In July 2023, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars marked the 110th anniversary of its success in the Alpine Trial in 1913 – an event whose significance in the Rolls-Royce legend cannot be overstated. This challenge, held over eight days and 2,600 km, established Rolls-Royce’s reputation as “the best car in the world” – a crown it retains to this day.
The outcome of the Alpine Trial, with Rolls-Royce cars taking the three top positions, not only established the marque outside of Britain but also made the Silver Ghost – the spiritual successor to the latest Ghost – arguably the most famous Rolls-Royce ever made.
Of the 46 starters, only 31 reached Vienna. The Silver Ghosts’ speed, strength and reliability made them the event’s unrivalled stars. This earned the Rolls-Royce team the most prestigious prizes, presented by Archduke Leopold Salvator of Austria.
The exceptional performance by Rolls-Royce drew universal praise and admiration across the automotive world. It was a defining moment in the automaker’s history, as this success translated into European sales that quickly grew to match those in the United Kingdom.
Last year, participants in the 110th-anniversary re-enactment of the 1913 Alpenfahrt, comprising members of the 20-Ghost Club (the world’s oldest Rolls-Royce owners’ club) made a return to Salzburg after a 16-day, 2,600 km odyssey through the Alps.
Interestingly, although the Alpine Trials continued until 1973, Rolls-Royce never entered a works team again. There really was no need. The title of ‘the best car in the world’ had been won – and would never be relinquished.
Report by FERDI DE VOS | Images © ROLLS-ROYCE CARS
