Rolls-Royce undertakes its historic drive in Scotland
Britain’s Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is harkening back to its roots by undertaking a historic drive that once helped establish the brand in its infancy.
In 1907, Rolls-Royce put forth the claim that it had the “Best Car in the world” when it successfully completed the notorious Scottish Reliability Trials without visiting a repair shop along the way. Now, in 2015, the British automaker is returning to those same Scottish roads to highlight its heritage and longstanding durability.
History in the making
The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost set out to take the Scottish Reliability Trials as part of a challenge initiated by the brand in 1907. The car would drive 5,000 miles in less than a month without visiting a repair shop.
The Scottish Reliability Trials were designed as the ultimate automobile test, requiring participants to traverse some of the most demanding and remote roads in Scotland. The route begins in Glasgow and travels through Aberdeen and Inverness, at one point reaching 2,200 feet above sea level.
The Scottish roads are known for their difficulty and isolation
When the Silver Ghost completed the Trials in 1907, it was a turning point for the brand, establishing it as one of the most impressive cars in the world at the time. By undertaking the journey again in 2015, Rolls-Royce is reminding consumers of its historic achievements.
Rolls-Royce has previously embarked on other historic journeys to commemorate its history. In 2013, the automaker built social engagement with brand enthusiasts by giving them a play-by-play of its journey through a reenactment of 1913 Alpine Trial in Europe.
The British automaker used a number of its digital and social platforms including its main Web site, Facebook page, Twitter account and a blog to chronicle the journey of its vehicles that took part in the trial. Rolls-Royce strengthened its relationship with fans by giving them an all-access look at its journey (see story).