Rolls Royce celebrates Land-speed record by new collection

Black Badge editions of the Wraith and Dawn get special touches inspired by the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Rolls Royce is introducing a new limited edition for the Wraith and Dawn Black Badge models celebrating the land-speed records set by Captain George Eyston in the late 1930s with the twin-engined Thunderbolt.

The new Rolls Royce Wraith and Dawn Black Badge Landspeed Collection models feature unique details dedicated to these records and will be limited to just 35 examples for the Wraith, and 25 for the Dawn.

Rolls Royce LandSpeed Collection

On November 19, 1937, Captain George Eyston climbed inside the finned, aero-shaped Thunderbolt land-speed record car resting on the expansive Bonneville Salts Flats in Utah. Powered by two massive Rolls-Royce V12 aircraft engines, he set a new land speed record of 312 mph. Nearly a year later he would do it again, this time hitting 357.5 mph. That record would stand until 1939, at which point World War II put an end to such things.

Eyston didn't return to the record-setting scene after the war, but Rolls-Royce is keen to revive his memory over 80 years later with the Landspeed Collection. Two special versions of the Wraith and Dawn, each in Black Badge trim, are outfitted with unique trim and markings that pay tribute to Eyston's records. Sadly, that doesn't include the classic 37-liter V12 engines used in the Thunderbolt, but you still get V12 power from the familiar twin-turbocharged 6.6-liter engine used in both models.

Rolls Royce LandSpeed Collection

As for the special treatment, Bonneville's ambiance is the primary source of inspiration. The fissured texture on numerous interior surfaces resembles the cracked, salt-caked ground of Bonneville. The Starlight Headliner in the Wraith mimics the night sky over Bonneville on September 16, 1938, the date when Eyston set his final speed record. The elegant clock just right of the touchscreen is modeled after gauges used in the Thunderbolt, and silhouettes of the record-setting car are laser-etched on the front tunnel. Additional badging is found in the greenhouse, and the driver door recreates the ribbon colors of special honors awarded to Eyston.

"With this Collection, we have revived Eyston's memory and retold his remarkable story," said Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös. "Throughout Wraith and Dawn Landspeed, clients will find numerous subtle design elements and narrative details that recall and commemorate his amazing achievements, grand vision, and exceptional courage."

As you might expect, the Landspeed Collection will be exceedingly rare. Only 35 Wraith Black Badge versions and 25 Dawn Black Badge versions are planned for production.

Image Gallery:

1 / 8