Rolls-Royce pays homage to its Goodwood-era inaugural vehicles
RR-0.01 and RR-0.02 lovingly restored
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars pays homage today to the inception of the Goodwood era with a heartfelt tribute to its inaugural vehicles.
Contrary to popular belief, the genesis of Rolls-Royce’s modern renaissance did not begin with delivering the first new Phantom in 2003. Instead, it was heralded by the unveiling of the Rolls-Royce Close Coupled Drophead Gravity Racers – codenamed RR-0.01 and RR-0.02 – at the Soapbox Challenge during the 2001 and 2002 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
These gravity racers were not just ordinary vehicles; they were bespoke creations, meticulously crafted by skilled artisans, foreshadowing the brand’s revival. RR-0.01, with its carbon and glass fibre composition, offered a glimpse into the design language of future Phantoms, adorned with a distinctive ‘March Hare’ mascot.
Meanwhile, RR-0.02 paid homage to the illustrious Silver Ghost, renowned for its speed and performance.
Company’s heritage
Following their illustrious racing careers, the racers found a new home at the Rolls-Royce headquarters, where they became symbols of the company’s heritage.
After years of faithful service, they have undergone meticulous restoration, preserving their legacy for future generations. Managed by a team of dedicated apprentices, these vehicles have been meticulously restored to their former glory and are ready to embark on the next chapter of their journey.
Their restoration marks a celebration of artisanry and a nod to Rolls-Royce’s rich history.
Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations and Heritage, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: “It has been a great privilege to reminisce on the first vehicles ever produced at the Home of Rolls-Royce. Few will know that before the first Phantoms were handed to clients, a pair of hand-built gravity racers took part in the Soapbox Challenge at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
“Having been retired from racing activities and subsequently displayed in our headquarters, we are delighted to announce that they have been refurbished by our Apprentices, who have worked tirelessly to restore them to their former glory.
“Over two decades after their first outing, these priceless artefacts are a pleasant reminder of how far we have come in the last twenty years at the Home of Rolls-Royce. We are confident that our friends will cherish them at the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club, where they will add to an already vast archive of Rolls-Royce’s rich and storied history.”
As they find their place in the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club’s esteemed collection, these gravity racers continue to inspire awe and admiration, serving as a testament to the brand’s enduring legacy.
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Featured image: The RR-0.01 and RR-0.02 have been lovingly restored. Credit: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
