Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’re probably aware that there’s currently a Rugby World Cup on the go. It hardly seems coincidental then that Rolls Royce had just released a special edition Wraith called the “History of Rugby”.
Rather than celebrating the tournament directly — something Rolls can’t do because Land Rover is the official vehicle sponsor — the car is meant to evoke the roots of Rugby the sport and the school it takes its name from.
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The exterior colour scheme of English White pays homage to the white rugby shirt worn at Rugby School, a tradition continued today by the England rugby team.
Another feature of English rugby since 1871 is the red rose, originally hand-finished on the front of the white shirt.
Folklore has it that the rose originates from Rugby School and Queen Elizabeth I, her red rose emblem placed with her permission on the school crest by its founder.
“Continuing Rolls-Royce’s reputation for hand-crafted personalisation,” the luxury automaker says in a press release, “the Wraith’s signature shoulder-line is accentuated by a hand-applied coachline in deep green, featuring an English rose motif in red. 21” five twin-spoke alloy wheels complete the Wraith’s muscular exterior persona”.
The rose also features on the Wraith’s the leather headrests. That same leather has been used to create a limited number of rugby balls by Gilbert — the iconic sporting brand behind the 2015 World Cup ball. Created using the same Seashell and Hotspur Red leather, each ball has been embroidered by the craftspeople at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, with the red rose on one panel and the Rolls-Royce motif on the other.
Rolls Royce Wraith Rugby History
Rolls Royce Wraith Rugby History
Rolls Royce Wraith Rugby History
Rolls Royce Wraith Rugby History
Rolls Royce Wraith Rugby History
Rolls Royce Wraith Rugby History
Rolls Royce Wraith Rugby History
Rolls Royce Wraith Rugby History
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