Luxury automobile manufacturer Rolls-Royce Motor Cars recently marked the centenary of the first non-stop transatlantic by releasing sketches of a special edition Wraith Eagle VIII which pays tribute to the 1,800-mile journey. A 100 years ago, Captain John Alcock and Lieutenant Arthur Brown took to the skies to cross the Atlantic Ocean in a Vickers Vimy aircraft, powered by twin Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII engines.
To mark the occasion, Rolls-Royce released sketches of the limited edition Wraith Eagle VIII. The sketches were created by Bespoke Collective, which is a part of the Rolls-Royce company.
The special edition Rolls-Royce Wraith Eagle VIII showcases a headliner sketch cloud embroidery, the halfway point coordinates and the flight path of Alcock and Brown. A further detailed sketch shows the night-time view from above, which is incorporated into Wraith’s fascia, in the form of a gold, silver and copper inlay.
Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, commented, “The unique skill of our Bespoke Design Collective sees the story of one of the most pivotal moments of the 20th century, the first non-stop transatlantic flight, told using Wraith, a motor car which speaks of power, drama, and adventure. Wraith Eagle VIII is a modern masterpiece – these sketches offer an extraordinary insight into its creation.”
Rolls-Royce has demonstrated incredible attention to detail by also adding a clock with an iced background to create the effect of freezing instruments, similar to that experienced by Alcock and Brown. However, there’s still green night-time glow, a direct reference to the only light seen by Alcock and Brown as they crossed the Atlantic.
The Rolls-Royce Wraith Eagle VIII Collection edition will be created for exclusively for discerning collectors at Goodwood, West Sussex – Home of Rolls-Royce.
