campbell, individuals who pushed beyond perceived limitations to achieve the impossible, all powered by Rolls-Royce.
The challenges faced by Alcock and Brown were immense, testing both man and machine. From instrument failures to flying blind through dense cloud and freezing fog, sometimes even upside down, their journey was fraught with danger. Yet, amidst all adversity, the Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII engines remained steadfast, propelling them at an average speed of 115 mph. It was their unwavering reliability, coupled with Brown’s exceptional navigation skills using the stars, that guided them to the Irish coast.
The Wraith Eagle VIII: A Bespoke Masterpiece
Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, describes the Wraith Eagle VIII as “at once an object of desire; an homage to heroes and a protagonist to today’s visionaries.” This Collection is a stunning showcase of the Bespoke Collective’s extraordinary talent at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex. Bespoke remains the pinnacle of the marque, crafting luxury items that stand apart from mass-produced options, offering true individuality to discerning clientele. The Rolls-Royce Wraith, in its Eagle VIII guise, exemplifies this philosophy, blending historical reverence with contemporary luxury.
Exterior Design: Echoes of the Night Flight
The exterior of the Wraith Eagle VIII is designed to evoke the atmosphere of Alcock and Brown’s nighttime adventure. Finished in a striking Gunmetal hue with a Selby Grey upper two-tone, the colors are divided by a refined brass feature line, hinting at the intricate details within. The black grille vanes are a direct nod to the Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII engine cowling on the Vickers Vimy aircraft, creating a visual link to its historical inspiration. The wheels are meticulously part-polished with a translucent shadow finish, adding to the car’s sophisticated and understated aesthetic.
Interior Luxury: A Cockpit Inspired by the Stars
Stepping inside the Rolls-Royce Wraith Eagle VIII is like entering a luxurious cockpit that seamlessly blends historical references with modern opulence. The interior echoes the exterior color scheme with Selby Grey and black leather, accented by elegant brass detailing. This brass is reminiscent of the sextant, a crucial navigational instrument for the transatlantic flight. Brass accents are thoughtfully incorporated throughout the cabin, including speaker covers that depict the estimated flight distance of 1,880 miles and ‘RR’ monograms embroidered in brass-colored thread on the headrests. A brass flash enhances the navigator door panniers, while the driver’s door features a brass plaque inscribed with Churchill’s quote, commemorating the duo’s remarkable achievements.
The fascia is a true work of art, representing a modern abstract interpretation of the view Alcock and Brown would have witnessed as they emerged from the clouds to navigate by the stars. Smoked Eucalyptus wood is vacuum metalized in gold before being inlaid with silver and copper, creating a rich and detailed depiction of the Earth as seen from above at night. This scene extends to the center console, providing an immersive and emotive experience. Below, the brass-stitched quilted sides of the center tunnel pay homage to the V12 engined Vickers Vimy.
Even the clock in the Rolls-Royce Wraith Eagle VIII, often considered a piece of jewelry in Rolls-Royce vehicles, tells a story. Recalling the frozen instrument panel in the aviators’ aircraft, the Bespoke Collective has crafted a clock with an iced background effect that emits a faint green glow in nighttime driving conditions, mirroring the control panel lighting and engine flame of the Vickers Vimy. The red hour hand sits atop compass-inspired lines, and the landing location coordinates are subtly engraved below.
Perhaps the most captivating feature is the unique starlight headliner. Using 1,183 starlight fibers, it recreates the celestial arrangement at the precise time of the 1919 flight. The flight path and constellations are intricately embroidered in brass thread, while a red fiber optic light marks the exact moment the pair broke through the clouds to navigate by the stars. Embroidered clouds and a plaque detailing the celestial arrangement at the halfway point of their journey further enhance this breathtaking feature, making the Rolls-Royce Wraith cabin a truly celestial experience.
Rolls-Royce Power: The Heart of Adventure
The Rolls-Royce Wraith Eagle VIII not only celebrates history but also embodies the spirit of innovation and engineering excellence that has always been at the heart of the Rolls-Royce brand. The original Eagle VIII engines were crucial to the success of Alcock and Brown’s flight, and this legacy of powerful and reliable engines continues in the modern Rolls-Royce Wraith. Just as those pioneering engines propelled aviation forward, today’s Rolls-Royce engines deliver unparalleled performance and refinement, ensuring that every journey is an extraordinary experience. The Rolls-Royce Wraith stands as a symbol of pushing boundaries, both in performance and in bespoke luxury.
The Rolls-Royce Wraith Eagle VIII Collection is a testament to the enduring spirit of adventure and the relentless pursuit of perfection. Limited to just 50 examples, this exceptional motor car is destined to become a highly sought-after collectible, embodying the pinnacle of luxury and commemorating a truly historic achievement, forever linking the Rolls-Royce Wraith name with the audacity and triumph of the first transatlantic flight.
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