’16-2

The Periodical of The Modern Car Society An Affiliate of The RROC modernApr.-June CAR

For Rolls-Royce and Owners and Enthusiasts Message from the Chairman For Rolls-Royce & Bentley Owners and Enthusiasts Apr.-June

modernCAR Contents

2017 ------3952 3952

y hope is that summer, 2016 will be outstanding for driving our PMC’s. The Bentley in 2036------3966 “Show Me” Spring Tour in Missouri was sold out early and is probably going Mon as you read this. The interest in this year’s National Meet in Asheville, North Deliveries on R-R’s largest Order Carolina is also very high. Make sure you sign up early. Please consider the Modern Car dinner which will be on site at Begins------3968 the Grove Park Inn. There is also a tour scheduled in northern Italy this year and the Rolls Royce Factory in England. This issue has all the new The Queen is Getting One------3971 offerings from Rolls Royce and Bentley and some great info from several of our members. Enjoy your summer and DRIVE Cloud vs. Corniche------3972 your car; you will both be happier for it! 3972 Until next time, keep the rubber side down! Phantom Saloons to be Replaced-----3974 3978

Jim Facinelli New Bentley Models Coming------3977 chairman A Wooden Flying “B”------3978 Regalia Catalog ‘14 Welcome New Members Modern Car SoCiety John Barton ------MIddletown, OH Brendan Murphy------Port St. Joe, FL Directors 2014

Chairman ------James Facinelli The MODERN CAR (ISSN# 1931-5422) is a publication of the Modern Car Society. The society is an affiliate of the eMail: [email protected] Cell: 717-579-2745, RROC, a nonprofit corporation, 191 Hempt Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050, U.S.A. Membership in the RROC is a Office: 717-362-3477 prerequisite to joining the Modern Car Society. Annual membership dues for the 2014 year in the Modern Car Society Treasurer ------Rubén Verdés are $35 for USA memberships, $40 for Canadian memberhsips, and $55 for foreign memberships. $25 of this amount eMail & PayPal: [email protected] 305-505-3062 is for a subscription to the Modern Car for one year. The Club and the editors aim to publish accurate information and www.moderncarsociety.com/regalia Secretary ------Jim Lobenstein recommendations, but neither assumes responsibility in the event of claim of loss or damage resulting from publication eMail: [email protected] or [email protected] of editorial or advertising matter. Statements of contributors are their own, and do not necessarily reflect Club policy. Home: 303-699-1707, Office 303-680-7585, Cell: 303-726-5057 The name ROLLS-ROYCE, the Rolls-Royce Badge, and the linked “RR” logo are registered trade marks of Rolls-Royce Vice Chairman Membership (Past MCS Chair)------Bruce Farkas plc of London, England and are used by the RROC and the Modern Car Society under license. eMail: [email protected] Home: 847-831-3209 Cell:312-613-5210 The MODERN CAR is published quarterly by the Modern Car Society, RROC Headquarters, 191 Hempt Road, Hot off the Press Vice Chairman of Activities (Past MCS Chair) ------Michael F. Gaetano Mechanicsburg, PA 17050. Printed in USA. eMail: [email protected] Second Class Periodicals Postage paid at Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania 17055 The Complete Guide to the Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph and Cell: 508-395-6663, Office: 781-237-4950 x227 is the only book exclusively dedicated to the last motorcars to Vice Chairman Publications & and at additional mailing offices. be designed at Crewe before Rolls-Royce and Bentley were Modern Car Editor ------Richard Vaughan POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Modern Car Magazine, RROC Headquarters, sold to new owners. From design and styling of the Silver eMail: [email protected] 248-217-7183 191 Hempt Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 Seraph to the Arnage Final Series of 2009, this book covers Director & National Automotive Technical Advisor ------John Palma www.rroc-mcs.org every model and goes into detail about every imaginable eMail: [email protected] 856-547-6522 option, with 265 color pictures across its 146 pages. Director (Past MCS Chair) ------Richard J. Simpson MCS Members Address Changes & Dues eMail: [email protected] 905-871-3066 For members who wish to update their address in our database, please contact Eileen at RROC Special attention is given to rarely seen features, unusual op- Headquarters. (address above) 800-TRY-RROC or 717-697-4671 tions, and the long variants, including the Bentley Director (Past RROC Presdient) ------John Love, Esq. State Limousine. In addition, there is a useful checklist of eMail: [email protected] (France) 02 41 50 86 89 Join the Modern Car Society, call 800-TRY-RROC things to look at when evaluating one for purchase. National Technical Advisor – or go to: www.moderncarsociety.org Available at the RROC club store for $86. Automotive Woodworking ------William Rau Design & Printing Call 800-TRY-RROC to order your copy. eMail: [email protected] 310-445-1128 MURPHY & ASSOCIATES, LTD 17-3 ROUNDABOUT WAY, MANCHESTER, NH 03102 603-645-8454 email: [email protected] 2017 Bentley Mulsanne

he Bentley Mulsanne has received and ex- reimagined with what the company describes as New Mulsanne Powertrain and Chassis deliver a more controlled ride that drivers can tensive facelift and the line-up has been a “fresh and modern” look and new chassis tech Details adapt between Bentley, Sport, Comfort and cus- extended to four models as part of a revamp to deliver what is claimed to be “the world’s most tom modes. Meanwhile a new tire construction T Power for the standard car comes from the same to the range. refined ride”. It remains to be seen if the claims created in partnership with Dunlop reduces cabin 6.75-litre V8, which is linked to an eight-speed of superlative ride quality are true. The outgoing noise by up to 4dBA - which is more than half The new Mulsanne range consists of updated automatic ZF and which delivers an model certainly could not be regarded as a para- of the noise level generated in the cabin in the versions of the standard Mulsanne and Mulsanne unchanged 505bhp and 752lb ft of torque. The gon of serenity ion motion. That title belongs to current car. Speed, plus two new Mulsanne Extended Wheel- the Rolls-Royce Phantom, which is also set to be 0-60mph time remains 5.1sec, with a top speed base models, one with increased rear leg room replaced soon. of 184mph. Official fuel economy has been im- Exterior Styling and the other offering six in a four-up, face- proved about 15%, with CO2 emissions of 342g/ to-face rear- configuration. 1 The Mulsanne remains the last Bentley which is km, down from 393g/km. Although the revised Mulsanne keeps the basic not based on a and is the only Bent- lines of the earlier car, the entire front-end for- In addition, the entire Mulsanne range has been ley that feels truly handmade, in the best sense of New chassis hardware includes active engine ward of the A- is new, including the bumper, that term. mounts and revised suspension bushes, which bonnet, radiator, shell, grilles and lights. Key to

Modern Car 3952 3953 Modern Car these changes has been a philosophy of inte- Other new tech includes headlights that automati- Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase grating all the design elements so that they cally adjust according to town, country and mo- flow and work together more neatly, as well as torway conditions, a blind-spot monitoring system In particular, Bentley is targeting growing sales giving the car more visual width and therefore and a new stability control system that can inter- for the extended wheelbase model, especially in presence. vene if it detects a potential accident. China and the Middle East, the second and third biggest Mulsanne markets behind the US. The The new stainless steel grille with vertical slats Interior changes are focused on a new style of standard model boasts a new style of reclining - 80mm wider than before - is the stand-out seat, new door trims and armrests, glass switch- seat that the firm describes as providing “first- change on the front. “The vertical slats give the gear, with 24 leather colors available in a sin- class air-travel experience for the road”. Others car a strong presence and imply luxury, while gle or two tone arrangement. Emphasizing the will see it as Bentley catching up with what Mer- the matrix mesh implies a sportiness,” said quality claims, the leather interior is said to take cedes did with Maybach back in 2003. Bentley’s Sang Yup Lee, head of exterior design. 150 hours to trim - out of 400 hours to build the whole car - while 40 interior parts are said to be That car has an extra 250mm of rear leg room, It is framed by a pair of “floating” all-LED head- handmade. and the pair of seats - separated by a console - lights, which offer adaptive technology for bet- have leg rests that can be extended for bed-like ter night vision, and which adjust their lighting comfort. Buyers can also specify retractable tables, pattern according to the prevailing conditions. By pushing some design elements farther to the corners of the car, Bentley’s designers have again worked to give the car more visual width and presence. That theme continues at the rear, where the changes are more focused on the bumper and light treatments. The bumper, for instance, is 26mm wider at its lower edge, and includes a feature line designed to catch the light and give the car a more purposeful look. The rear lights are also more stylized in a ‘B’ shape, to give the car a more instantly recognizable look at night.

Interior and Cockpit Electronics Inside, the most significant update is a new 8.0in touchscreen infotainment system, mod- ernizing the cabin ambience and updating the sat-nav to the latest standards. The system is compatible with Apple Carplay, and MirrorLink. 6 The audio and visual capabilities are under- pinned by a 60GB hard drive. Buyers can also spec an 18-speaker, 19-channel Naim audio system with a 2200 watt amplifier and super tweeters. In the rear, two 10.2-inch Android tablets sit in the backs of the front seats, and are 4G, wifi and Bluetooth enabled. The tablets are detachable and link to the infotainment system so passengers can stream music or video or control the sat-nav.

Modern Car 3954 3955 Modern Car Modern Car 3956 3957 Modern Car so they can work on the move. differentiators from standard building”. Although no sales In addition, the rear passenger models include a dark tint finish predictions were released, a it is compartment has its own sun- on exterior chrome details, clearly for a limited audience. roof to add natural light to the unique 21-inch alloys, a differ- cabin. Durheimer describes the ent bumper design and sports The Mulsanne Grand Limou- rear seats as setting the “bench- exhausts; Bentley summarizes sine is one meter longer and 79 mark in automotive comfort”. these changes as “menacing”. mm taller than Bentley’s new Inside, quilted sports seats come Mulsanne and features a unique

as standard, as do drilled alloy interior with a unique seating 2016 Bentley Mulsanne pedals and a sportier gearlever configuration in the rear cabin. Speed design. It features Bentley’s first applica- The Mulsanne Speed is powered Bentley Grand Limousine by tion of electrochromic or ‘smart by the same 6.75-litre V8, but Mulliner glass’ – which allows passengers with 530bhp, 811lb ft of torque to switch the interior division and a recalibrated eight-speed The six-seater version of the and rear-cabin window glass gearbox, resulting in a 0-60mph Mulsanne will be called the between clear and opaque at time of 4.8sec and a top speed Bentley Grand Limousine by the touch of a button – and a of 190mph. It also has a sports Mulliner, with each car built suite of onboard technology suspension mode for a more dy- to order. It is described as ensures the Mulsanne Grand namic driving experience. Visual “invoking the spirit of coach

Modern Car 3958 3959 Modern Car as iPad charging and docking stations, as well as veneered fold-out tables, a bottle cooler with frosted glass and crystal flutes, and a soft drink cabinet with bespoke tumblers. It has an intercom system to com- municate with the driver and unique controls for the rear features. greatest attention to detail has Throughout, only the most been applied to the Mulsanne luxurious materials have been Grand Limousine by Mulliner. used to achieve exemplary This is evident from the Flying levels of refinement. The opu- ‘B’ mascot – engraved with lence of the rear cabin is ac- the words ‘Coachbuilt by Mul- centuated by the extensive use liner’ – which stands above a of wood and leather for which unique iteration of Bentley’s Bentley is renowned. iconic chrome grille and lower Finished in two-tone Silver bumper grilles, designed specif- Frost and Moroccan Blue, the ically for this car.

Limousine by Mulliner experience is both exclu- experts consult with a customer to turn their vi- sive and luxurious. sion into an extraordinary reality. The attention to detail, quality, creativity and skill applied to every This car shown to the media was a private com- Mulliner commission is truly unique in the auto- mission. Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief motive world.” executive of Bentley Motors, comments: “The Mulsanne Grand Limousine showcases the exqui- With the focus on the rear-cabin, a new HVAC site craftsmanship of our in-house coachbuilder, system was been developed exclusively by Mulli- Mulliner and exemplifies the way in which our ner. Furthermore, the interior offers features such

Modern Car 3960 3961 Modern Car The effortless lines that track sanne Grand Limousine by from the bonnet along the Mulliner is fitted with a fully sinuous body of the limousine engineered powertrain, trans- conclude in beautifully resolved mission and a re-engineered shoulders, melding the aesthetic chassis and suspension, guar- purity of Bentley’s flagship car anteeing the highest possible with the luxury of additional degree of passenger comfort space inside. Beneath this de- and safety in the longest ul- lightful example of coachbuild- tra-luxury in the world. ing sit four unique 21” wheels, color-matched to the exterior finish. In accordance with the en- hanced dimensions, the Mul-

Modern Car 3962 3963 Modern Car Modern Car 3964 3965 Modern Car headlights - which Sielaff refers to as with the interior of the grille to make it to use material taken from animals. “something that should stay with Bentley more sporty or more elegant. These are “So we have to experiment with this and forever” – and two significant styling lines in things that are influencing our future design find alternatives. We are experimenting the exterior side profile. language from a technical perspective.” with protein leather and with natural-based Bentley in “One is what we call the ‘power line’ and Bentley sees sales potential among materials and textiles to meet these new the other is the ‘haunch’,” explained Sielaff. technology-savvy ‘millienials’, and “their expectations. It gives us a big chance to “So to express a really sporty statement expectations will be different”, said reinvent the interiors of our cars.” we always separate the power line and the Sielaff who explained that, as car-buying Bentley’s design team is also in the process haunch, but in the more luxury flagship preferences change, Bentley has to react. of refreshing its iconic ‘Flying B’ grille models we stretch the power line into the Having already incorporated stone veneer mascot and ‘Winged B’ badge. “They are haunch to accentuate the length of the cars.” into its cars’ interiors as an alternative part of the corporate identity so we have to to wood or metal, Bentley is now doing Future Bentleys will also make greater use of be very careful how we refine them,” said research into other natural materials that components made via 3D printing, inspired Sielaff. could be an alternative to leather. by the use of such techniques on the EXP 10 OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) Speed 6 concept. “In California, especially in the area around technology is set to feature in the lights of Los Angeles and San Francisco, there are “3D printing is fascinating for use because future models, with Sielaff explaining that 2036 some customer trends that will definitely be it overcomes problems of production the company “has some ideas for three- coming to Europe, and that are influencing for us. You can create detailed, complex dimensional OLEDs”. our way of living and our behavior,” he said. components that in the past we would not “We have many different targets to fulfill, but be able to make via milling or casting, for “This is a more ecological and sustainable it must always be a Bentley,” said Sielaff. example integrating a 3D image of a Union way of living, and a different way of acting “You must smell, feel and touch it and think flag into a door hinge. This is only possible towards both society and your own body, ‘this is a Bentley’. This applies not only to using 3D printing. such as the vegan lifestyle. This is definitely the materials, but also to the architecture, coming into the sector at the “The detailing on the interior of the grille such as the way the dashboards of our cars moment. These customers are not interested can also be 3D printed and that is also mimic our double wing theme. This is part in leather upholstery in cars anymore something that in the future will give each of the genetic code of our interiors and we because their lifestyle almost forbids them car in our family personality. We can play will continue this in the future.”

entley has been brainstorming “We are pushing with materials and with into the design of upcoming cars, such as about the future of its brand screens. The super-thin screen is still the next Continental, which is currently in in 2036. They have a vision experimental but it is only as thick as a piece development ahead of an anticipated launch that incorporates autonomous of paper and you can bend it. The screens in 2017. driving technology, of the future won’t be straight pieces of Bentley’s future designs will continue components made via 3D printing and even B glass, instead they will be integrated into the to emphasize the brand’s British roots a holographic butler to cater to the needs of materials. The luxury customer is not sitting via what Sielaff refers to as a “fusion of passengers. in front of a shoebox all the time. extremes”, with the sporting models at one The image shows the kind of interior a “With this image we are talking about end of the spectrum and luxury models at car from the luxury, chauffeur-driven end the luxury atmosphere in our cars. You the other. of the manufacturer’s portfolio, possibly could imagine that this is the interior of an Bentley is plotting new cars in its portfolio; a Mulsanne, might have two decades from autonomous Bentley, even though many company boss Wolfgang Dürheimer now. of our customers already do not drive recently told Autocar that he would like The lounge-style rear cabin features two themselves because they have chauffeurs.” to see as many as seven model lines, sofa-like seats positioned opposite each The holographic butler represents with prospective future offerings, such as other and infotainment screens made from “somebody you can talk to, it’s not just a a Bentayga-derived sports SUV and the flexible, 0.5mm-thick material mounted to machine” to offer Bentley customers a more production version of the EXP 10 Speed 6 the side panels. It is the work of Bentley’s personalized experience. “This is also part coupé in the final stages of consideration. 50-strong design team led by Stefan Sielaff, of luxury and design in the future. This is Sielaff said the “overall ratio between who joined the company as director of what we have to combine.” performance and luxury will get even wider. design last July. In addition to the 2036 vision of a luxury Our flagships will get even more luxurious “This explains how the interior of Bentleys interior, Sielaff hinted at some aspects of on the one hand and even more sporty on has to develop and in particular how the design that are closer to production reality the other.” luxury experience has to develop in the and will “take Bentley design into the future”. Future Bentley designs will retain some future,” said Sielaff in an interview with Indeed, some cues could be incorporated familiar elements, such as the round AutoCar magazine.

Modern Car 3966 3967 Modern Car Deliveries of RR’s Largest Order Begin position as the only marque capable of realizing deeply The first of 30 highly bespoke, Extended Wheelbase Rolls-Royce Phantoms, exclu- personal commissions. Once sively handcrafted for THE 13 hotel in Macau, has been handed over to Stephen delivered, these exceptional Hung, Joint Chairman of Louis XIII Holdings. motor cars will stand with THE 13 hotel as landmark sights in The stunning motor car, con- The motor car was ceremonially even the boldest of visions, Macau.” ceived and crafted in close col- handed over to its new own- they look to those with the laboration with Mr Hung, is one er by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars knowledge and skills to deliver “Today we celebrate the cul- of a fleet of 30 extraordinary Be- Chief Executive Officer, Torsten the gift of true Bespoke luxury,” mination of one of our closest spoke Phantoms that represent Müller-Ötvös, who commented, He continued, “These remark- partnerships. Rolls-Royce has the largest single commission in “When luxury visionaries like able examples of contemporary worked with us for over two Rolls-Royce history. Stephen Hung seek to realize Rolls-Royce design reaffirm our years to create this singularly

Modern Car 3968 3969 Modern Car unique automobile,” said Ste- pattern integrated to the rear most enduringly popular Be- phen Hung, the creator of THE seats, created at the request spoke design flourishes, the 13 hotel in Macau. “Behind of Stephen Hung to echo the Starlight Headliner, an exhaus- The Queen all the innovation and Bespoke entrance hall motif of THE 13, tively crafted expression of personalization, Rolls-Royce is the result of an exhaustive the heavens over Macau on is Getting One never once compromised its process without compromising the night of THE 13’s ground he aims to be a lot of things to a select exceptional commitment to on comfort or quality. breaking, formed of 1,360 indi- few people. But as the world’s fastest, most powerful quality in every detail. To me, vidually hand-woven fibre-optic Tand arguably most luxurious SUV on the market, it could this is the standard by which Every possible concession to lights that serves to bathe occu- all boil down to bragging rights for some. So who will get to true luxury is judged.” passenger comfort has been pants in a warm celestial glow. enjoy the privilege of receiving the very first one? made. For example, a refriger- THE 13’s Rolls-Royce Phantoms ator housed between the rear Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ and Probably the one person in the world who needs to brag the are adorned with a specially seats has been commissioned Stephen Hung’s shared com- least: Queen Elizabeth II. The sovereign monarch of the United formulated ‘Stephen Red’ ex- to ensure guests are always able mitment to attention to detail is Kingdom (and more current and former commonwealth countries than we care to count) already rides around in terior paint. The motor car’s to effortlessly reach for a bottle also expressed in a Bespoke take exterior is complemented by a of water or a cold towel whilst the Bentley State Limousine specially made for the purpose on the umbrellas housed in the and based on the Arnage. But she’ll now be adding a hand-painted twin coachline in hand-milled cup holders serve rear door which are presented new Bentayga to her royal mews, using it specifically to go gold that culminates in a spe- as the perfect place to hold a in the signature black and gold hunting at one of her estates in Scotland. She does, after all, cially designed motif. The theme seen throughout the own several – including the official Palace of Holyroodhouse Bespoke 21” wheels are also fleet and designs for THE in Edinburgh and, more likely, her private Balmoral Castle in years. Then again, both companies – alongside Aston finished in ‘Stephen Red’. 13 hotel. Aberdeenshire. Martin and Vauxhall – all hold royal warrants for supplying goods to Her Majesty. Given how many vehicles the royal On opening the coach Mr Hung’s commission Wherever she chooses to drive it, that’s got to hurt family must own (and how the Queen has been known doors, the stunning exterior for 30 Phantom Extend- for Jaguar Land Rover. The rival British automaker has to drive herself about), we’re sure there’s room for all of theme is elegantly echoed ed Wheelbase motor cars, been supplying the royal family with Range Rovers for Britain’s finest. in an exquisitely crafted two of which were, at the interior. A specially devel- time of commissioning, the oped wood staining tech- most expensive motor cars nique evokes the ‘Stephen ever built by Rolls-Royce, Red’ color scheme, whilst was announced in Sep- hand-applied Gold inlays The 13 Machau tember 2014. These two serve to echo the coachline. special motor cars feature glass of Champagne. Specially gold Spirits of Ecstasys, gold Extraordinary attention to detail commissioned door panniers Parthenon Grilles, gold interior informs every Rolls-Royce Be- have been added to house a tis- accents and diamond encrust- spoke design. This is boldly sue box ensuring every accou- ed Rolls-Royce badges, which expressed in a beautiful treat- trement is available to guests have been painstakingly crafted ment of the instrument dials seeking to refresh after a long at the Home of Rolls-Royce in and clock with both playing on flight. Goodwood, England. Addition- THE 13’s red and gold theme. ally, the ‘Stephen Red’ paint on The clock was designed in col- Rear picnic tables presented in the two special ‘Gold’ Phantoms laboration with master jeweler ‘Stephen Red’ and finished with is infused with fine particles of Graff. hand-applied Gold inlays dis- pure gold. creetly house Phantom’s suite Detail touches such as seat of cutting-edge entertainment All 30 Rolls-Royce Phantoms will piping in Arctic White and ‘RR’ technology. all be delivered to THE 13 hotel logos in gold balance perfect- before it opens in late summer ly with the Black main interior The interior scheme is complet- 2016. leather scheme. A checkered ed with one of the marque’s

Modern Car 3970 3971 Modern Car have a certain leaking transmission seal from an older car. My Corniche shifts more nance of a Corniche requires a much more that allows ATF to get on the servo (the smoothly than my Cloud. ambitious amateur mechanic or a pro. vs. spinning disk mentioned above) rendering Professional maintenance of a Corniche Cloud By Tom Corniche Wright it ineffective. Also, adjusting the servo is I always drive my Corniche with the top will likely average several thousand dollars tricky, with only a narrow range between a down (a luxury possible because I have per year. bout 25 year ago RROC members Dan Veale and Michael quirements. Now eliminate those that are depreciating. IMHO you weak power assist and the brakes getting the Cloud as well). Probably because Keller hosted a party aboard Dan’s classic Chris Craft The choice might depend on taste. The are left with two choices: the Silver Cloud and an older Corniche stuck on. the top, when down, is a large U mostly AConstellation wooden motor yacht of about 60’ on San Drophead. Quality Silver Clouds have been creeping up in value above the body, the car is comfortable at cars look different. Over the decades the Diego’s Mission Bay. I had sold my first Rolls-Royce, GWN-39, a for several years, but a good Standard Saloon can be had for The car is a bit narrow and tall by to- freeway speeds in that mode. That is, the iconic Rolls-Royce grill has gotten shorter 25/30 Limo, body by Barker. I wanted something that was more around $40k. Quality older Corniche Dropheads have bottomed day’s standards and if pushed tends to roll top mimics the screens that are now used and shorter. Of course it a matter of individ- fun to drive. I was in conversation with the late Bob Barrymore, out and good quality cars can be had for, coincidently, around more in turns than modern cars. behind the passengers in some contem- ual preference, but many people consider ex-President of the national RROC. I told him I intended to buy ei- $40k. When I say “good quality” I mean mechanically sound, no porary . The sophisticated the Silver Cloud to have a more classic ther a Silver Cloud or a Corniche. He said, shaking his head a bit, rust and only minor cosmetic issues. It may have been repainted. The Cloud was normally delivered with suspension does provide a somewhat su- look. Others consider the Corniche to have “The Silver Shadow is a high maintenance car.” (The Corniche The leather may have been redone. As it is, the car will not “place” bias-ply tires but most owners today use perior ride to the Silver Cloud. The power a pleasingly modern look. was initially built on a Silver Shadow chassis.) I classified this with at a national meet but it’s ready for the highway and looks good. radial ties to reduce wandering. I have not steering has more assist than the Cloud “failed to proceed” as putting the best face on a bad situation and been able to find radial tires that match the but still has pretty good feel. The breaks One way to characterize the two cars bought a 1959 Silver Cloud, which now is called a Silver Cloud I, Now I’ve owned both cars for a bit and can give some thoughts bias ply circumference, resulting in a sort are better. might be to compare two uses of the cars in the way someone can become Sr. by creating a Jr. In the inter- on how they compare. of “under-drive” where the engine turns in entertainment. In the TV show Burk’s vening years I have taken it from 90k miles to 135k and restored about 8% faster than normal. The speed- By today’s standards these are both Law, the PI drove a Silver Cloud II. He was the car to a large extent. Design Technology ometer is thus high by 8%. BIG cars. The Corniche feels a little bigger an erudite Brit, generally in a tailored suit because it is wider and the Silver Cloud (rather in the mode of James Bond or John Recently I was able to purchase If you compare a 1957 Silver The seats are OK but not stunning in footprint is slightly rounded in the corners Steed of The Avengers TV series). In the a rural property with a 2400 square Cloud with the also iconic 1957 spite of having mine rebuilt. I considered while the Corniche extends completely movie Blow Up, the hip, young photogra- foot shop an hour southeast of Chevrolet base model with an auto- the lumbar support to be poor and added to the corners with its very rectangular pher drove a Corniche, rarely bothering to my home in San Diego. I also matic, the cars are technologically aftermarket remote-control lumbar sup- footprint. use the door to enter or leave the car. Both gained the use of closer storage very similar. The biggest difference ports beneath the leather and first level of of these Rolls-Royce-driving characters for the time being. Nature abhors in the equipment is that the power padding. I am 6’1” with a little more body had their own kind of cool. a vacuum so I added a ’47 Lincoln brakes on the Cloud are run by a than legs and I find the seatbacks to be a Continental Cabriolet, an RV spinning disk on the transmission little shorter than I would like. Headroom How people react to the car is different. and a Corniche to the Cloud, the while those on the Chevrolet are is just enough for me. Not all early Clouds People tend to call out “Nice car!” and Classic Mini and the Jaguar E-Type run by a hydraulic pump driven have power steering but mine does. It’s such when I drive the Corniche more than Open Two Seater I had acquired by a crankshaft pulley. That’s not not capable of one-finger operation like when I drive the Silver Cloud, but I believe but struggled to house up to that much of a difference, They both modern ones but it has good feel. this is more due to how people react to point. (My daily driver is now a came with a six-cylinder engine someone driving with the top down. I get Jaguar X-Type.) in the front, rear wheel drive with a solid axel and leaf springs, My Silver Cloud I has factory A/C, a many such comments in my E-Type Open independent front suspension with coil springs, and a conven- gigantic thing consuming at least 25% of Two Seater. The Silver Cloud seems to Appropriate Initial Rolls-Royce tional frame with the body mounted on top. The big difference is the boot (trunk). It is adequate for South- The Corniche does not sound as inspire more respect, such as special treat- that Rolls-Royces took weeks to build from the finest materials by ern California. I’m not sure it would be busy as the Silver Cloud at 65 MPH, but ment when valet parking and such. If you are like me, when a friend wants to get into the hobby, craftsmen while GM was cranking cars out with fantastic speed. great for running errands in Miami or New remember my Cloud is saddled with 8% the advice you always give is, buy an excellent original car or a Of course this was reflected in the price. Orleans. I joke that my system can keep under-drive. Collecting one someone else has fixed up rather than getting one to fix up the car cool (fresh from the garage) but yourself, which is fraught with danger and more expensive in the A Corniche I is very different from the corresponding Chevrolet. cannot make it cool (after sitting in the And the Winner is… Regardless of which of these Rolls-Roy- long run. The Corniche had gone to a design where the body was in essen- sunshine for a while.). ces someone wants, the usual warnings tially the frame and it had an all-independent high-pressure self-lev- Neither one. One is not better; they are apply. Take your time and learn the market. Suppose further your friend wants to get a Rolls-Royce. If you eling hydraulic suspension and brake system. It is a complex car. From first contact the Corniche seems different. Buy a very good to excellent example, live in the southern half of the country with its long distances more massive than the Silver Cloud. not one to fix up. Have it checked by an between cities and frequent uncomfortable heat, the ability to Driving Comparison The doors are much heavier and the The choice might depend on your skills expert before you buy; $300 could save cruise extensively at 65+ MPH and having an A/C are often a re- seats seem bigger. I find the seats more and budget. Remember when I said a Sil- you many thousands. For a Silver Cloud I quirement. Family use may require an automatic. Don’t try to fight When I selected a Silver Cloud I back in 1989 I was slightly comfortable. Starting the car is more like a ver Cloud was a lot like a 1957 Chevrolet? would say rust is the number one concern these needs in your friend. I say get them addicted to the hobby afraid its six-cylinder engine would not have enough power. Rolls- contemporary car with an array of warn- With a Silver Cloud, an amateur mechanic and I would hope the expert brings an ice with a gateway drug and they’ll gravitate to serious addictions Royce said it was “adequate” but the demands in Great Britton ing and status lights going through their can perform all the normal maintenance pick for that part of the inspection. IMHO such as Bentleys and pre-war PMCs later once they’re hooked! are not the same as my home area in the Southwest. Even so I paces to initialize. This is either good or and many repairs in a garage (but it’s the car must be viewed from underneath found they were correct. The four-speed Hydramatic delivers the bad depending on the experience wanted much easier with a lift). Owner mainte- as there is a rust-prone part of the frame on Collector cars are not an investment. Considering repair and power smoothly but the shifts are noticeable. The shift pattern is the rear arch that should be checked. On maintenance cost, inflation, storage, licensing, insurance and unusual and has no “park”; you use reverse for that. How British. Manufacturing vs. Building a Corniche, look for records of continual selling expense, these cars almost never make money. However, The drive train is pretty quite. The Cloud drum brakes are the best My father told me in 1965 or so about a tour he took of a GM plant and there was a section at the preventative maintenance of the hydraulic some cars are much more expense to own and sell. The hobby is ever produced anywhere, but this is a little like being the “World’s end for cars whose doors wouldn’t close. Some very large men with huge rubber faced mallets system. The hydraulic system should be less fun if you feel the expenses are too high on top of which your Tallest Midget”; they aren’t as good as disk brakes. When proper- and 2x4s for levers “adjusted” the doors for a half-minute until they would close. checked for leaks on a lift by an expert. car is shrinking in value. ly adjusted, the Silver Cloud brakes are truly impressive. Howev- er, I would estimate less than half the Silver Clouds on the road On a segment about Rolls-Royce on 60 Minutes broadcast in the 1970s a worker explained it And don’t give up on eventually having Consider Rolls-Royce models that meet our equipment re- have properly adjusted brakes, perhaps way less than half. Some took him a week to install one set of doors on a Silver Shadow. both. It only took me 25 years!

Modern Car 3972 3973 Modern Car Current Phantom Saloons to be Replaced; Two-Door Models Dropped

olls-Royce Motor Cars Chief Executive Of- be called Phantom Zenith. ficer, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, has announced The current seventh generation of Phantom that the current Phantom will enter the last R started production in Goodwood over 13 years stages of its celebrated life in 2016. This an- ago and quickly became the foundation upon nouncement follows the recent news that Rolls- which the renaissance of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Royce Motor Cars has begun testing its all-new was built. A magnificent, graceful and power- aluminium architecture, which will underpin ful statement of the marque’s claim to the very every future Rolls-Royce arriving in-market from pinnacle of super luxury, Phantom VII is now early 2018. He also announced that Phantom approaching the end of its production. Coupé and Drophead Coupé models will not be renewed in the future. These two magnificent During November this year, the build of the Phantom models will end their lives with a spe- very last Phantom Coupé and Drophead Coupé cial collection of only 50 highly desirable cars to at Goodwood will be completed. These models

Modern Car 3974 3975 Modern Car “I am proud and excited to announce that a new Phantom is on the way – a contemporary and beautiful Phantom enhanced with cutting-edge technologies and design innovations. Any new Phantom is an historic and important moment in automotive history and we are working hard on perfecting the Phantom VIII. New Bentley – Torsten Müller-Ötvös Models Coming will not be replaced. Collectors Now it is time to take the next Coupé models available to f you missed your chance to be the of Bentayga chassis and running gear, wholehearted approval from potential around the world will be excit- step in the luxury journey. commission from Rolls-Royce first one on your block to own the new which means a high-performance model customers when first shown at Geneva ed to learn that a spectacular Motor Cars. IBentayga, don’t worry, you can still could conceivably be powered by the last March that Durheimer expects collection of 50 unique Coupé’s Phantom VII – Continuing to be the first to have quite a few different Bentayga’s new 6.0-litre, 600bhp W12, production versions to resemble the set the luxury benchmark even “As the name promises, Ze- Bentleys that are one their way. Dealers as well as the V8, diesel and hybrid concept closely in styling and major and Drophead Coupés, called are taking orders for the Bentley Grand powertrains Bentley also has up its dimensions. No launch date has been Phantom Zenith, will be built to as it prepares to leave the world nith will be the pinnacle; the stage best of its kind; the highest , a convertible Mulsanne sleeve. “It’ll be a matter of plug and given, but the model won’t go on sale celebrate the end of production introduced at the LA Auto Show last year play,” said Durheimer. The model has yet until the small SUV has been completed, standard achievable by which of these truly exceptional cars. Even as it prepares to leave that is expected to be shown production to receive the go-ahead from VW’s top so a date around 2020 is probable. everything else is judged,” form sometime late next year and be management, though engineering director Rolls-Royce will also build the the world stage, Phantom VII comments Director of Design, The most common version is likely to will continue to set the bench- on its way to showroom floors by early Rolf Frech said the project has already last Phantom VII limousines this Giles Taylor. “Zenith will be the 2017. reached the design and initial engineering be powered by Bentley’s -related year. mark for luxury motoring with sum of all the best features of stage. petrol V8, but newly announced headline- a number of limited-run collec- Phantom Coupé and Drophead The third-generation Continental and grabber is a twin-motor, four-wheel-drive, Flying Spur ranges would come after The new SUV, which Bentley believes all-electric model with 400 to 500bhp on Torsten Müller-Ötvös, said, “I tor’s pieces, each of which will Coupé, with a few surprises am proud and excited to an- be the last of their line. that, laid atop the MSB platform and will attract a type of younger buyer the tap and its electric motors driving through added. We expect huge de- rolling out of Crewe over a two-year company has never seen before, will three-stepped automatic gearboxes to nounce that a new Phantom mand for these 50 fine motor is on the way – a contempo- To mark their exit, Rolls-Royce period starting in 2017. They should still take precedence over the new sports car, give a top speed around 200mph, with Motor Cars’ Bespoke design cars as we shall not look upon be powered by 4.0-liter V8 and 6.0-liter which had been thought to be the next in huge acceleration and a range of 500km rary and beautiful Phantom their like again.” W12 engines, but the bodywork around line. The new, small soft-roader is likely (about 300miles). enhanced with cutting-edge department will create the most highly Bespoke examples of those motors will be “both evolutionary to be shown at least in concept form late technologies and design inno- Such surprise features will and daring.” This, then, should be the in 2017, and should send Bentley’s total The developments were revealed in Spain each Phantom model to date – vations. Any new Phantom is an include a Tailgate Hosting Area; leap that Bentley wanted to make with annual volume beyond 18,000 when it by Bentley’s chairman and CEO, Wolfgang historic and important moment Coupé, Drophead Coupé and laser etched armrests depicting the second-generation Continental but hits the market about a year later. Durheimer, at an early driving event for the full-size Bentayga SUV, production in automotive history and we Limousine. At the same time the original launch locations couldn’t. the craftspeople who build each The EXP10 Speed Six concept, also of which begins at Crewe in a fortnight’s are working hard on perfecting of 100EX in Villa D’Este and Bentley has confirmed it is working on awaiting final approval, received such time for deliveries early next year. the Phantom VIII.” Rolls-Royce motor car to roll 101EX in Geneva; Bespoke down the line at the Home of two new models to follow the Bentayga instrument dials and a special 4x4 as part of a relentless drive that will Rolls-Royce Motor Cars reset Rolls-Royce at Goodwood are treatment of the iconic Spirit of more than double its already booming the benchmark for luxury motor already preparing themselves Ecstasy figurine. Each custom- sales to around 25,000 cars a year. The cars in 2003 when it launched for the painstaking work that will er will also receive a ‘money cars are a more compact SUV priced Phantom VII, a motor car that go into these very special final cannot buy’ portable memento around $170,000, and several production has remained the pinnacle of motor cars. of his or her purchase, whilst versions of its recently shown EXP10 Speed Six ‘Aston chaser’ concept - now pure luxury for the last 13 years. the motor cars will be offered to Over those years Rolls-Royce Zenith – The very pinnacle of tipped to include a 200mph, four-wheel- automotive excellence clients in a palate of memorable drive battery electric model. created many fantastic Phan- colour combinations from Rolls- toms that stunned the world The first of these special Royce’s history. Bentley’s new small SUV, sized between with their beauty and redefined collections will be named Ze- ’s Cayenne and Macan SUV the notion of pure luxury motor- nith, and will be the last ever models, will be the first of the new ing. Phantom Coupé and Drophead models to show. In showrooms in about three years, it will use a high proportion

Modern Car 3976 3977 Modern Car A WOODEN FLYING “B” by Gerry Acquilano

arly members of the RROC had many things to ready for the forthcoming Ecar events. There were many plans and arrangements to be made by a simple handful of volunteers. John Mac Farlane, John Utz, any a few others including myself handled the regional meets in our area. At the time (1970’s) Caroll Vail, VP of regions handled the trophies as well, as I can recall. having one carved from wood to match the grill shell, a hefty one at that! Things went well although the volunteers wooden shutters. It was well received by were few back then. The trophies were all, so what next? Time marched by, John MacFarlane few, but needed, especially for the National passed on, and later John Utz did as well. Meets. I bought an S1 stock Flying “B” from a No words were exchanged ever again dealer I knew in the UK, and when it arrived about the new trophy planned by any of us, The trophy’s for the winners of various I gave it to a local wood carver in town and the grill shell went to a fellow RROC classes at the National Meets were and asked him if he could carve one like member who needed it for an accident beautiful, but not plentiful. A few of the it out of wood. He mulled over the original repair. The wooden Flying “B” is still in my members knew I had an S1 Bentley grill and started to count the feathers in each office where it has been for as many years shell which once belonged to a car I had wing. “Pretty hard to get it right” the old as I can remember. I’ve been a member for in stock which I replaced with one without gent said, “Pretty hard to carve the exact over 50 years so it has been a VERY long any marks on it. The grill I had was slightly amount of feathers….”. I looked at him, time since I had it carved for this purpose. scratched in the lower left hand corner. It realizing he was only going to make it to I’ve often thought of how wonderful it was decided that if it were to be cut down, HIS high degree of carving, and I agreed would have looked on a cut down grill shell it would be the start of a very nice Bentley to leave the original one with him as a with wooden replica shutters. Indeed a very trophy. As we (John Utz and myself) looked pattern. I recall it was about seven or eight handsome trophy for sure. I realized then it over it was decided to have replica months later he called me. “Stop over the it would never happen, and the original idea shutters made of wood, stained, and house, I think you’ll like your wooden Flying faded along with the fallen RROC members lacquered to fit in the shell as part of the “B”, I finished it last night. Do you want who had passed on. trophy. We did not have anyone who would it stained?” I said no and went to collect donate a “Flying “B” which was missing it, and I paid him for it. It was another If someone had a Bentley with a wooden on the grill shell. I brought up the idea of donation I added to the already promised skiff body, or perhaps Bentley shooting brake, the wooden replica Flying “B” mascot would indeed be fitting for such a car. It is still unstained, and could be stained to match any wood trim. Still it sits on a piece of wood, unstained, and ready for a new caretaker. I have no use for it, but always thought someone would like it more than I do. If anyone has an interest, do call me. Meanwhile I just wonder at what that trophy would have been should it have been completed, it was a splendid idea at the time. This has to be the only wooden Flying “B” in the world! I’ve never seen nor heard of another. A rare one indeed!

Modern Car 3978 The Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club www.rroc-mcs.org Bentley Motors, Inc. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, NA 191 Hempt Road Modern Car 2200 Ferdinand Porsche Drive PO Box 1227 Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 USA Richard Vaughan, Herndon, VA 20171 Westwood, NJ 07675 800-TRY-RROC 717-697-4671 Publications Director & Editor 617-488-8500 201-594-3360 FAX: 717-697-7820 1162 Harvard www.bentleymotors.co.uk www.rolls-roycemotorcarsna.com www.rroc.org Berkley, MI 48072 [email protected]