Rolls-Royce Wraith
MONEY no object? How about the Rolls-Royce Wraith?
Launched last year with first deliveries to customers in the autumn, they are certainly exclusive – I have yet to see another one on the roads of Greater Manchester – although Rolls-Royce tells me around 90 per cent of production is currently going abroad with the car proving particularly popular in the USA.
But then this is not just a car… it is a moving work of art. An exercise in engineering, craftsmanship and design excellence.
You can imagine how delighted I was when Rolls-Royce offered me the chance to drive one of their magnificent motors for a long weekend. It is the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever. The Wraith’s twin-turbo, V12, 624 bhp engine can hurl the 2.3-tonnes, 17-foot long sports-limo from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and on to a limited 155mph top speed.
As you would expect everything about the car (including the price: £220,00) is fabulous but here are a few touches which particularly appealed.
No rev counter, rather a remaining ‘power meter’; the way the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot rises from the end of the bonnet as you get in; the umbrellas built into the front door posts which flick out at the touch of a button; the RR emblems which remain upright in the centre of the wheels as you motor along and the deep-pile lambswool carpets.
The Rolls-Royce Wraith is an absolutely fabulous motor car.
Exclusive, luxurious, fantastic to drive and be seen in with effortless power and unrivalled heritage – all I need now is that lottery win!