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Auto Blog
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Meet 100 Years of Rolls-Royce History
I walked through a century of automotive royalty at the Rolls-Royce Owners' Club Annual Meet in Colorado Springs. The event celebrated the Phantom's centennial milestone by creating a stunning visual timeline. A new 2025 Phantom VIII was showcased alongside its pioneering ancestors, the Phantom I and Phantom III, offering a powerful, side-by-side look at the evolution of perfection over 100 years. What makes the Rolls-Royce Owners' Club so unique Let's get one thing straight about the Rolls-Royce Owners' Club (RROC). Forget any preconceived notions you might have. This isn't some stuffy, velvet-rope affair. The annual meet is a global pilgrimage, and the attendees are true car enthusiasts. They aren't there to show off; they're there to celebrate motoring, automotive history, and engineering excellence. When you boil it all down, it's a gearhead event of the highest order, and that's what makes it so genuinely special. 0:06 / 0:09 Nissan's revolutionary self-driving tech hits Japan's streets Watch More Source: Rolls-Royce This year's gathering in Colorado Springs, Colorado, was the perfect example. Picture this: a collection of more than 75 motor cars, creating a living, breathing timeline of the marque's entire history. It was a showcase that spanned from the very beginning, the 1904 partnership of Charles Rolls and Henry Royce, all the way to the cutting-edge luxury of today. The main event was the centennial of a legend: the Phantom. The visual was just incredible. A new 2025 Rolls-Royce Phantom, the eighth generation, was displayed alongside its pioneering ancestors, a Phantom I and a Phantom III. It was a powerful, side-by-side look at 100 years of holding the title of 'the best car in the world.' Source: Rolls-Royce Jon Colbeth, the President & CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, put it perfectly. 'The 2025 RROC Annual Meet stood as a testament to the timeless quality and enduring legacy of Rolls-Royce motor cars'. And he backed it up with one of the most incredible stats in the automotive world: 70% of all Rolls-Royce cars ever commissioned are still gracing the world's roads. That's a direct result of Sir Henry Royce's guiding principle: 'Take the best that exists and make it better'. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. This was also the first chance for many collectors and enthusiasts in North America to get up close with the brand's newest creations: the Ghost Series II and Cullinan Series II. Source: Rolls-Royce The Ghost Series II is the modern evolution of the values established by the original 1907 Silver Ghost, a car so exceptional that it was once dubbed 'the best car in the world' for its refinement and reliability. Today's Ghost is engineered with the driver in mind, loaded with seriously advanced tech like the Planar Suspension System and Satellite Aided Transmission, all powered by the signature 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12. Source: Rolls-Royce Then you have the Cullinan Series II, the world's preeminent super-luxury SUV. This is how Rolls-Royce extends its mastery into new territory. It features a refreshed exterior that now features massive 23-inch wheels, the largest ever offered on a Cullinan. Inside, one of the coolest new features is the Illuminated Fascia with Cityscape graphics, a stunning piece of craftsmanship. Source: Rolls-Royce Final thoughts Ultimately, that's what this gathering celebrated. The RROC is a crucial pillar of the brand's heritage and its future. The event was a perfect reminder that every Rolls-Royce, whether it's a hundred years old or fresh from the factory, is more than just a means of transportation. It's a 'symbol of human achievement, mechanical artistry, and meticulous craftsmanship'. Seeing them all together, surrounded by the people who cherish them, was the perfect way to celebrate a century of perfection. About the Author Kyle Edward View Profile
The Sun
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Britain's rarest car once loved by budget drivers is revealed – with just 2 left in circulation
A ONCE-popular French hatchback, long loved by budget drivers, has been driven to near extinction — with just two left on Britain's roads. The Renault 6 TL, a 1970s favourite known for its blend of practicality and modest luxury, is believed to be one of the rarest cars in the UK today. 3 First spotted on British roads in late 1969, the Renault 6 TL was especially popular among drivers looking for comfort and reliability without breaking the bank. Manufactured in France and later in Spain, the TL model launched in 1974 as a more refined version, boasting extras like front disc brakes, heated rear windows, reclining seats, childproof locks, and winding windows. The model was based on the Renault 4 platform but aimed slightly higher up the market, appealing to motorists who wanted something trendier without the price tag of the larger Renault 16. Its 1.1-litre engine delivered a smooth drive, and the generous boot space made it ideal for family holidays or country getaways. In its heyday, the Renault 6 TL offered what many considered 'affordable luxury.' Priced at just over £1,000 in the mid-1970s, it was costlier than rivals like the Citroën Dyane but offered better performance and features. Car experts at the time praised its economy and character, calling it more distinctive than many of its competitors. Production of the Renault 6 ended in France in 1980 and finally ceased in Spain in 1986 after over 1.7 million units were built. But like many workhorse vehicles of the past, it slowly vanished from British roads as newer models took over and older ones succumbed to rust and wear. Today, only two roadworthy Renault 6 TLs are left in the UK – one of which belongs to Terence Byrne. Based in County Down, Terence bought his 1974 TL in memory of his late wife, Jennifer, who adored the model. He named the car JEN 74, and it now serves as a tribute to her, turning heads at classic car shows. The vehicle had once replaced his Ford Escort Mk1 back in the 1980s, proving to be just as capable across fields and stone tracks as it was on the road. Decades later, after reconnecting with the Renault Classic Car Club, Terence was finally able to find another – travelling all the way to Wimborne, Dorset, to bring JEN 74 home. Classic car enthusiasts say the Renault 6 represents a forgotten chapter in motoring history – a time when cars were simple, practical and built to last. While it might lack the sleek styling of modern hatchbacks, it more than makes up for it in charm and character. 3
