#automotive #rolls-royce #ghost #luxury
“Like the masterpieces that came a century before, the Ghost is one of the finest cars in the world”–Paul Ebeling
For many, a Rolls-Royce is the ultimate status symbol. It does not matter if you are being chauffeured around in the recently updated Phantom or in the smaller Ghost, owning a Rolls is the best way to show the world you made it in life. Aside from the decadence and ultra-smooth ride, part of the appeal has to do with tradition. Goodwood’s history is littered with examples of excellence, like the original Silver Ghost.
The most iconic Rolls-Royce, the Silver Ghost cemented the company’s reputation for unparalleled quality and durability. With these positive associations, it is no surprise the Ghost nameplate has remained after all this time. At a recent owners club event, Rolls-Royce decided it would be a wonderful idea for the original to meet its namesake, an astonishing 114 years after its debut.
In terms of exterior design, the modern-day Ghost very different than its spiritual predecessor. Where the Silver Ghosts are upright and stately, the “post-opulence” theme applied to the contemporary Ghost results in a far more restrained and inconspicuous look. Sleek they may be, but the vintage models get the nod in terms of beauty and elegance.
The open-top Claret model you see here was built in Y 1923 and was originally supplied new to the United Kingdom as a limousine. Four decades later, it was brought over to the United States where it soon found refuge in the caring hands of Doug and Mary White, the North Carolina-based couple drive their Silver Ghost regularly and have covered more than 100,000 miles in the grand old dame.
The Silver Ghost comes from a time when coachbuilding was de rigeur. Monied customers bought a rolling chassis and an engine and then took it to a company that would put their personal touch on the mechanical masterpiece. Mulliner Park Ward is a well-known example, but both of these Silver Ghosts were bodied by Smiths. Of course, the new models all have the same elegant bodywork but Goodwood’s phenomenal Bespoke service adds a unique touch to every vehicle.
The Ghost is an important car for the brand and has brought thousands of customers to the Rolls-Royce fold since the 1st generation was introduced in Y 2010. “Ghost remains one of the most popular members of our family. No name has been more successful…over the past century and especially over the past 20 years marking the Goodwood era,” said the company’s Martin Pritchard.
Rolls-Royce will soon step out of its comfort zone with the Spectre, its 1st production electric vehicle. Customers used to the punch of a near-silent V12 will be right at home in the battery-powered Spectre. Rumors suggest it will pack up to 650 horsepower, which should be more than adequate for most needs.
It is just a matter of time before the company’s most popular model also goes the way of the Spectre, but I do not expect that to happen soon.
Have a prosperous week, Keep the Faith!
