Rolls-Royce Motor Cars marked a significant milestone, celebrating the 120th anniversary of the meeting of its founders, The Hon. Charles Stewart Rolls and Henry Royce, with a grand showcase at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on May 25, 2024. This prestigious event featured a parade of the brand’s most iconic models and the highly anticipated worldwide public debut of the Cullinan Series II, the latest evolution of their super-luxury SUV, displayed on the renowned Mosaic Lawn of the Grand Hotel.
A Tribute to Rolls-Royce’s Storied Legacy
The event commenced with a spectacular parade of five celebrated Rolls-Royce motor cars, each representing a significant chapter in the marque’s rich history. The lineup included a 1914 Silver Ghost, a 1936 Phantom III, a 1923 40/50 H.P. Silver Ghost, a 1933 Phantom II Continental, and a 1961 long-wheelbase Silver Cloud II. Among these, the 1914 Silver Ghost was chosen as the standout vehicle by a panel of judges, highlighting its historical importance and exceptional engineering.
Unveiling the Cullinan Series II
The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este served as the perfect stage for the public debut of the Cullinan Series II. Building on the success of its predecessor, the new model reaffirms Rolls-Royce’s commitment to Sir Henry Royce’s famous maxim: “Take the best that exists and make it better.” The Cullinan Series II exemplifies the culmination of countless hours of work by Rolls-Royce’s team of designers, engineers, and craftspeople, showcasing a bold evolution in the world of super-luxury SUVs.
A Gathering of Luxury and Heritage
Chris Brownridge, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, expressed his sentiments on the event, stating, “The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este is an incredible celebration of automotive art. This wonderful event truly highlights the unique position Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has in the history of the automobile. It was an honour to showcase our latest masterpiece, Cullinan Series II, on the Mosaic Lawn at the Grand Hotel, exemplifying the culmination of countless hours of work from our team of designers, engineers and highly skilled craftspeople at the Home of Rolls-Royce. I was also moved by the unique procession of some of the most famous Rolls-Royce motor cars, a reminder of the rich heritage of our marque. This event, which brings together luxury cognoscenti, leading international media and automotive connoisseurs, was the perfect occasion to honour the 120th anniversary of Rolls-Royce.”
Celebrating 120 Years of Motoring Excellence
The procession of Rolls-Royce motor cars, both past and present, served as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy established by the marque’s founders. The Hon. Charles Stewart Rolls and Henry Royce met 120 years ago, and their partnership gave birth to a dynasty of motor cars that continues to define super-luxury motoring worldwide. The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, with its illustrious heritage dating back to 1929, provided the ideal backdrop to honor this legacy, celebrating the timeless beauty and innovation that characterize Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
As guests and media representatives from around the world gathered to witness this unique assembly, the event underscored Rolls-Royce’s position at the pinnacle of automotive excellence, celebrating 120 years of unparalleled luxury and innovation.
