2008 Rolls-royce Phantom Black/black With Theatre on 2040-cars

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Rolls-Royce Dawn dons Aero Cowling for the Geneva Motor Show

Rolls-Royce will not be bringing the Cullinan SUV to the Geneva Motor Show, but it is instead displaying four special takes on its existing portfolio. The most striking of these is the Rolls-Royce Dawn Aero Cowling. The titular leather-lined cowling made of carbon fiber and aluminum covers the Dawn's rear seats, effectively giving it the appearance of a two-seater, and is fitted with storage compartments. Rolls-Royce claims it is very light, but then the 570-horsepower V12 convertible weighs more than 5,600 pounds, so even a heavier decking setup would really only strain the person lifting it. In addition to the Dawn, Rolls-Royce has brought three custom Phantoms. The most restrained one is called "The Gentleman's Tourer," which features a two-tone grey and silver bodywork and a dark interior. The concept harkens back to 1930s Continental Saloons. The second one, a long-wheelbase Phantom, is called "The Whispered Muse," and it has the Dashboard Gallery option, featuring a silk motif. Rose Gold appears throughout the vehicle, including the Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament — the first one finished in Rose Gold. The last Phantom, also a long wheelbase, is called "A Moment in Time," and its blue paint is a newly created hue. The three cars show off the customization capabilities of Rolls-Royce's bespoke division, and reportedly almost every customer will special-order their Rolls-Royce. Related Video: Featured Gallery Rolls-Royce Dawn Aero Cowling: Geneva 2018 View 14 Photos Related Gallery Rolls-Royce Geneva 2018 View 10 Photos Image Credit: Live photos copyright 2018 Drew Phillips / Autoblog.com Geneva Motor Show Rolls-Royce Convertible Luxury rolls-royce phantom 2018 Geneva Motor Show rolls-royce dawn

Queen Elizabeth II was a longtime automotive enthusiast

Since driver's licenses, license plates, and passports were issued in her own name, Queen Elizabeth II didn't need them to drive and travel. She started combining the two just before she turned 19, joining the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) transport division in 1945 for vehicle mechanic training. She wanted to help the British effort during World War II and would drive an ambulance — one that, theoretically, she could also fix if it broke down. The war ended before she graduated as an Honorary Junior Commander, the other ATS members dubbing her Princess Auto Mechanic. We donÂ’t know if she got under the hoods of the many official state vehicles and the far more numerous unofficial fleet in the royal garages, but she was still driving herself around England as late as this year. Here is a tiny selection of royal conveyances used during her 70-year reign. Gold State Coach (1762) True, she never drove this one, but a tour of every royal garage should start with the coach. King George III commissioned Samuel Butler to build it in 1760. Butler spent two years on the gilded carriage 24 feet long and more than 12 feet high. The quarters are suspended from the frame by leather straps, so occupants get tossed about even during a slow stroll, which is as fast as the eight Windsor Gray horses can pull it. It wasnÂ’t until the 1900s that King George VI rubberized the wooden wheels. Word is the queen didnÂ’t like it.   1953 Land Rover Series 1 Land Rover gave Queen ElizabethÂ’s father, King George VI, the 100th example of the 80 Series off the line in 1948. She picked up the Landie habit for herself five years later, when a 1953 Series 1 with a custom 86-inch wheelbase was part of the fleet used for her six-month tour of the Commonwealth in 1953 and 1954. That Land Rover became Ceremonial Vehicle State IV. The models above were built in Australia in 1958 as near copies of the Commonwealth tour vehicle, when Australia decided it wanted six identical versions for royal service. ItÂ’s thought the royal family went through around 30 Land Rover Series cars and Defenders since then, and many of the most common photos of her have her posing in or near one, especially the 2002 Defender built just for her. The royal family isnÂ’t finished with them, either: A current Defender 110 served as a luggage hauler for family members headed to Balmoral Castle during the queenÂ’s final days.

Watch the Rolls-Royce Phantom live reveal

Watch the live reveal of the all-new eighth-generation Rolls-Royce Phantom. For decades, the Phantom has defined what it means to be a luxury car. As with other Phantoms, look for metal, wood, and enough leather to support a small farming operation for years. Rolls-Royce Luxury Videos Sedan rolls-royce phantom