“By the time the lASt SilveR ShAdow left CRewe in 1980, it wAS the moSt SuCCeSSful RAnge of Any RollS-RoyCe CAR Built BefoRe oR SinCe”


T series. These particular models heralded a significant change from their predecessors, not only in their design, but also being aimed at owner-drivers rather than owners who preferred to be chauffeur driven. These new models had a totally new body and included many features that had never been used previously. They included independent suspension, a triple braking system and hydraulic self-levelling (to ensure that the car remained at the same height despite the number of passengers and luggage carried). In 1968, exhaust emission and safety


legislation stipulated by US federal authorities dictated that many car features had to be altered, and without satisfying these requirements a very lucrative market would be lost. In the same year, the Phantom VI limousine was introduced: it was the first car in the world at the time to be fitted with a front and rear compartment air-conditioning systems totally independent from each other. However, in 1971 fate took a hand in both


the brand and the factory’s very existence. The parent company was placed in receivership owing to the escalating development costs


Opposite, clockwise from top left: The Crewe electronics laboratory; a Silver Shadow undergoes exhaust-emission testing; and a car receives a final valet before sale


of a revolutionary jet engine known as the RB 211-22, designed to power the Lockheed TriStar Airbus. Following the appointment of a receiver and lengthy discussions, the car division at Crewe – together with the diesel operation at Shrewsbury – was set up as a new company known as Rolls-Royce Motors Ltd. The intention was to float it on the UK stock market, something that eventually took place in May 1973. Only a matter of days after receivership


occurred, Rolls-Royce announced a new model: the Corniche, which was produced as both a two-door convertible and saloon. In early 1975, a further two-door saloon car was launched known as the Camargue. Both of these new models sent out a message to the world at large that Rolls-Royce at Crewe was very much alive and prepared to make its presence felt. In 1977, the Silver Shadow II and T2


derivatives were introduced, along with many engineering changes, to give a further stimulus to the market. Also during this year, a revised Phantom VI was introduced, the very first one being given to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to commemorate her Silver Jubilee. Despite the receivership, the 1970s was still a successful period for Rolls-Royce: don’t forget that by the time the last Silver Shadow left Crewe in 1980, it was the most successful range of any Rolls-Royce car built before or since.


STRIVE FOR PERFECTION 124


In 1980, the Company changed direction


once again, merging with another famous engineering company, Vickers plc. This actually coincided with the launch of the Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit, Silver Spur and Bentley Mulsanne model range. These models and derivatives were to remain in production in many guises until 1998. During these years, the Bentley marque was also given a new lease of life: in fact, by 1999, Bentley sales were outstripping those of Rolls-Royce. Regrettably, the Company was to change


course yet again and was put up for sale in October 1997. It was sold in July 1998, just after the introduction of both the Rolls- Royce Silver Seraph and the Bentley Arnage models. The sale resulted in both marques ultimately being separated and Crewe continuing to build only Bentley cars from 2003 onwards, as is still the case today. Crewe-built cars will always have the


status of legends in the car world: a symbol of wealth, power and class. With their long graceful curves, hand-built craftsmanship and effortless power, they will always be instantly recognisable. They will always turn heads in high streets and elicit interest from the public at large. The next 70 years is an unknown quantity, but the Crewe heritage should never be demeaned or forgotten. The models produced there will always be recognised as true representatives of both marques.


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