Rolls-Royce releases Landspeed Collection for special racer

Meet the Rolls-Royce Wraith (left) and Dawn Black Badge Land Speed Collection. Photo: Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce is celebrating the land speed records set by British engineer Captain George Eyston with the two Black Badge vehicles that have special design aspects harking back to the 1930s.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, has just announced the limited edition Wraith and Dawn Black Badge Land Speed Collection.

Eyston set records in Thunderbolt, powered by two Rolls-Royce R V12 aero engines at Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah in 1937-38.

Design aspects in the Wraith and Dawn Land Speed Collection to celebrate Eyston’s success include Salt Flats’ fissured texture is perfectly reproduced in the engraved fascia; steering-wheel detail mimics the dark track-line marked on the surface during record runs.

The Starlight Headliner depicts the night sky on 16 September 1938, when Eyston set his third and final land-speed record of 575.336 km/h.

Silhouettes of the long-lost Thunderbolt, and its three record-breaking speeds, are laser-engraved on the front tunnel.

Subtle detail in the driver's-side door reproduces ribbon colours of the honours awarded to Eyston during his lifetime.

“With this Collection, we have revived Eyston’s memory and retold his remarkable story. 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,” said Müller-Ötvös.

Production is limited to just 35 examples of Wraith Black Badge, and 25 of Dawn Black Badge.