The Wraith Takes Flight

A look at the bespoke, limited edition Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII

It’s hard to imagine, but just over 100 years ago, the concept of flight was in its infancy. There were no airlines, and pilots flew by the seat of their pants. Planes at that time were assembled with bits of wire, wood, dope, and large, noisy motors – and were anything but reliable. Last year, to commemorate the first non-stop transatlantic flight in 1919, Rolls-Royce unveiled its Wraith Eagle VIII. Created by the Bespoke Collective at the House of Rolls-Royce, a collection of just 50 limited edition Wraith Eagle VIII motorcars will celebrate the epic journey of one of the most important moments of the 20th century.

In June 1919, Captain John Alcock and Lieutenant Arthur Brown braved uncharted skies to make the first non-stop transatlantic flight. These men were contemporaries of Sir Henry Royce, founder of the iconic luxury car manufacturer. Alcock and Brown flew non-stop from St. John’s, Newfoundland to Clifden, Ireland, in a modified World War I Vickers Vimy bomber aircraft. Not surprisingly, a twin 20.3 liter, 350 bhp Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII engines powered the biplane. In those days, Rolls-Royce also made engines. Today, they still make aircraft engines, but they are separated from the automobile company. It is from this remarkable Roll-Royce engine that this collection takes its name.

“I do not know what we should most admire – their audacity, determination, skill, science, their airplane, their Rolls-Royce engines – or their good fortune,” commented Sir Winston Churchill, following the perilous journey that brought unfathomable advancement to 20th century society.

Alcock and Brown established a record and gained a place alongside Donald Campbell, CBE (British speed record-breaker) in the most select club globally; those who push beyond previous conceptions of human endeavor to achieve seemingly impossible records on land, water, and air. And what made this epic flight possible? The raw but reliable power created by Rolls-Royce engines.

During their flight, Alcock and Brown suffered every conceivable challenge an aviator could face at the time. The Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII engines were the only components that proved indestructible. The engines propelled the aerial voyage at previously unimagined speeds that averaged 115mph. Their peril cannot be overstated. Their radio and navigation instruments failed almost immediately, leaving the pilots flying unaided at night through a dense cloud and freezing fog for many hours in an open cockpit. The noise and sheer cold must have been debilitating. Eventually, they emerged from the cloud and, using Brown’s extraordinary skill as a navigator, flew by the stars to Ireland’s coast.

The sleek exterior of the Wraith Eagle VIII is evocative of Alcock and Brown’s compelling nighttime adventure. Painted in gunmetal grey with a Selby Grey upper two-tone, the colors are separated by a brass feature line, hinting at the detailing that lies within. The blackened grill vanes draw immediate reference to the Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII engine cowling on the Vickers Vimy aircraft; the wheels are part polished with a translucent shadow finish.

Inside, the interior mirrors the exterior hue. Selby Grey and black leather are accented with brass. The brass reminds us of the time when only brass sextants were used to navigate by the stars. Executed in a contemporary fashion, the golden metal is found in key areas throughout the Eagle VIII cockpit. Brass speaker covers depict the estimated flight distance of 1,880 miles, and ‘RR’ monograms are embroidered in brass colored thread onto headrests. A flash of brass complements the navigator door panniers, while the driver’s door includes a brass plaque with Churchill’s quote, commending the duo’s incredible achievements.

The dash is made from a fusion of contemporary and traditional materials. Smoked eucalyptus wood is vacuum metalized in gold before being inlaid with silver and copper to depict the rich detail Alcock and Brown might have seen at nighttime while flying. The scene extends to the center console providing both an emotive and immersive experience for today’s occupants – the cockpit is in perspective with the headliner. Below, the center tunnel’s brass-stitched quilted sides provide a direct nod to the V12-engined Vickers Vimy.

Perhaps the most alluring feature of the collection is the extraordinary unique starlight headliner. 1,183 starlight fibers show the celestial arrangement at the time of the flight in 1919; the flight path and constellations are embroidered in a brass thread, while a red fiber optic light indicates the exact moment the pair left the cloud to navigate by the stars. Clouds are embroidered, and a plaque reading, “The celestial arrangement at the halfway point 00:17 a.m. June 15th, 1919, 50” 07’ Latitude North – 31” Longitude West”, shows the halfway point of the momentous journey.

Under ordinary circumstances, the Roll-Royce Wraith is a phenomenal luxury car with its rakish elegance and superb good looks. It’s one of the few vehicles on the road that looks stunning with a two-toned paint job. This special commemorative edition Wraith is nothing short of awe-inspiring and sure to be a hit with those who collect fine and rare automobiles. If you’re one of the few who would like to purchase this collectible Roll-Royce, it will set you back around a cool S$1.9 million.