To mark the centenary of the first non-stop transatlantic flight, this week Rolls-Royce Motor Cars released previously-unseen design sketches of its latest Collection Car, the Wraith Eagle VIII. Its collection of 50 motor cars tells the epic tale of the pioneering flight of Captain John Alcock and Lieutenant Arthur Brown. The duo conquered unchartered skies to cross the Atlantic Ocean in a Vickers Vimy aircraft, powered by twin Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII engines, exactly 100 years ago.
These sketches — envisioned by the Bespoke Collective of the House of Rolls-Royce — offer a rare and intimate insight into the creative journey undertaken by Rolls-Royce designers as they worked to express an extraordinary act of courage within the palette of what one would normally from a beloved Rolls-Royce motor car.
Said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars: “The unique skill of our Bespoke Design Collective sees the story of one of the most pivotal moments of the 20thcentury, the first non-stop transatlantic flight, told using Wraith, a motor car which speaks of power, drama and adventure. Wraith Eagle VIII is a modern masterpiece – these sketches offer an extraordinary insight into its creation.”
These designs highlight the remarkable attention to detail of Rolls-Royce Bespoke craftsmanship. The starlight headliner sketch shows cloud embroidery, the halfway point coordinates and the flight path of Alcock and Brown. A further detailed sketch shows the night-time view from above, as expertly incorporated into Wraith’s fascia, in the form of a gold, silver and copper inlay. The sketch of the Collection Car’s clock depicts an iced background effect reminiscent of the freezing instrument panels of the adventurers, while the clock’s green night time glow is illustrated, a direct reference to the only light seen by Alcock and Brown as they crossed the Atlantic.
Wraith Eagle VIII, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ latest Collection Car will be created for discerning collectors at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex – a Centre of Global Luxury Manufacturing Excellence. More information on the Wraith Eagle VIII can be found online at www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com.
