Rolls-Royce & Bentley Driver

Catching up with Eric Bauly and his 100-year-old Rolls-Royce 20hp for the feature that we’re running in this issue was an interesting exercise, and not just because of the owner’s personal tale. As you’ll read (starting on page 40), Eric first spotted the car back in the early ’60s, when he was a schoolboy, and almost 30 years later he became its proud owner… for the first time. Experiencing the car now, however, reminded us just how important a model the ‘Twenty’ was for Rolls-Royce. Prior to the 20hp’s 1922 debut, Rolls-Royce had relied on the enormous (and enormously expensive) 40/50 ‘Silver Ghost’. The company realised, however, that an expansion of the line-up was needed, and decided that a new entry-level car would appeal to coachbuilders and customers alike. It…

Although Bentley Motors’ profits dipped by 37 per cent last year to £314 million, the company’s new CEO, Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser, has described the results as “positive”, with the company ramping up investment in new products and its Crewe plant in preparation for a major increase in its electrified line-up. Bentley is gearing up for the 2027 launch of its first fully electric vehicle (EV), described as a “luxury urban SUV”, and will launch at least one new hybrid or EV every year for the next decade, with the goal of becoming electric-only by 2035. The company’s new EV assembly line will be located in the oldest building at the Pyms Lane site, with plans already in place for the transformation. Investment into the Crewe factory is described as record-breaking…

Bentley has unveiled an exceptional example of the co-creation commissioning journey that every Batur customer experiences, the unique end result being The Black Rose that’s said to be themed around the beauty of rose gold. The Black Rose is one of 18 Baturs being built by Mulliner’s Bespoke Studio, and results from an extensive co-creation journey between the client and Mulliner’s design team. This particular car features bespoke Black Rose metallic paintwork commissioned by Mulliner exclusively for the customer, with a gloss Beluga upper body. Satin Rose Gold accents adorn the front grille, the bonnet line, mirror caps, lower body kit and 22-inch tri-tone wheels. The theme continues inside, where the dark hides and fabrics are punctuated by rose gold thanks to an automotive industry first. Bentley employed gold Additive…

From the publishers of Rolls-Royce & Bentley Driver comes this special 132-page bookazine dedicated to the history of Bentley and the models that made it such a motoring legend. Bentley Ultimate Model Guide is officially on sale from April 11th, but online orders can be placed anytime – with worldwide delivery available. The publication tells the whole Bentley story, from the start of it all in 1919 through to the best-known models of the 21st century. It’s packed with fascinating history and amazing feature cars, as well as buying advice for some of the most popular post-war models. Whatever your favourite era of Bentley, there’s something here for everyone. And for marque enthusiasts, it’s a must-have collectors’ edition. To order a copy, priced at £14.99 plus shipping, visit https://shop.kelsey.co.uk/product/bentley-ultimate-model-guide.…

Evice Ltd, which exhibited an EV-converted Silver Shadow at last year’s RREC Annual Rally, has announced the launch of its new brand, Halcyon – with the first project being the transformation of a 1978 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible to EV spec. The car is described as being currently “in build”, with Halcyon boasting that it integrates “worldleading technology, expert craftsmanship, and bespoke design”. The first Halcyon customer orders are set for delivery in late 2026, following what will have been a three-year development and testing programme. Limited to just 60 unique commissions, each car will be tailored to meet its owner’s precise requirements. The 12-month build process includes over 1000 hours of bodywork restoration alone, ensuring each Halcyon Rolls-Royce is finished to the highest standards. Owners can work with Halcyon’s in-house…

Don’t forget that the world’s biggest gathering of SY-generation Rolls-Royces and Bentleys takes place at the historic Brooklands Museum over the weekend of August 16th-17th, ensuring that the Silver Shadow family’s 60th anniversary is celebrated in style. Michael Marshall-Clarke, pictured here with his 1974 Silver Shadow, reports that more than 200 cars have already been pre-entered – and the Middlesex section of the RREC, which is organising the special event, is hoping for more. Among the highlights are a black tie dinner in the famous Brooklands Clubhouse and a road run through the scenic Surrey Hills. The gathering is open to all SY-generation cars, comprising the Silver Shadow and Shadow II, Bentley T-series and T2, MPW/Corniche, Silver Wraith II and Camargue. For further details, see the official write-up on page…