Rolls-Royce

Not all luxury cars are created equal. There are many fine cars that are more plush versions of standard coupes and sedans. The pinnacle of luxury car design is rarefied air, and there are only a few names that occupy that space -- one is Rolls-Royce.

Long and storied heritage

Rolls-Royce began in May of 1904, when a lunch meeting was arranged between engineer Henry Royce and car dealer Charles Rolls. Henry Royce was an accomplished engineer who had just started building cars in the company shop, one of which so impressed buyer Henry Edmunds that he arranged a meeting between Royce and Edmunds? friend Charles Rolls, who liked the cars so much he agreed to sell any and every car Royce could produce.

The galloping Ghost

The company began selling very small numbers of early models but became an established brand with the Silver Ghost, which debuted in 1907 and remained in production until 1926. The Silver Ghost set the tone for the company. The car was quiet as a whisper, more reliable than any other car on the road and provided a ride quality that was simply unmatched. Those are the qualities Rolls-Royce has been known for ever since. Nothing less than perfection is acceptable.

The car of royalty and diplomats

In the ensuing decades, Rolls-Royce cars have become a vehicle for the elite, being driven by and chauffeuring everyone from stars of stage and screen to heads of state. When then-Princess Elizabeth took delivery of a Rolls in 1950, it began the long-standing relationship between Rolls-Royce and the English monarchy. Rolls-Royce, and by extension the ?flying lady? emblem, called the Spirit of Ecstasy, has been a symbol of opulence since it became the company mascot in 1911.

A Rolls-Royce is everything an elite luxury car should be. Hand-built and exquisitely appointed, brilliantly engineered and quiet with power to spare and a ride quality that is simply unmatched. Those who have the opportunity to purchase one will likely never come to regret the decision.