Introduction
This article will explore a unique chapter in the history of renowned luxury vehicle manufacturer, Rolls-Royce. Though the company is world-famous for producing some of the most opulent cars, it surprisingly decided to construct soapbox racers, signaling the inaugurating of a fresh era in its history. This initiative marked a significant turning point for Rolls-Royce, having been sold twice over to different companies, leading to the establishment of a new plant and headquarters, and the development of a refreshed range. Despite the change in product, the soapbox racers retained the prestigious Rolls-Royce signature designs, melding utility with sophistication.
The Beginnings at Goodwood
Before officially inaugurating its current headquarters in Goodwood, England, in 2003, Rolls-Royce had started manufacturing cars in the plant. During this time, the company built unique soapbox racers, specifically RR-0.01 in 2001 and RR-0.02 in 2002. Participation in the Goodwood Festival of Speed with these bespoke soapbox racers signaled a new chapter in Rolls-Royce’s history, a period that has now been revisited through the full restoration of these one-offs in 2024.
The Objective of the Soapbox Challenge
Contrary to Rolls-Royce’s influential standing as a luxury car maker, the company decided to partake in the Goodwood Festival of Speed’s Soapbox Challenge. The brand explained this seemingly disconcerting move as a strategy to unveil the beginning of a new era. This followed the sale of the company to Volkswagen by Vickers and subsequently to BMW after intense negotiations, along with an eventual split from Bentley, its longtime sister company.
The Rolls-Royce Soapbox Racer Design
The soapbox racers were constructed by some of the same artisans who later created models like the Phantom. The racers had the signature Rolls-Royce appearance, predominantly due to a bright grille featuring vertical slats. These vehicles were nothing short of extraordinary with their structure being built from advanced materials like carbon fiber, fiberglass, and aluminium to ensure weight efficiency. Furthermore, the RR-0.02 racer was packed with a formula racing-style steering rack and had enhanced features like wood trim and leather upholstery.
Beyond the Racing Circuit
Rolls-Royce’s foray into soapbox racing ended in 2013, where the RR-0.02 racer recorded an impressive speed of 72 mph, despite being solely powered by gravity. Following their final race, they were kept in the same condition as they had raced until the company decided to fully restore them in 2024. This restoration process saw repairs to parts damaged during the past races.
The Post-Restoration Display
Post restoration, the two racers will be displayed for car enthusiasts to appreciate at the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club’s headquarters located in Northamptonshire, England. This marks another significant event that showcases the company’s dedication to maintaining its historical legacy while highlighting its versatility and continuous evolution.