Divyank Kushagra Bansal 
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars marked the 120th anniversary of the meeting of its founders, Charles Stewart Rolls and Henry Royce, with a parade of some of its most iconic models at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on 25th May 2024. Rolls-Royce also chose the occasion for the global public debut of the Cullinan Series II (second-generation Cullinan) on the Grand Hotel’s renowned Mosaic Lawn.
Worldwide guests and media representatives witnessed the parade of some of the most famous models from the marque’s storied lineage. These included a 1914 Silver Ghost, a Phantom III, a 40/50 H.P. Silver Ghost built at the company’s facility in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1923, a rare 1933 Phantom II Continental, and a 1961 long-wheelbase Silver Cloud II. The 1914 Silver Ghost is famed for its performances in the great motor trials of the early 20th century, while the Phantom III went on to inspire the name of Rolls-Royce’s first all-electric vehicle – Spectre – as ten experimental Phantom III motor cars bore the same name from 1934 to 1937. From this lot, a team of judges chose the 1914 Silver Ghost as the ‘Outstanding motor car of the parade.’
Sharing his thoughts on Rolls-Royce’s participation in the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said, “The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este is an incredible celebration of automotive art. This wonderful event truly highlights the unique position Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has in the history of the automobile. It was an honour to showcase our latest masterpiece, Cullinan Series II, on the Mosaic Lawn at the Grand Hotel…this event, which brings together luxury cognoscenti, leading international media and automotive connoisseurs, was the perfect occasion to honour the 120th anniversary of Rolls-Royce.”
First staged in 1929, the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este is considered to be one of the most prestigious and important events on the international lifestyle calendar. Hosted in the exquisite surroundings of the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este on the shores of Lake Como, it is a global showcase for classic and vintage cars.
