Rolls-Royce has showcased the Wraith Black Badge Landspeed Collection to the public for the very first time at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. The limited edition model pays tribute to the achievements of Captain George Eyston, who set land speed records in his Thunderbolt car in the 1930s, powered by a pair of Rolls-Royce engines.
The Wraith Black Badge Landspeed Collection is completely bespoke, dripping with brilliant details. The interior creates a subtle reminiscence of the Bonneville Salt Flats in the USA, a hallowed location for speed, and the site of many of Eyston’s record runs. The dashboard, for example, has been engraved with a texture that is reminiscent of the cracked Salt Flats. The Wraith’s Starlight Headliner, meanwhile, has been designed to mimic the night sky over Bonneville during Eyston’s historic run in 1938.
The front tunnel is laser engraved with the three record speeds that Eyston achieved during his time on the salt flats, along with silhouettes of the vehicle, now lost to the sands of time. Next, on the driver’s door there are subtle inclusions of color that pay homage to the ribbons that Eyston received as honors during his life.
This remarkable Collection Car is presented in a specially created two-tone finish, which marries Black Diamond Metallic with a Bespoke Bonneville Blue hue. This specially developed colour transitions under sunlight from light blue to silver, illustrating the reflections of both the vast sky over Bonneville and the crisp salt flats on Thunderbolt’s aluminium body.
“With this Collection, we have revived Eyston’s memory and retold his remarkable story,” Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös said. “Throughout Wraith Landspeed, clients will find numerous subtle design elements and narrative details that recall and commemorate his amazing achievements, grand vision, and exceptional courage.”
Rolls-Royce will build 35 examples of the Wraith Black Badge Landspeed Collection. If you are interested in learning more you can contact our team at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars London.
