Some interesting Rolls-Royce facts
The air conditioning in a Rolls-Royce has the cooling power of at least 30 domestic refrigerators.
-
The founders of the company, The Hon. Charles Stewart Rolls and Frederick Henry Royce first met on 4th May 1904 at The Midland Hotel in Manchester.
-
Sir Henry Royce, as he later became, in typically modest fashion, stated his profession as simply 'mechanic'.
-
The 'Spirit of Ecstasy', commonly known as the Flying Lady, was designed and adopted to stem the tide of distasteful mascots being used by owners. It is a myth that it is designed to deflect driving snow from hitting the windscreen. It is also untrue that it is made of solid silver.
-
Rolls-Royce personnel were referred to by initials: Sir Henry was known simply as 'R'.
-
Over 60% of all Rolls-Royces ever manufactured are still in existence today.
-
Goodwood is the new home of Rolls-Royce. Bentleys are still made in the former Rolls-Royce factory at Crewe.
-
A warning sign in the factory at Crewe reads 'Beware - Silent Cars'.
-
Sir Henry was once asked the speed of his production line. His immediate reply was something like "I think I saw it move last week!
-
Asked by a lady what would happen if a fault wasn't picked up by any of the quality inspectors, Sir Henry said "Madam, the man on the gate would not allow the car to leave the premises."
-
VW Group manufacture about the same number of cars in a week as Rolls-Royce did in their first 100 years of production.
-
Rolls-Royce cars never, ever break down. However, very occasionally, they may 'fail to proceed'. Similarly, in the extremely rare event of a starting problem, a Rolls-Royce could be said to have 'elected to remain stationary'.
-
The original Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, 60551 - known worldwide by its registration number AX 201 - is quite possibly the most travelled, as well as the most valuable car in the world. Having been taken in part-exchange by Rolls-Royce in 1948, it is now once again in private hands for the first time in over 70 years.
-
For two decades, AX 201 actually belonged to Bentley Motors Ltd (owned by VW) rather than Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd (owned by BMW).
-
Despite its value, AX 201 is no museum piece. It is regularly driven and is maintained to the highest standard.
-
Although they should never be referred to by the rather vulgar term 'Rollers', Sir Henry was happy to hear one of his cars called a Rolls. He is reputed to have once said that "Rolls is just the car's first name".
- Sir Henry died on 22 April 1933, aged 70. His ashes are buried in St Andrew's Church in Alwalton, the village in which he was born.
Some of the great man's quotes:
"Strive for perfection in everything you do.
Take the best that exists and make it better.
When it does not exist, design it."
"Quidvis recte factum quamvis humile praeclarum"
or in English:
"Whatsoever is rightly done, however humble, is noble."
"The quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten" - Sir Henry Royce