Pebble Beach: Rolls gets wings

Not content with adding the sort of added-value decals and decor see on special-edition models from other ‘lesser’ brands, Rolls-Royce wheeled out a limited-run ‘Aviator Collection’ version of its Phantom Coupe at Pebble Beach over the weekend.

Limited to just 35 examples worldwide, Rolls says the Phantom Coupe Aviator Collection is inspired by Charles Stewart Rolls and various Rolls-Royce-powered aircraft, and designed to celebrate “the spirit of human endeavour that drove a very British hero and subsequently led Rolls-Royce to simultaneous world speed records on land, air and in the water”.

Like most limited-editions, the aviation-series special adds a range of exclusive design features, colour combinations and new materials to the standard Phantom Coupe, which costs $1.26 million plus on-road charges in Australia.

They include a contrasting matt paint colour for the bonnet and window and grille surrounds, while the cockpit-themed wood and metal-highlighted interior features a Thommen aviation-grade clock with blood orange needle tips embedded in the metal foil upper fascia, complemented by matt-black dials for the ‘power reserve’, speedo and fuel gauges.

Mahogany veneer graces the lower fascia, polished stainless steel veneer ‘onlays’ with bullet-shaped ends are designed to match the fixings of the unique leather floor mats and specific cup-holders are engineered in highly polished aluminium.

There is also a leather-lined glovebox featuring an embossed Charles Rolls quote following his first flight with the Wright Brothers in 1908: “The power of flight is as a fresh gift from the Creator, the greatest treasure yet given to man”.

In addition, a centre console chrome plaque describes Rolls – only the second man in Britain to hold a pilot’s licence – simply as Pioneer Aviator, below a representation of his sweeping signature.

Rounding out the Aviator Collection models are unique design touches designed to recall the victories of various Supermarine S6B seaplanes that contested the Schneider Trophy between 1931 and 1933 powered by Rolls-Royce R Type engines.

Collection cars — all of which are finished in Aviator Grey paint — celebrate the S6B with a transmission tunnel and armrests featuring anodised aluminium highlights with exposed torx fixings and swage lines said to echo the oil cooling veins on the S6B fuselage side.

According to Rolls-Royce, the Schneider Trophy was held in the South of England above Solent and the Witterings in West Sussex - no more than 10 miles from the current home of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in Goodwood, England. The S6B was powered by the Rolls-Royce Merlin V12, and was a prototype of sorts for the famous Spitfire fighter aircraft of the Second World War.

“Our founding forefather Charles Stewart Rolls was a pioneer who pushed the boundaries of motoring and aviation to the limit,” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Rolls-Royce CEO.

“With our exclusive Phantom Coupé Aviator Collection we celebrate this great British hero, presenting a car which hints at experiments in early flight married to the best engineering, modern design and exquisitely crafted materials. The collection takes Rolls-Royce Bespoke to new levels of subtle, yet beautiful detailing.”

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