Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will be continuing its year-round centenary celebrations on 23-25 April at the Villa d'Este, on the shore of lake Como in northern Italy, for the world-renowned Concorso d'Eleganza. The company's special Centenary Experimental Car, 100EX, will make its first outdoor appearance after being unveiled on 2 March 2004 at the Geneva motor show. It will be on display at Villa d'Este on Saturday, Villa Erba on Sunday and take part in the Concept Cars and Prototypes Parade on Saturday afternoon - the first time that it will be driven publicly.

Rolls-Royce will be the featured marque of this year's Concorso and the organisers expect a strong presence of classic Rolls-Royce models to attend. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has created the special Trofeo Rolls-Royce to be awarded on Sunday night at the gala dinner, to the owner of the Rolls-Royce class winner.

Based on a lightweight aluminium spaceframe, 100EX is an open-top, four-seat, two-door drophead, designed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Rolls-Royce, which falls on 4 May this year. It is the first experimental motor car to be produced by Rolls-Royce since the launch of the all-new Phantom in January 2003 and will feature in a number of celebratory events during 2004. It is a one-off motor car which is not intended for series production.

At the front of the car, a solid silver Spirit of Ecstasy sits atop a more progressive version of the Rolls-Royce grille. This blends into the bonnet and windscreen surround, both of which have been milled from solid blocks of aluminium before being hand polished.


The exterior design features the characteristic dynamic rise in waistline over the rear wheels and graceful lines that sweep up towards the front and coach doors, hinged at the back like the rear doors on the Phantom, add to the elegant side profile, while allowing exceptional access to the rear seat. Figured Mahogany is used for the interior cabinetry, complemented by a special metallic finish which is used in a swathe across the dashboard and in the finer detailing.

Text/Photos - Rolls-Royce