Born From Props: Rolls Royce Presents Supermarine S6B Inspired Special Model Collection
This will be a wee complicated and very British: The Schneider Trophy, a prize competition for seaplanes was won several times by a Supermarine S6B, which in turn was powered by a Rolls-Royce R Type engine. Follow so far? What does this have to do with cars? Honestly, not the foggiest. But Rolls-Royce Motor Cars proudly presents the Phantom Coupé Aviator Collection, which is said to be inspired by said seaplanes. Still with me? Alright.
The first in a collection of 35 Phantom Coupé Aviator Collection models – which feature a suite of exclusive design concepts, colour combinations and new materials – debuts today at the Pebble Beach Quail gathering in the United States. And here are some pictures.
Says the press release:
“Finished in Aviator Grey, the Phantom Coupé Aviator Collection features a contrasting matt bonnet, window and grille surround while inside, the interplay of wood and metal hint strongly at a cockpit theme. A Thommen, aviation-grade clock with blood orange needle tips is embedded in the metal foil upper fascia, complemented by matt black dials for power reserve, speedometer and fuel gauges.”
“Fitted with leather floor mats, Aviator Collection cars have also been designed to incorporate the Rolls-Royce of cup holders. Beautifully engineered in highly polished aluminium, the designer’s aim was to deliver functionality, but with that special combination of theatre and jewellery, both of which are expected by every Rolls-Royce client.”
Did I hear “How much?” If you had to ask, you probably can’t afford it.
Bertel Schmitt comes back to journalism after taking a 35 year break in advertising and marketing. He ran and owned advertising agencies in Duesseldorf, Germany, and New York City. Volkswagen A.G. was Bertel's most important corporate account. Schmitt's advertising and marketing career touched many corners of the industry with a special focus on automotive products and services. Since 2004, he lives in Japan and China with his wife <a href="http://www.tomokoandbertel.com"> Tomoko </a>. Bertel Schmitt is a founding board member of the <a href="http://www.offshoresuperseries.com"> Offshore Super Series </a>, an American offshore powerboat racing organization. He is co-owner of the racing team Typhoon.
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What I want to know is this: Where is the hand throttle quadrant with the safety wire stretched across the top third of the gate? Yessir, War Emergency Powah! You shove the lever through the wire, and Holy Hell, Squadron Leader Reginald Rogers (Ninky to his friends), that Mercedes S Klasse rapidly approaching in the rear-view mirror once again becomes a small dot, as the mighty Rolls speeds towards the canteen at Biggin Hill and a well-deserved meal for the pilot of real eggs and bacon, washed down with great draughts of hot strong tea. "We got away from that dastardly Hun today, Nige," quoth Reg. "Pity it had to be in a Roller with a dam' BMW engine," replied his chum Nigel. "What is this world coming to?!" This car appears to meet all the criteria for excellent bad taste, and should sell well to people with far too much money and an outlook untroubled by true nostalgia. There must be a few dozen somewhere on this planet. Aluminium cup holders? Where is the bladder overflow line and bottle for those really scary moments when the sphincter muscle is truly clenched and only a p will do? Those modern marketers missed adding a truly unique accessory! Crafted in modern materials, of course.
I'd buy that fer a dollar!