Rolls-Royce is celebrating its association with Sir Malcolm Campbell's 1937 water speed record with a special run of 35 Phantom Drophead Coupés known as the Bespoke Waterspeed Collection - commemorating the Rolls-Royce powered Bluebird K3 hydroplane. The real thing is still some way off, but sketches showing the silver and blue convertible have been released. Further details will be revealed over the coming months.
A special colour, Maggiore Blue, has been created, named after the lake on which Campbell took the Bluebird to 129.5mph (208.4km/h). The lower half of the body is painted while the top half is brushed steel - echoing the silver and blue colour scheme of the boat. There are hand crafted wood inlays too, designed to evoke a boat gliding through the water at speed apparently. Rolls-Royce says the Waterspeed Collection will employ the finest contemporary materials never before used on its cars.
Commenting on the Phantom Drophead Coupé, Donald Wales, grandson of Sir Malcolm Campbell, said "I am delighted that Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has chosen our grandfather's iconic Bluebird Waterspeed boats as inspiration for this special Collection. I am certain Sir Malcolm would be extremely flattered to see his name still closely associated with such a prestigious brand 75 years after his last world Waterspeed Record. I know that I speak for our whole family and the Malcolm Campbell Heritage Trust when I say that it is a great honour and we look forward to seeing the first car off the production line."
Anything else?
The Waterspeed Collection is one of several collections promised by Rolls-Royce this year. According to Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, these models will demonstrate the possibilities of the company's Bespoke personalisation service.