Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Kuala Lumpur has brought in the ultra-rare Wraith Eagle VIII for one lucky Malaysian to purchase it. The Wraith Eagle VIII is available 50 units worldwide only thus making it a truly remarkable masterpiece to own. Why is it a truly remarkable masterpiece? Well let’s dive down to the story of making this masterpiece.
Stunning rich history that help inspired for production
The car was inspired when Captain John Alcock and Lieutenant Arthur Brown braved uncharted skies to make the first non-stop transatlantic flight in June, 1919. Contemporaries of Sir Henry Royce, Alcock and Brown flew non-stop from St. John’s, Newfoundland to Clifden, Ireland in a modified First World War Vickers Vimy bomber aircraft.
Thanks to a twin 20.3 litre, 350 bhp, Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII engines that powered the bi-plane, this Collection takes its name in honour it’s remarkable feat during that era. Rolls-Royce marked the 100 year anniversary of this feat last year with a highly contemporary Collection that speaks to today’s adventurers, whilst honouring those who changed the course of history.
“I do not know what we should most admire – their audacity, determination, skill, science, their aeroplane, their Rolls-Royce engines – or their good fortune”, commented Sir Winston Churchill, following the perilous journey that brought unfathomable advancement to 20th century society.
Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, commented, “Wraith Eagle VIII is at once an object of desire; an homage to heroes and a protagonist to today’s visionaries. This Rolls-Royce Collection demonstrates the extraordinary skill of our Bespoke Collective at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex. Bespoke remains the jewel in the crown of the marque, creating luxury items that defy the trend of mass luxury manufacturers using ‘tick-box’ options to answer customer demand.”
Added Anas Zawawi Khalid, Director, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars: “Rolls-Royce is at the forefront of Bespoke Cars here in Malaysia. Our customers are connoisseurs who want luxury that is highly unique. This car not only fêtes a very special achievement in global history, but also resonates with our own regional development at a time when aviation was catalysed by the exploits of fearless airmen who depended on the reliability and excellence of the Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII engines.”
The finer details that made it into a truly masterpiece
To make it one-of-a-kind limited edition car, the exterior of the Wraith Eagle VIII is evocative of Alcock and Brown’s compelling night time adventure. The car only comes in Gunmetal with a Selby Grey upper two-tone, the colours are separated by a brass feature line. The black grille vanes draw immediate reference to the Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII engine cowling on the Vickers Vimy aircraft, the wheels are part polished with a translucent shadow finish.
The interior is also identical to the exterior colour. Selby Grey and black leather are accented by brass, redolent of the brass sextant so integral to the success of the transatlantic journey. Brass speaker covers depict the estimated flight distance of 1,880 miles and ‘RR’ monograms are embroidered in brass coloured thread onto headrests. A flash of brass complements the navigator door paniers, whilst the door of the driver includes a brass plaque with Churchill’s quote commending the duo’s remarkable achievements.
The fascia design was inspired by the night time flight of our intrepid heroes as an interpretation of the view enjoyed as finally, their craft cleared the thick fog and cloud. Smoked Eucalyptus wood is vacuum metalized in gold before being inlaid with silver and copper, to depict the rich detail seen in night time images of the Earth from above. The scene extends to the centre console providing both an emotive and immersive experience for today’s occupants – the cockpit is in perspective with the headliner. Below, the brass-stitched quilted sides of the centre tunnel provide a direct nod to the V12 engined Vickers Vimy.
The clock of Wraith Eagle VIII is inspired by the only illumination coming from the green glow of the control panel lighting and the burst of flame from the starboard engine. To pay homage to this, the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective has masterfully fabricated a clock with an iced background effect which glows a faint green in night time driving conditions. The red hour hand sits atop compass inspired lines on the clock’s fascia, whilst the landing location coordinates are engraved below.
The most eye-catching on the Wraith Eagle VIII is the extraordinary unique starlight headliner. By using 1,183 starlight fibres, it show the celestial arrangement at the time of the flight in 1919. The flight path and constellations are embroidered in brass thread, whilst the exact moment the pair left the cloud to navigate by the stars is indicated by a red fibre optic light. Clouds are embroidered and a plaque reading, “The celestial arrangement at the halfway point 00:17am June 15th 1919, 50” 07’ Latitude North – 31” Longitude West” shows the half-way point of the momentous journey.
If you really want to get the only unit in Malaysia today, the car is priced at RM3.3mil. However, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Kuala Lumpur has confirmed the car has been sold to a client who saw the coordinate on the car and instantly wants to own the car. Wraith Eagle VIII has landed in Malaysia indeed and met it’s fated owner.