Rolls Royce 1701
A 1911 Experimental Speed Car, the first 100mph Rolls Royce known as 1701, will lead a cavalcade of 17 Rolls Royce Silver Ghosts from the Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall on 11th September 2011. The cars date from between 1911 and 1922, and will be joined by a new Rolls Royce Ghost.
The event is run by the 20-Ghost club, and will re-enact the 1911 London to Edinburgh Top gear Trial.
The London to Edinburgh Trial was a considerable test for Edwardian cars, which provided the opportunity for Rolls Royce to showcase the performance, flexibility and economy of the Silver Ghost. It also drew the attention of a younger an sportier clientele to the car whilst maintaining the appeal to aristocratic customers. RAC observers were responsible for ensuring only top gear was used, including when pulling away from standing.
The 1701 drove from London to Edinburgh and back using just top gear, with an average fuel consumption of over 24mpg. The car was then driven at Brooklands, achieving 78mph, in order to prove that a normal back axle ratio was used and no mechanical alterations had taken place. When fitted with a 'wind-cheating' single-seat body, the 1701 reached 101mph at the flying half mile at Brooklands.
The re-enactment taking place this month will recreate the trial as closely as possible, including gear change gates being authentically sealed. The event starts at 6:00am from the Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall on Sunday 11th September 2011 covering as much of the original route on the Great North Road as possible. The return journey will finish at Goodwood in West Sussex, home of Rolls Royce on 15th September 2011. On 17th September, the cars will line up at Goodwood Motor Circuit Grid before joining the Revival Opening Parade lap.
Torsten Muller-Otvos, CEO, Rolls Royce Motor Cars, said, "Rolls Royce has always stood for the very best engineering combined with refinement, luxury and, of course, hand craftsmanship and human endeavour. These qualities are the same today as they were 100 years ago. We are delighted to support our friends at the 20-Ghost Club in this remarkably authentic re-enactment and look forward to welcoming them to the Home of Rolls Royce at Goodwood after a successful Centenary Trial."
