Rolls Royce Automobiles.

I was contemplating the Rolls Royce automobile. It seems that almost every single older example I've encountered for sale has very low mileage--say, a 1970s one has 80,000, and so on. You also don't see Rolls Royce vehicles on the road that often either even though older examples are not even expensive. To me, this seems pointless. One buys a rather expensive car new and is afraid to drive it. I feel this is an issue of image as Rolls Royce has a certain kind of international symbolism that may or may not be positive--it says arrogance, self-indulgence and Imperialism in a kind of way that other brands can't really compare. I think it's rather inane not to drive a car simply because of some perceived identity. Certainly, Mercedes-Benz is not some totem of austerity and yet many people do not have issues driving their Benz vehicles. In fact, the appeal of something like Rolls Royce or Mercedes-Benz is in their inherent showiness, which is reflected in the design. I also think Bentley is the vehicle of choice for people who are afraid of driving Rolls Royces. Saying the modern Bentleys are sporty is just an excuse; luxury British cars are not sporty.

Would you drive one?

I would definitely drive one, especially a late 1980s Corniche convertible, preferably in white with tan leather. If I lived in the British countryside I could see myself driving a sedan such as the one you posted above.

Unfortunately the Phantom is one of the ugliest motor vehicles I've ever seen.

Originally Posted by JetBlast

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Unfortunately the Phantom is one of the ugliest motor vehicles I've ever seen.

A lot of people say that, but design-wise I think they did a good job of using many of the elements from the old Phantoms, while keeping the overall design very modern.

As for RR cars in general, I think they are one of the best in the luxury sedan category. The mileage is probably low on many of them, because the original owners have many cars. On the other hand, Mercedes cars are usually used as daily drivers.

The older models don't drive particularly well, they are enormous and underpowered.

It might be that the typical owners are off jet setting and sitting around the golf club. Hard to rack up the miles if you don't do to much.

Three years ago, I seriously considered buying a 1972 Silver Shadow I, silver, with tan leather, but the thought of parts and upkeep scared med away.

I was planning some social coquettry around it - not mistreating it, but rather treating it as I treat my old Volvo now - just a regular car.

I thought of installing a tow bar, a roof rack, and one of those "My other car is a Porsche" bumper stickers. A missing hubcap, a couple of old newspapers etc. would complete the picture, along with keeping it dirty.

They are certainly eye-catching automobiles. I've never driven one or sat in one. They look like they'd be a very comfortable ride. I doubt driving it fast & hard is the point of a RR. I would imagine their engines put out some serious torque tho. And as they are suppliers of airplane engines, including Boeing, I would think their engines are dependable, but I have no idea.

Originally Posted by Lucky Strike

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Three years ago, I seriously considered buying a 1972 Silver Shadow I, silver, with tan leather, but the thought of parts and upkeep scared med away.

I was planning some social coquettry around it - not mistreating it, but rather treating it as I treat my old Volvo now - just a regular car.

I thought of installing a tow bar, a roof rack, and one of those "My other car is a Porsche" bumper stickers. A missing hubcap, a couple of old newspapers etc. would complete the picture, along with keeping it dirty.

That's a pretty cool idea actually.

I suspect they imply an idiosyncrasy with which most people are uncomfortable -- but for you LK, just the thing for carting exotic hides and ivories whilst smoking rare tobaccos and sneering at proletarian haberdashery or lumpen architecture ...

Also great for a big-ass, old-fashioned carphone, I should think!

I would at least pretend to use one of these while driving in my white suit.

Definitely. Especially a vintage one. Also, as I drive, I would use the phone that JB mentioned above too. The one you pictured looks great.

I have driven the older examples and they are surprisingly agile and fast for such a large and heavy car. The power-steering is superb with the thinnest steering wheel you can imagine.

I find it odd that they chose to use a Mercedes as a daily driver as some of the period Mercedes models were about the same price as a new Rolls Royce; the 6.9 was even more expensive.

Lucky Strike's idea is a good one. To combat the slightly pretentious image, one must treat the car as any other old thing.

1989 Bentley Eight

This one is about the price of a new civic. The steering wheel is hideous though.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...=p4506.c0.m245

Hyundai prices even!


Not really sure why you'd rather have this as a daily driver, rather then say a 2001 (last year of the E38) 740I Sport which can be had for similar prices yet is more reliable, faster, and really nice inside. With heated seats and steering wheel too.

Unless someone drives you around in it.

Bentley Limo

The 99 sticker is the perfect touch. The 7430 GVW puts is at about double that of a regular car. But look at the clock and little vase to hold your flowers.

Originally Posted by ms244

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1989 Bentley Eight

This one is about the price of a new civic. The steering wheel is hideous though.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...=p4506.c0.m245

Hyundai prices even!

Not really sure why you'd rather have this as a daily driver, rather then say a 2001 (last year of the E38) 740I Sport which can be had for similar prices yet is more reliable, faster, and really nice inside. With heated seats and steering wheel too.


Outside of the high miles and gawd awful steering wheel, that car is a major buy for the money. I can't believe it's going for less than $10 grand.