One of these days Alice---one of these days

[Dave Grubb]

I'm going to get snagged here!

[Mike]

Nice car!

I learned something - I didn't know Bentley was a Rolls product.

[Dave Grubb]

Nice car!

I learned something - I didn't know Bentley was a Rolls product.

Actually they aren't---although I had to look this up to be sure of the current status. They are both owned by Volkswagen.

The joining and eventual separation of Bentley and Rolls-Royce followed a series of mergers and acquisitions, beginning with the 1931 purchase by Rolls-Royce of Bentley, then in receivership. In 1971, Rolls-Royce itself was forced into receivership and the UK government nationalised the company—splitting into two companies the aerospace division (Rolls-Royce Plc) and automotive (Rolls-Royce Motors Limited) divisions—the latter retaining the Bentley subdivision. Rolls-Royce Motors was subsequently sold to engineering conglomerate, Vickers and in 1998, Vickers sold Rolls-Royce to Volkswagen AG.

Intellectual property rights to both the name Rolls-Royce as well as the company's logo had been retained not by Rolls-Royce Motors, but by aerospace company, Rolls-Royce Plc, which had continued to license both to the automotive division. Thus the sale of "Rolls-Royce" to VW included the Bentley name and logos, vehicle designs, model nameplates, production and administrative facilities, the Spirit of Ecstasy and Rolls-Royce grille shape trademarks (subsequently sold to BMW by VW)—but not the rights to the Rolls-Royce name or logo. The aerospace company, Rolls-Royce Plc, ultimately sold both to BMW AG.

I see many more Bentleys running around on Long Island than I do Rolls-Royces. The dealership is only a few miles from my Long Island office--and grouped with Lamborghini, Ferrari, and Maserati. It makes for a heady section of highway

I get emails from that guy on at least a weekly basis---if I had an ounce of sense I'd block him

[Mike]

That's interesting, but explain this vin plate on the car you linked above.

[Dave Grubb]

I think the answer is in this:

In October 1997, Vickers announced that it had decided to sell Rolls-Royce Motors. BMW AG seemed to be a logical purchaser because BMW already supplied engines and other components for Bentley and Rolls-Royce branded cars and because of BMW and Vickers joint efforts in building aircraft engines. BMW made a final offer of £340m, but was outbid by Volkswagen AG, which offered £430m. Volkswagen AG acquired the vehicle designs, model nameplates, production and administrative facilities, the Spirit of Ecstasy and Rolls-Royce grille shape trademarks, but not the rights to the use of the Rolls-Royce name or logo, which are owned by Rolls-Royce Holdings plc. In 1998, BMW started supplying components for the new range of Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars—notably V8 engines for the Bentley Arnage and V12 engines for the Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph, however, the supply contract allowed BMW to terminate its supply deal with Rolls-Royce with 12 months' notice, which would not be enough time for Volkswagen to re-engineer the cars.


Bentley Azure Mulliner 2003 Final Series
BMW paid Rolls-Royce plc £40m to license the Rolls-Royce name and logo. After negotiations, BMW and Volkswagen AG agreed that, from 1998 to 2002, BMW would continue to supply engines and components and would allow Volkswagen temporary use of the Rolls-Royce name and logo. All BMW engine supply ended in 2003 with the end of Silver Seraph production.

From 1 January 2003 forward, Volkswagen AG would be the sole provider of cars with the "Bentley" marque. BMW established a new legal entity, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited, and built a new administrative headquarters and production facility for Rolls-Royce branded vehicles in Goodwood, West Sussex, England.

Rolls-Royce and Bently are now separated, Bentley owned by VW and Rolls by BMW. The primary factory for Bentley remains in Crewe.

[UTAH]

Mmmm… I find nice expensive cars to be seductive. My main issue, though, is they also take a lot of work to maintain. As I grow older - that is more of a problem.

Hunter

[Dave Grubb]

I also found this as interesting---and impressive. Building ownership is a tremendous benefit.

[FredK]

Still time Dave: Check this one out:https://www.powernationtv.com/post/1...A+Mercedes+320

[UTAH]

Yeah, the top-level cars do tend to have more personalization. For AMG's, the engine has a plate on it signed by the mechanic who assembled it. On AMG cars, one person fully assembles each engine from scratch - well, from parts.

Hunter

[Honda]

I can't help as nice as it may be to think that car would be nothing but a lead weight around your neck.

[UTAH]

Interesting, Fred. That 107-year old guy has a 100-year old fiancé. Not too shabby.

Hunter

[wacojoe]

Mmmm… I find nice expensive cars to be seductive. My main issue, though, is they also take a lot of work to maintain. As I grow older - that is more of a problem.

Hunter

I think you were probably not here when I wrote about Rolls Royce before, so I’ll repeat —

I once owned a couple of Jaguars in Houston, and the dealership for them was combined with Rolls Royce. Once when I was sitting in the service department waiting for my Jag to be repaired (a frequent event as any Jag owner of that era will attest), I struck up a conversation with a fellow who was a Rolls owner. I asked some questions about his experience with his ownership of such an elite vehicle. One part of his answer stuck out. He said the cars were well known to be exclusive because of the obvious expense, but he went on the say that small group of owners all got to know each other pretty well because they all met each other often down at the service department waiting room due to the incessant service issues incumbent with the brand. I wondered why people of that status brought in their cars...shouldn’t they have “their people” to do that?

[CactusCurt]

I've never owned a car (except for a '56 chebby). And probably never will.

[Dave Grubb]

I think you were probably not here when I wrote about Rolls Royce before, so I’ll repeat —

I once owned a couple of Jaguars in Houston, and the dealership for them was combined with Rolls Royce. Once when I was sitting in the service department waiting for my Jag to be repaired (a frequent event as any Jag owner of that era will attest), I struck up a conversation with a fellow who was a Rolls owner. I asked some questions about his experience with his ownership of such an elite vehicle. One part of his answer stuck out. He said the cars were well known to be exclusive because of the obvious expense, but he went on the say that small group of owners all got to know each other pretty well because they all met each other often down at the service department waiting room due to the incessant service issues incumbent with the brand. I wondered why people of that status brought in their cars...shouldn’t they have “their people” to do that?

Before pulling the trigger on something like a Bentley i would surely remind myself of the three British cousins already in the barn. in any event, it would only be driven on occasion to church and Saturday night dinner. The MB has only 10K miles on it in 27 months.

I might add---it was just in for service. They replaced the wiper blade---$197

[Truckman]

I might add---it was just in for service. They replaced the wiper blade---$197

Thanks for reminding me why I've never owned a Mercedes...In West Germany in the 60's the sedans were commonly seen as taxicabs, mainly diesels...Slow, smelly and indestructible...Some had documented mileage of well over a million miles...Remembering the articles from the Stars & Stripes, they got their oil changed weekly, tires and other service as needed...

As far as I know some of them might still be running the Spangdahlem-Trier route on Saturday nights ferrying drunk GI's to and from the base...... Ben