Rolls-Royce showcased its latest collection car, the Wraith Eagle VIII, at this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Limited to just 50 units, the specially handcrafted model celebrates the pivotal transatlantic journey of the contemporaries of Sir Henry Royce who flew in an aircraft that was powered by a Rolls-Royce engine in June 1919.
Contemporaries of Sir Henry Royce, Captain John Alcock and Lieutenant Arthur Brown flew non-stop from St. John’s, Newfoundland to Clifden, Ireland in a modified First World War Vickers Vimy bomber aircraft. The bi-plane was powered by twin 20.3-litre, 350bhp, Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII engines. It is from this remarkable engine that this Collection takes its name. Rolls-Royce marks the 100 year anniversary of this feat with a highly contemporary Collection that speaks to today’s adventurers, while honouring those who changed the course of history.
The Rolls-Royce Wraith Eagle VIII flaunts a special selby grey dual-tone paint which is separated by a brass feature line. The limited edition model features black grille vanes and the alloy wheels get a translucent shadow finish.
As for the interior, the driver side door features a brass plaque that has Sir Winston Churchill's quote that commends the achievement of the duo pilots who flew across the vast stretch of the Atlantic. The speakers get a brass finish along with a clock that has an iced background effect that gives out a faint glowing green light in the dark. The vehicle comes with one of the finest leather upholstery and premium finish with attention to the smallest detail.
Mechanically, the Rolls-Royce Wraith Eagle VIII is powered by the existing 6.6-litre V12 motor from the standard Wraith. The V12 unit produces 624bhp.
