Rolls-Royce Releases Design Sketches of Wraith Eagle VIII

In order to mark the centenary of the first non-stop transatlantic flight, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has released previously unseen design sketches of its latest Collection Car, the Wraith Eagle VIII. This collection of 50 motor cars depicts the story of the pioneering flight that Captain John Alcock and Lieutenant Arthur Brown made across the Atlantic Ocean in a Vickers Vimy aircraft, which was powered by twin Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII engines, exactly 100 years ago.

The sketches which were created by the Bespoke Collective of the House of Rolls-Royce, offer a rare inside look at the creative journey that Rolls-Royce designers take as they strive to convey the details of an extraordinary feat using the colors belonging to the palette of a Rolls-Royce motor car.

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said that the Rolls-Royce’s Bespoke Design Collective pooled their skills to use the Wraith to tell the story of one of the most pivotal moments of the 20^th century, the first non-stop transatlantic flight. This was done in a manner that effectively conveyed the power, drama and adventure associated with the feat.

He added, “The Wraith Eagle VIII is a modern masterpiece – these sketches offer an extraordinary insight into its creation.”

The designs showcase the incredible attention to detail that Rolls-Royce Bespoke craftsmanship involves. The starlight headliner sketch shows cloud embroidery, the halfway point coordinates and the flight path of Alcock and Brown. A more detailed sketch portrays the night-time view as it would have looked from  above, and this is expertly incorporated into the Wraith’s fascia, in the form of a gold, silver and copper inlay.

The sketch of the Collection Car’s clock indicates that it sports an iced background effect evocative of the  freezing instrument panels of the adventurers, and the illustrations depict the clock’s green night time glow pointing to possibly the only light Alcock and Brown saw as they crossed the Atlantic.

Wraith Eagle VIII, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ latest Collection Car will be created for discerning collectors at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex – a Centre of Global Luxury Manufacturing Excellence.