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An Early Rolls Royce

January 18, 2023

On a visit to the Manchester Science and Industry Museum, we were drawn to the exhibit on Rolls Royce. In particular, we were very excited

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Eleanor Velasco Thornton – Spirit Of Ecstasy

April 12, 2024

Eleanor Velasco Thornton was born on 15 April 1880 in Stockwell, south-west London. Little is known of her early life, although it is known that as the 20th Century began, she was working as the assistant to the General Secretary of the Automobile Club of Great Britain & Ireland (later the RAC) Claude Johnson. Claude would go on to be the business partner of The Hon Charles Stewart Rolls.

Eleanor rented rooms at The Pheasantry on Kings Road, Chelsea. At that time, it was home to many artists (in the 1930s, the cellar became a restaurant and drinking club, the regulars of which included the painters Augustus John and Francis Bacon, the poet Dylan Thomas and legendary actor Humphrey Bogart; it remains a nightclub to this day). Eleanor lived something of a double life: by day, a professional executive assistant; by night, a life model for the Pheasantry’s resident artists. One of those for whom she regularly posed was a talented illustrator, Charles Sykes.

Eleanor’s life changed completely in 1902. That year, almost 100 miles from London, on the edge of the New Forest in Hampshire, John Walter Edward Douglas-Scott-Montagu, was grappling with a longstanding problem. He was yet to take his future title of 2nd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu and, surprisingly, he ran into money problems. By a double misfortune, his life’s great passion was the motor car, which in those days was still very much reserved for the wealthy.

Fortunately, Montagu was a very good journalist, so he set up Britain’s first dedicated motoring magazine, The Car Illustrated. Montagu could handle the writing, editing and publishing himself; but for images, he needed a professional illustrator. In one of those odd coincidences that so often shape history, the man he hired was Charles Sykes.

Among Montagu’s circle of motoring friends was Claude Johnson. When, through him, Montagu met Eleanor, he was instantly captivated by her intelligence and promptly poached her, offering her the position of Office Manager at his magazine. Eleanor accepted and ended up in a relationship with him, despite their 14-year age gap.

During this period (the precise date is unknown) Sykes produced a mascot for Montagu’s Rolls‑Royce Silver Ghost. Called ‘The Whisper’, it was a small aluminium statuette of a young woman in fluttering robes with a forefinger to her lips. It has been confirmed that Eleanor was the model: whether the mascot was a token of appreciation from Sykes to his friend and employer, or made on Eleanor’s request as a gift remains a mystery. Whatever the truth, Montagu displayed it on every Rolls-Royce car he owned until his death in 1929; perhaps as a discreet acknowledgement of his love for Eleanor, which he kept secret for so long.

Tragically, Eleanor was among hundreds who drowned when the P&O passenger ship SS Persia sank in the Mediterranean in 1915. Montagu was among the handful of survivors: he spent three days adrift on an upturned lifeboat, having suffered a fractured shoulder. He was also devasted and he never fully got over the emotion of the loss of Eleanor – of which, he could never speak publicly.

For the rest of his life, she was with him in spirit wherever he travelled in his Rolls-Royce motor car.

Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Communications and Heritage, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said “Eleanor Thornton has a unique place in Rolls-Royce history. She is best known as the purported model for our Spirit of Ecstasy mascot, but how this came about is part of a far more complex and fascinating story. Secrets, sacrifices and the ever-present risk of scandal dominated her tragically short but intense and colourful life. She was a strong, intelligent, self‑assured and highly influential woman in an automotive world that was then almost entirely male-dominated. She also played a pivotal part in a timeless, tangled, deeply human drama that would eventually make her, and the artwork she inspired, immortal.”

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Rolls-Royce Celebrates 110th Anniversary Of The 1913 Spanish Grand Prix

June 16, 2023

On the 15th of June 1913, the first-ever Spanish Grand Prix was held, and two Rolls-Royce Silver Ghosts took first and third place. This was a huge success in both technical capabilities and tactical planning and would go on to set the template for the brand’s iconic triumph at the 1913 Alpenfahrt the following week.

Now, 110 years later, the accomplishments of the day are credited to three points – the overwhelmingly superior engineering of the Silver Ghost, perfect team tactics, and the self-sacrifice of one of the marque’s most experienced and loyal employees.

Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost Racing

Back in the early 20th Century, car manufacturers used endurance trials as the main way to show off the capabilities of their vehicles. Rolls-Royce was no exception to this and the brand had something of an enviable record in this type of event thanks to their cars dominating in a series of trials, including the 15,000-mile Scottish Reliability Trial in 1907, and the London to Edinburgh in 1911, in which the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost won the epic race where all cars had to be locked in top gear.

At the same time, motor racing was getting more popular and more sophisticated and, in 1906, France staged its first Grand Prix. This was held with the support of the Automobile Club de France, which the Hon. Charles Stewart Rolls had been a member of since he was just 18 years old.

By the time 1913 came around, Charles had sadly died and the Managing Director of Rolls-Royce, Claude Johnson wanted to boost sales in Europe, so the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix seemed like a fantastic promotional opportunity for the brand. As a result, two Silver Ghosts were entered into the race that was taking place on the 15th of June.

The First-Ever Spanish Grand Prix

The Spanish Grand Prix was a real test of endurance and reliability and not just raw speed. These two things were key strengths of the Silver Ghost so hopes were high.

The race covered 192 miles over three laps, including two passes of the formidable Guadarrama mountains, northwest of Madrid. It was an exclusive event that could only be entered by four-seater touring cars which all had to be fitted with mudguards, lamps, hoods, and two spare tyres. The bonnets were sealed and no water could be added to the radiator once the race had begun. Considering the temperature in the shade was well above 30°C when the cars made their way to the start line – it was obvious that this would be a very demanding challenge.

17 vehicles started, including the two modified Silver Ghosts – one owned and, against the company’s wishes, driven by Don Carlos de Salamanca y Hurtado de Zaldivar, who had recently become Rolls-Royce’s new agent in Madrid. The second Silver Ghost was company-owned and driven by Eric Platford, who was one of the brand’s most experienced and dedicated engineers. In fact, he had been responsible for many of the previous trial successes.

Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost

A Winning Strategy

After three hours of racing, Eric Platford was leading the race by more than 20 minutes and was heading for a commanding win. However, he was a loyal employee and understood that this was as much a commercial undertaking as it was a race he personally wanted to win. Following strict instructions, Eric pulled over and let Don Carlos de Salamanca overtake him. Don Carlos went on to win the debut Grand Prix of his home nation with a time of 3 hours, 34 minutes, and 12 seconds – averaging a speed of 54mph.

Unfortunately for Platford, his selfless act inadvertently allowed another driver to pass him too. The Marqués de Aulencia, in a Lorraine-Dietrich, finished in second place just three minutes ahead of him.

Third Place Rewards

Despite finishing third, it was clear that Eric Platford was a catalyst for the success of the Grand Prix. After the race, he drove to Madrid where he received a congratulatory telegram from Claude Johnson. He was also given a holiday to Venice, and two gold watches – one from the directors of Rolls-Royce, and one from the very grateful Don Carlos de Salamanca!

Further Success For The Silver Ghost At The Alpenfahrt

A week after the Spanish Grand Prix was the 1913 Alpenfahrt – a 1,600-mile trial through the Alps. Eric Platford was the team manager at the event and led his team to even more success as Rolls-Royce took the four top spots.

This was enough to seal the Silver Ghost’s reputation and was described by the media as ‘The Best Car In The World’. Eric’s team spirit, dedication, selflessness, courage and constant pursuit of excellence is the perfect nod to the marque’s ethos to this day of inspiring greatness.

Rolls Royce Is Going To The Moon

March 21, 2023

Rolls Royce has been given funding from the UK Space Agency to continue its research into how nuclear power could be used to support a future human base on the moon.

Going into space obviously requires a dependable power source to keep the multitude of systems operating during missions. Things like life support and communications are of paramount importance, and scientific experiments also need to be conducted with a consistent power source.

As nuclear power has the potential to drastically increase the amount of time humans could stay on the moon in future missions, scientists and engineers at Rolls Royce are working on a Micro-Reactor programme which aims to develop technology to power a lunar base.

The UK Space Agency has given £2.9 million in funding to the project with the aim of delivering an initial demonstration of a UK lunar modular nuclear reactor. This round of funding comes after a £249,000 study in 2022 which was also funded by the UK Space Agency

Nuclear Power

Rolls-Royce plan to have a reactor ready to send to the moon by 2029. While the project is primarily focused on powering facilities off-planet, the aim is to create a world-leading power and propulsion capability for multiple industries and needs including a clean, green, and long-term power source. Micro-Reactor technology also has a lot of potential to be used for commercial and defence applications too.

A nuclear Micro-Reactor is relatively small and lightweight when compared to other power systems and generates continuous power regardless of location, available sunlight, or any other environmental conditions. Along with their engineers, Rolls-Royce will be working with several other parties including the University of Oxford, the University of Bangor, the University of Brighton, the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) and Nuclear AMRC.

Thanks to the £2.9 million in funding, Rolls-Royce can now further strengthen its knowledge of these highly complex systems. The project will focus on three key features – the fuel used to generate heat, the method of heat transfer and the technology to convert that heat into electricity.

Making The Moon A Permanent Base

The UK Space Agency recently announced that funding of £51 million was available to UK companies to help develop communication and navigational technology to support missions to the moon. It forms part of the European Space Agency’s Moonlight Programme which has the goal of having a constellation of satellites in orbit around the moon.

Partnering with Rolls-Royce is just one step towards future astronauts and rovers having the capabilities to navigate the lunar surface safely, as well as helping to support scientific experiments.

What The Experts Say

George Freeman, Minister of State at the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology said:

“Space exploration is the ultimate laboratory for so many of the transformational technologies we need on Earth: from materials to robotics, nutrition, cleantech and much more. As we prepare to see humans return to the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years, we are backing exciting research like this lunar modular reactor with Rolls-Royce to pioneer new power sources for a lunar base. Partnerships like this, between British industry, the UK Space Agency and government are helping to create jobs across our £16 billion Space Tech sector and help ensure the UK continues to be a major force in frontier science.”

Abi Clayton, Director of Future Programmes for Rolls-Royce said:

“The new tranche of funding from the UK Space Agency means so much for the Rolls-Royce Micro-Reactor Programme. We’re proud to work collaboratively with the UK Space Agency and the many UK academic institutions to showcase the best of UK innovation and knowledge in space. This funding will bring us further down the road in making the Micro-Reactor a reality, with the technology bringing immense benefits for both space and Earth. The technology will deliver the capability to support commercial and defence use cases alongside providing a solution to decarbonise industry and provide clean, safe and reliable energy.”

The Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, Dr Paul Bate, said:

“We are backing technology and capabilities to support ambitious space exploration missions and boost sector growth across the UK. Developing space nuclear power offers a unique chance to support innovative technologies and grow our nuclear, science and space engineering skills base. This innovative research by Rolls-Royce could lay the groundwork for powering continuous human presence on the Moon, while enhancing the wider UK space sector, creating jobs and generating further investment.”

Rolls-Royce In Space

With this partnership between the UK Space Agency and Rolls-Royce, it is a clear sign that big names in the automotive industry are much more than just car manufacturers. They have the potential to not only change people’s day-to-day lives by creating convenient vehicles, but they also have the potential to change the future of humanity on a planetary level.

An Early Rolls Royce

January 18, 2023

On a visit to the Manchester Science and Industry Museum, we were drawn to the exhibit on Rolls Royce.

In particular, we were very excited to see one of the very first Rolls-Royce motorcars ever built. Dating back to 1905, this very special classic car is one of only three built and is believed to have been owned and driven by Henry Royce himself before it was eventually sold in 1906.

It was a great experience to see this stunning car up close and to see one of the first cars that led to Rolls-Royce being the well-known car manufacturer that it is today.

Henry Royce certainly took what he said and built his company around it:

“Take the best that exists and make it better. When it does not exist, design it.”

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves!

Rolls-Royce & Bentley Enthusiasts Meet

January 6, 2023

Highlights of this event can be seen here.

The Rolls-Royce & Bentley Enthusiasts will be hosting a private and exclusive event at Bridge Classic Cars on Sunday 16th April 2023.

Members of the club will have the opportunity to have a tour of our workshop as well as enjoy refreshments and spend some time with like-minded fellow Rolls-Royce & Bentley Enthusiasts.

This event is for members only!

More information can be found here.

An Electric Rolls Royce Is Coming

October 19, 2022

A big name is entering the world of electric vehicles, with Rolls-Royce saying that delivery of the all-electric Spectre will begin towards the end of 2023.

Don’t be fooled into thinking this is a lightweight, less luxurious Rolls-Royce though. The Spectre has a kerb weight of 2975kg and comes with all the style and luxury we have come to expect from the brand. It’s also 5 metres long and 2 metres wide with 23-inch wheels. This is certainly not the type of car you might imagine as being all-electric.

With Spectre, Rolls-Royce is joining the electric world in an emphatic way. They aren’t just joining to be a small-time player, the brand wants to make an immediate impact. Rolls-Royce says that its entire range of vehicles will be electrified by 2030. If that’s the case, it can certainly be said that they have hit the ground running.

Luxury And Style

When it comes to luxury and style, there is a lot to talk about with Spectre. The doors, for example, are the largest doors on any Rolls-Royce model measuring an impressive 1.5 metres in length. These can be opened with the simple press of a button and provide plenty of room to make a comfortable entrance and exit.

For those who want to add a unique luxury car to their collection, Spectre can be made in the colour Chartreuse. This has never been an exterior option for any previous Rolls-Royce model. The colour is meant to replicate that of the French liquor with the same name.

Inside the car, you have woodwork, leather, illuminated fascia, and the recognisable starlight headliner.

Some Numbers

When it comes to numbers, Rolls-Royce says that the Spectre has a range of 520km (323 miles). It has 10 driver assistance systems, and the highly intelligent onboard system has more than 141 thousand send/receive functions, 25 thousand sub-functions all made possible by 7km of cabling.

In terms of power, it has 576hp, offers 900Nm of torque, and is expected to be able to cover 0-60mph in a little over 4 seconds.

While all this might sound a little much, it perfectly fits with the Rolls-Royce lifestyle of exuberance and total luxury.

Rolls Royce At Bridge Classic Cars

We have worked on some fantastic classic Roll-Royces before (see the below photos). That’s why we know that the Spectre will be an inspiring car to see. It’s safe to say that we are very excited to see it when it gets on the road next year.

Non electric Rolls Royce - 1930 Rolls Royce 20
Rolls Royce 1973
Rolls Royce at Bridge Classic Cars

Featured – 1973 Rolls Royce Corniche on Car & Classic Auction

September 22, 2021

Recently our 1973 Rolls Royce Corniche that has been at Bridge Classic Cars was featured on Car & Classic Auction. This is a superb example of a Mulliner Park Ward Rolls Royce finished in Willow Gold over Brown which was paint in-house by our paint experts.

Here’s what Car & Classic had to say about the 1973 Rolls Royce Corniche.

”A development of the Mulliner Park Ward two door Silver Shadow, the Corniche became a model in its own right in 1971, although the cars continued to be built by Park Ward, and draws its name from the French word corniche, meaning coast road and was first given to a 1939 prototype which was tested across continental Europe.

Available as a 2 door saloon or drophead coupe, both came with a 6.75 litre V8 under the bonnet with a three-speed automatic transmission and an opulent, handcrafted interior.

This car has been very well cared for over the years, with the Corniche having light use and regular servicing and maintenance, and the receipts show how any small jobs have been tackled as needed.

In 2007, when it was a popular addition, an LPG kit was added. It has not needed any big repairs over the years but has just had a full respray by Bridge Classics in the original colour, with the addition of a second colour lower half.

Included with this Rolls Royce is a pair of thick folders of receipts showing the care that has been lavished on this car over the last four decades. 

There are decades of MOT certificates and receipts for parts from the well-known suppliers such as Flying Spares, BCI and Intercar, almost all for minor and service parts as no major work has been needed over the years, and there is a sheet of notes showing every service from March 1973 until 2002. The original Rolls Royce service book shows service stamps at 2273,3617, 6616, 12861, 21803, 26261, 28361, 40682 miles.

The Corniche’s interior is untouched and original, with a gentle and beautiful patina of time and care across the soft leather and fine wood. It even still has its original radio and Radiomobile Eight track player.

The magnolia cream leather seats have contrasting brown piping, and show very little wear, just some very light lines from use, while the thick, dark brown carpet has always been protected by the lighter deep-pile lambswool over mats, also in fine condition.

On the dashboard, door caps and through the centre is the fine wood that is to be expected in a Rolls Royce. There are a few age related marks on the surface, small cracks in the dashboard lacquer and around the dials the darker inner rim has flaked in places.

In the boot, the floor carpet has a few marks but the side carpet is very good and the trim under the lid is excellent. The spare wheel is present and has good tread.

The body has just been repainted by the Bridge Classics workshop in the original willow gold, but now in a two-tone combination with the addition of wendy brown lower panels. Any repairs needed to the metalwork were taken care of while the car was stripped so the panels should be solid, clean metal under the fresh paint with its deep gloss finish. 

The chrome work is excellent, with the bumpers very good, the big radiator grill and of course, the flying lady is beautiful and the stainless wheel trims unmarked, and the wheels are shod in Uniroyal tyres with good tread. There is a brown vinyl roof matching the lower half of the car, in excellent condition.

The 6.75 litre V8 and GM automatic gearbox have a reputation for solid reliability, and we are told the car runs very smoothly and glides between gears. 

The car was fitted with an LPG kit by Energyshift in 2007 at a cost of £1440 and most recently had a gas safety inspection certificate in 2013, although we have not tested this and this can be removed by the dealer where specialist where the car is stored.

Although not required as the car is well over 40 years old, it has just passed an MOT, so is covered until summer 2022.

The handcrafted wood and leather of the interior, the flowing lines of the body and that imposing grill create an impression like no other. When close up to one of these automobiles it’s hard not to be drawn into the allure of these fine country house drawing rooms on wheels.

This example has a full and detailed history, a fabulous condition interior and having just been treated to a high-quality paint job it looks superb. ”

This is a lovely example of the pinnacle 1970s luxury. The Corniche has been painstakingly worked on by the team here at Bridge Classic Cars and it’s always nice to see it being appreciated out there in the world.

To Read More, or see the full gallery of images on the 1973 Rolls Royce Corniche, Click the link below.

Car & Classic Auction – 1971 Rolls Royce Corniche

Chrome trouble with the Corniche.

August 12, 2021

We’ve recently been looking at the bumper on our 1973 Rolls Royce Corniche. It had been painted at some time in its life and so wasn’t looking fantastic. We took it to have the paint taken off but unfortunately, the bumper disintegrated in places. So we’ve decided to get a whole new chrome bumper in replacement.

Rolls Royce Up For Auction At Silverstone

June 23, 2021

Our 1973 two-door Rolls Royce Corniche is up for sale at Silverstone Auctions where we hope it’ll find its new owner. The live auction is scheduled to be on the 31st July.

See more

Take a look at the full shoot:

The Man With The Golden Roller: Me and my Shadow

March 2, 2021

We recently celebrated a year since our Golden Rolls Royce Silver Shadow found its new home with Michael, who’s been keeping us thoroughly updated with his adventures via Instagram. Michael recently wrote us this article about the last year which we’re delighted to share, along with some photos he’s provided. If you fancy having your own golden Roller, check out our golden Rolls Royce Corniche.

Gold fever

It’s now a little over 12 months since I became the 3rd custodian of SRH20091 – a 1974 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow – bought from Bridge Classic Cars, and despite COVID-19’s best efforts to prevent us we’ve had quite a few adventures over the last year.

As a perfectionist and ex-car designer myself I’ve always admired Sir Henry Royce’s automotive achievements and, as a child of the 70s and 80s, grew up lusting after Rolls-Royce Silver Shadows seen in numerous Roger Moore Bond films, episodes of Lovejoy, To The Manor Born and Don’t Wait Up. They epitomised success and excellence to that small boy and he promised himself that one day he would own one.

In 2014 I had a first brief, if slightly bitter, taste of Silver Shadow ownership with an early example from 1968. Her bodywork was a bit tatty and her 46 year old 6.25 litre engine and mechanicals had been somewhat neglected over the preceding decades, meaning that she frequently, in Rolls-Royce parlance, ‘failed to proceed’! However, far from dampening my interest in Shadow ownership, it well and truly rekindled that childhood yearn and so the search for my ideal car began.

Over the next 6 years, after much trawling of classifieds online and visits to classic car auctions in all weathers, I saw a number of Shadows – including some horrors that would have made Sir Henry’s blood curdle. As a purest, it always had to be a chrome bumper Series 1 car, but now I’d narrowed that down to a late model flared wheelarch Shadow with the wider track and larger 6.75 litre L-Series powerplant – meaning a ’74 – ’76 car.

In September 2019 the Shad that I would come to own caught my attention in an online advert. For sale by Bridge Classic Cars – a very reputable restorers, the right age, model, spec and by the look of the photos, in very good condition – she stood out in her eye-catching Regency Bronze and black Everflex roof. I vowed to go and see her, but life got in the way and by the time I got around to making an appointment she’d been sold. So the search continued.

4 months later I was in the USA and one evening by the fireside while surfing the net the advert from Bridge Classic Cars popped up again. Miraculously the golden car I’d been bewitched by back in September had reappeared for sale. This had to be fate! I couldn’t believe this second chance and quickly arranged a viewing.

On that cold February morning – the day after Valentine’s – I drove up from London, through the torrential rain and high winds of Storm ‘Dennis’, to see this beguiling motor car in-the-metal for the first time. It was love at first sight! The car was just as stunning in reality as she was in her photos. Craig and Gordon Ranson were both there to meet me and their friendly, honest approach, expert knowledge and infectious enthusiasm for classic cars gave me immediate confidence. After a thorough inspection I knew that I wanted her and after a test drive in the tornado-like winds of the storm, a deal was done. I drove home happy, albeit with a much lighter bank balance!

And so I became ‘The Man With The Golden Roller’. Officially she’s R-R Chassis No. 20091, in (ICI M 151-3898) Regency Bronze with (VM 8500) black Connolly Leather interior, Sundym glass and (5218 DH) black Everflex roof, but I’ve christened her ‘Auric’. I’m a big Bond fan so her name is a nod towards classic 007 film ‘Goldfinger’, but also something that is described as “auric” : is of, relating to, or derived from gold, so it seemed wholly appropriate for my ‘Golden Roller’, which rolled off the Crewe production line in the autumn of 1974.

Gold digging

To me, part of the joy of owning a classic car is to research it’s back story. Provenance being just as important for a venerable car as it is for fine wine or celebrated works of art. So, since she became mine, as well as enjoying Auric on the road, I’ve been tracing her 46 year history – consulting DVLA records, the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club archives and piecing together information from the bundle of papers and clues like service stickers that came with her.

I’ve also managed to acquire Auric’s original factory Build Records. Every Rolls-Royce built at Crewe had it’s own multi-page book that followed the car, from metal pressing to finished vehicle, on it’s journey through production. Thanks to this fascinating and comprehensive document I now know that it took 35 days for her ‘body-in-white’ to reach the required standard to be sent to the paint shop, and that once there she spent 10 days having 15 coats of paint hand flatted between coats, before a thorough polishing and final inspection – in the words of Sir Henry, perfection cannot be rushed. It shines a light onto how these expensive, hand-built cars were made back in the ’70s and is an amazing addition to Auric’s history file.

She was delivered to R-R main dealer Appleyard Rippon Ltd, on Order No. R8678, for a corporate customer in Leeds who’d had the confidence, and cash, to order her in the middle of an oil crisis. She was registered GWW 480N on Armistice Day 1974, the plate she still bears today. As far as I know Auric then became the company MDs transport – covering over 28,000 miles (40% of her current, verified mileage reading) within her 1st year – and stayed with the him when he moved to Eastbourne sometime in the late 1970s. I’m assuming that this discerning gentleman may have taken early retirement from the Leeds-based business and kept the R-R he loved. However, this is pure speculation on my part, although while cleaning and feeding the Connolly leather last summer I removed the driver’s seat and found one of his business cards under the seat! It seems that at some point he was dabbling as an antiques dealer in Sussex, in true ‘Lovejoy’ style.

Like most of these majestic, but expensive to run, classic motor cars she appears to have been laid up for a number of years during the ’80s and ’90s then, in the summer of 2015 after the original owner died, she was sold at Kings Lynn’s Anglia Car Auctions. Auric’s second owner resided in Suffolk and so Auric swapped the balmy south coast for the rural idyll of East Anglia – residing just 50 odd miles away from where that small boy had dreamed of owning his own Rolls.

Golden moments

I believe that a car should be used, and most Rolls-Royce specialists will tell you that an R-R of this vintage gets better with use. There’s nothing I like better than nestling into the softly sprung comfort of the driver’s leather ‘armchair’ and wafting, yes wafting – there’s no other word to describe the magic carpet-like ride of a Silver Shadow – to a beauty spot, stately home, country pub or even the supermarket. So in the last 12 months Auric and I have covered the thick end of 2500 miles. Despite not being able to go to any major show events, due to the dreaded virus, we’ve had excursions to Hampshire, The Cotswolds, North Norfolk, Sussex, Surrey and Berkshire. Most memorable visits – and photo and video opportunities – last year were Buckingham Palace, Pinewood Studios, Cliveden and The Savoy. Everywhere we go we get noticed – people ask about Auric, take photos and are genuinely interested in her – which just makes my day as I love talking about her!

This year, restrictions permitting, we’re planning a little excursion onto the Continent, touring the Champagne region; an appearance at both the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club’s South of England Rally at Stansted House and Annual Rally at Burghley House; and perhaps a pilgrimage to Monmouthshire, the birthplace of C.S. Rolls; as well as the normal weekend trips out to explore this glorious country in one of it’s finest ever automotive creations.

You can follow our continuing adventures on Instagram @themanwiththegoldenroller

Our Rolls Royce Silver Spirit II Finds Its Forever Home

March 1, 2021

We’re delighted to announce that the winner of our gorgeous 1992 Rolls Royce Silver Spirit II was delivered safe and sound on Friday afternoon. As the sunset, the Bridge Classic Car transporter lorry rolled up to Russ Warman’s home in North-East Suffolk on a sunny afternoon.

Russ won our Rolls Royce with lucky ticket number 499 which was selected by Google’s random number generator in last weeks draw. We couldn’t be happier that it’s gone to someone who loves Rolls Royces and hope to see it out and about once restrictions allow!

Our Golden Roller: One year on

February 23, 2021

“The quality will remain long after the price is forgotten.” – Henry Royce

Nothing quite says luxury like a golden Rolls Royce. A timeless classic, oozing with nobility and class, this 1974 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow I left our doors just over a year ago. Its proud new owner, Michael, has been enjoying cruising around in his beloved Rolls Royce, documenting his travels on Instagram.

With just a service and a small neaten up from the workshop, this stunning gold motor was in perfect condition when we sold it on behalf of a client in February 2020.

We’ve been keenly following the trips and adventures of Michael and ‘Auric’ on their appropriately named Instagram page, ‘The man with the golden roller’ (@themanwiththegoldenroller). Over the last year, Auric has been pictured dotted around London from Buckingham Palace to Richmond Green and Chelsea, Westminster Abbey and Knightsbridge. Michael continued the very royal road trip theme out to Windsor Castle, Blickling Estate, Clivedone House, Combe, home of 007; Pinewood Studios, and Denham! He’s even photographed Auric around Norfolk! Auric even featured in ‘Spirit and Speed’ magazine last year!

A Rolls Royce is the epitome of British nobility in the car world, and driving one is said to be a unique and timeless pleasure. We’ve currently got a 1992 Rolls Royce Silver Spirit II up for grabs over on our competition page and could be yours for just £9! Alternatively, for those who just cant wait and want their own golden roller now, our 1973 Golden Rolls Royce Corniche is up for sale with us and could be yours straight away!

@tomboy_a_bit Rolls Royce Feature – February 2021

February 16, 2021

A few weeks ago we welcomed Deimante (@tomboy_a_bit) and her partner up to Bentwaters to shoot some of our cars. We received the BMW shots at the beginning of February and today we got these beautiful Rolls Royce shots. We’re delighted with the results!

Deimante writes;

“Have you ever driven Rolls Royce!

I only just did! Never been a fan of a big, luxury, automatic cars that looks like I have to behave in them and sit like a lady on the back seat.

But driving 6.7 V8 Silver Spirit II made me actually feel like I’m a teenager who stole dad’s car. I could instantly imagine how it would be to go for a road trip in a car like this. (Could probably fit a pit bike in it).”

If you fancy winning this stunning classic, you can buy your tickets here. Alternatively, you might want to dive straight in there and buy your own! If that’s the case, we’ve also got you covered with our Rolls Royce Corniche.

Behind The Scenes: Rolls Royce Silver Spirit II Photoshoot

February 12, 2021

A few weeks ago our marketing team and our friend Jack, headed over to Bentwaters early one morning to film and shoot the latest competition car. With sunshine streaming through the trees, you could easily overlook how brisk the weather was. Crisp blue skies and dreamy dappled sunshine provided the perfect Suffolk set up to show off our classic Rolls Royce.

Now available, this car could be yours to win for just a few pounds! We’ve got plenty more photoshoots coming up soon so keep your eyes peeled!

As well as stationary shots, we also focus on moving shots and videos that capture the beast in motion.

Rolls Royce’s new Electric Venture

January 26, 2021

The silver lady may soon be totally electric powered in the form of a possible new model, the Silent Shadow.

Rolls Royce has recently released the prototype image of its new all-electric car. Whilst other brands have scrambled to produce an electric vehicle, Rolls Royce seems to have been playing it slow and steady. The new EV design may have a futuristic utopian flare but Rolls Royce has kept their signature royal boxy elegance.

This stunning Rolls Royce is set to be released to the public in 2022 and will mark the 2020’s with a flare of utopian opulence.

You can see more here

Behind The Scenes: Rolls Royce Corniche Photoshoot

January 26, 2021

Back in November, we headed over to Hintlesham Hall to photograph our opulent 1973 Rolls Royce Corniche with our friend Giles, who was our talented model and driver for the shoot.

This stunning gold and brown classic is a spacious and dreamy drive, perfect for the road trip and country get away.

This car is currently up for sale with us and could be yours! You can read more about it here.

For Sale: 1973 Rolls Royce Corniche

December 15, 2020

What better way to float along the road, than in your Willow Gold Rolls Royce Corniche.

A month or so back we went out to Hintlesham Hall to shoot this stunning Rolls Royce Corniche which we currently have listed for sale.

Sympathetically restored by Bridge Classic Cars’ master vehicle technicians, any poor condition metalwork has been replaced with fresh metal, prior to a full respray. We repainted the car in original Willow Gold but opted to complement this with dual-tone Wendy Brown lower sections.

The interior is a lovely place to be and we have completed no works in this area. The Magnolia seats piped in brown and the woodwork is aged to compliment the whole car. Comes with lambswool over mats. It also has the benefit of LPG but we have not tested this and it will be tested prior to sale. If required, we can remove the LPG system.

The 8-track player and radio are in situ.

The engine and gearbox are superb. There are no unwanted noises from anywhere on this car. She is silky smooth and changes gear effortlessly.

Although not required, it will be MOT’d prior to collection after sale. She has an extensive history and has covered just 71,000 miles from new.

You can find out more here.

Local Businesses Support Ed Sheeran Auction

November 3, 2020

Local charity, GeeWizz has partnered up with Ed Sheeran’s parents, John and Imogen to host the Ed Sheeran ‘Made In Suffolk’ Legacy auction. It aims to raise funds for children and young adults from Suffolk and Norfolk who suffer from life-threatening conditions, disabilities, or Cancer

The money raised from the auction will help fund the children’s equipment, care and education as well as providing important support for the families.

The auction includes ‘money can’t buy’ prizes from local businesses. A day of recording or mixing for a band at Decoy Studio, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars VIP Tour with lunch for 4 people, and a VIP visit to Classic Team Lotus in Norfolk are among the prizes.

You can visit the website to learn more here.

Among the sponsors is local business Tru7. CEO Guy Nicholls has pledged his company to be the main sponsor. Guy is passionate about East Anglia and helping local children.

You can see his pledge video below.

1974 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow Bumper Replacement.

February 24, 2020

The bumper on our 1974 Rolls Royce had rusted out. We’ve supplied and fitted a brand new stainless steel replacement, ready for this beautiful roller to shine once more.

No job is too big or too small for our Classic Car Technicians. Is your classic vehicle in need of some care? Give our friendly team a call today on 01473 742038

Bridge Classic Cars are award winning Classic Car Restoration and Maintenance specialists. Your pride and joy is in safe hands with our expert Classic Car Technicians. Take a look at our awards here.

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