PHANTOM HIRE'S BLOG

The Rolls-Royce Spectre is by far the most technologically advanced model to be produced by its eponymous manufacturer, but it didn’t just appear overnight. The company’s history reveals the Spectre to be the culmination of nearly 100 years of technological advancements. This article aims to provide a comprehensive breakdown of the history of the Rolls-Royce company. We will break down how a series of technological developments from the late 19th Century all the way through to the present day, and how these paved the way for the release of the Spectre.

Rolls-Royce’s Birth and Golden Age (1904-1960):

1904: Henry Royce, the owner of an electrical company called Royce Limited, teams up with luxury car owner Charles Rolls to manufacture a new luxury car; the Rolls-Royce. 

1906: The first official formation of the Rolls-Royce company takes place, following the success of its first launch of cars. 

1914: The Rolls-Royce Eagle engine is developed in response to the increased demand for military aero engines during World War I. 

1919: By the time the war ends, Rolls-Royce had begun to use the Eagle engine for other purposes. For example, it is used to power the first-ever transatlantic flight. The plane flew from Newfoundland in Canada to Galway in Ireland. 

1925: The mid 20s saw the introduction of the Rolls-Royce Phantom I, a larger, luxurious model designed to appeal to wealthy, upper-class customers. 

1940: Rolls-Royce’s Merlin engine was used to power the British military planes during the Battle of Britain. This transforms the company into a household name.

1946: Rolls-Royce increases its dominance in the luxury car market by acquiring Bentley Motors.

Post-War Innovation & International Expansion (1960s-1990s):

1960: Rolls-Royce develops a new engine for the Lockheed Tri-Star commercial airliner. This cements the company as a household name.

1971: In the early 70s, Rolls-Royce Motors Limited is established as a separate car business from the main Rolls Royce Company. That same year, the company was taken into state ownership following early problems with the RB-211 Engine.

1990: Rolls-Royce forms an aero engines joint venture with BMW, later forming Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co, which becomes the hub of development for Rolls-Royce’s two-shaft engines. 

New Models & A More Sustainable Future (2003-present):

2003: Upon entering the 21st century, the first new Rolls-Royce model since the 1960s is released – the Rolls-Royce Phantom.

2010: Following the Phantom’s explosion in popularity, Rolls-Royce decides to launch a more accessible model that would be aimed at a much younger client base. This model would be named the ‘Rolls-Royce Ghost’. 

2015: Rolls-Royce takes a turn towards creating more driver-focused cars with the introduction of the Rolls-Royce Dawn.

2017: The company takes a step into new waters when it introduces its first-ever luxury SUV, known as the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.

2021: The company announces that it will go completely electric by 2030. This was in response to growing environmental concerns & the changing automotive market.

2023: The company introduces the Spectre, its first fully electric Rolls Royce, marking a historic shift in the brand’s approach to luxury cars.

Book Your Rolls-Royce Vehicle From Phantom Hire Today:

Rolls-Royce’s extensive history of innovation shows the company’s readiness to evolve and adapt to a changing world, which means adjusting its products to suit customer wants and needs. This same desire to please clients is also what drives the team at Phantom Hire. We want to ensure that your journey is as smooth and enjoyable as possible by offering up one of our luxury vehicles for your services. Whatever you need, our eclectic fleet and award-winning services are here to make sure that you enjoy a journey to remember.

For more information on the Spectre, check out the following helpful pages:

• Phantom Hire’s Guide to the Rolls-Royce Spectre
• 4 Reasons to Hire the Spectre