German Car Zone - View Single Post - Old Rolls-Royce

SDNR · 01-14-2007, 09:34 PM

1924 Rolls-Royce Boattail Silver Ghost

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During the 20s and 30's designers were influenced by fast speedboats. With engine-filled decks and cockpits set well towards the rear such craft appeared to be fast even when moored. And they were inevitably made of wood, polished to a mirror-like shine. Boat manufacturers, in turn, called on aircraft shapes for inspiration, creating hulls with sides tapering to a knife-edge tail. Designers of custom automobile bodies completed the circle of influence, adapting the nautical theme to create what is known as a "boattail." Such cars were expensive but those that survived, like this 1924 Rolls-Royce, photographed in 1978 by the late, great contemporary designer Strother MacMinn, are absolutely stunning.

1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Boattail (built by Barker)

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The House of Barker was established in 1710 by one of Queen Anne’s Officers of the Guards and created many carriages and coaches for royalty throughout the years.

Barker’s association with Rolls-Royce began in 1905 and the firm continued to be the leading coachwork specialist on the Rolls-Royce chassis.

This unique example of a stylish and flamboyant hunting car was custom-built and outfitted for the Maharajah of Rewa of India. The sculpted boattail design has wood veneer strips on the top portion of the rear deck, much like the veneer on a wooden speedboat.