Who Owned Rolls-Royce? The Curiously British Tale Behind the World’s Most Luxurious Cars
I remember the first time I slipped behind the wheel of a Phantom and thought, this isn’t so much driving as gliding in a hush. Even the indicators seem to move with a sense of ceremony. But here’s the question I’m asked almost as often as “how quiet is it?”—who owned Rolls-Royce, and who owns it now? The answer is delightfully complicated, deeply British, and surprisingly modern.
Quick take: Today’s road-car company—Rolls‑Royce Motor Cars—is wholly owned by BMW. The aero-engine company—Rolls‑Royce plc—is completely separate and not owned by BMW. Back in 1998, a legal and corporate tug-of-war split the car brand’s name from its factory. Yes, really.
Before we get to boardrooms and trademarks, a quick word on the product itself: the Spirit of Ecstasy on the bonnet, the starlight headliner that turns a night drive into a boutique planetarium, and the steering that feels like silk threaded through power assistance. When I tried the latest Ghost over broken city streets, the way it shrugged off potholes felt borderline unfair. Quiet enough to hear your kids bickering in the back—if they weren’t already mesmerized by the lambswool rugs.
Who Owned Rolls-Royce? A Short, Winding History
Rolls-Royce began as a partnership between Charles Rolls and Henry Royce in 1904, turning into a legend quickly. The company’s heritage reads like a postcard from Britain’s industrial heyday, with a few plot twists.
| Year | Who Owned Rolls-Royce? | What Actually Happened |
|---|---|---|
| 1904–1971 | Rolls-Royce Limited | Founders’ company grows into cars and aero engines. Silver Ghost, Phantom—icons minted. |
| 1971–1987 | Rolls-Royce (1971) Ltd (state-owned) | Financial troubles lead to nationalization; cars and aviation under one umbrella for a time. |
| 1987–1998 | Vickers plc | Privatized. Vickers owns Rolls-Royce Motors (cars). The aero company becomes separate: Rolls‑Royce plc. |
| 1998 | VW and BMW (it’s complicated) | Volkswagen buys the Crewe factory, Bentley, the grille shape, Spirit of Ecstasy. BMW secures the “Rolls‑Royce” name and RR logo from Rolls‑Royce plc. Licensing ensues. |
| 2003–Today | BMW | Rolls‑Royce Motor Cars Limited, based at Goodwood, England, is a wholly owned BMW subsidiary. |
Did you know? From 1998 to 2002, Bentley production continued at Crewe under Volkswagen, while the right to call a car “Rolls‑Royce” transitioned to BMW. From 2003 onward, all new Rolls-Royce cars come from Goodwood, West Sussex.
Who Owned Rolls-Royce? The 1998 BMW vs. VW Showdown Explained
Here’s where pub debates get noisy. Volkswagen bought Rolls-Royce Motors from Vickers in 1998, getting the Crewe plant, Bentley, and key styling trademarks (including the iconic grille and the Spirit of Ecstasy figurine). But the name “Rolls‑Royce” and the double-R logo belonged to Rolls‑Royce plc (the aero-engine company), which licensed them to BMW.
Result: VW could build the cars, but BMW owned the name. After some gentlemanly (and not-so-gentlemanly) negotiations, BMW agreed to let VW keep Bentley, while BMW would build Rolls-Royce cars from 2003 onward in a brand-new Goodwood facility. A tidy ending, eventually.
Who Owned Rolls-Royce Today? The Simple Answer
Rolls‑Royce Motor Cars is owned by BMW. Rolls‑Royce plc—the jet engine maker—is a totally separate, publicly traded company and does not build cars. If you’re buying a Phantom, you’re buying from BMW’s ultra-luxury arm in Goodwood.
How the Modern Rolls-Royce Range Drives (and Lives)
I’ve driven the current lineup in the real world—motorways, cobbled old towns, one regrettable gravel track near a winery—and it’s the consistent quietness that sticks. Not silence for its own sake, but quiet that lets you relax and hear the world as background, not battle. A few highlights:
- Phantom: 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12, around 563 hp and 664 lb-ft. It feels unburstable, like it’s towing the horizon closer. Seats that make business-class look apologetic. Steering with that signature, syrupy glide.
- Ghost: A touch more driver-focused. Still serene, still magic-carpet, still V12. The wheelbase feels just right for city dinners and coastal weekends.
- Cullinan: The luxury SUV that doesn’t pretend—tall, imperious, and more capable off-road than you’ll ever need. I took one across a rutted path to a farm shoot; the suspension practically yawned.
- Spectre (EV): Rolls-Royce’s all-electric coupe. Effortless torque and a hushed cabin make electricity feel like the brand’s destiny. Range varies by market, but plan comfortably for long weekend jaunts with a top-up.
Logo of Rolls-Royce car: Why the Spirit Still Matters
The upright grille and the Spirit of Ecstasy aren’t just jewelry. They’re shorthand for craftsmanship and restraint. Watching the figurine motor down into the grille when you lock the car still gives me a little grin—it’s theatre without shouting.
Dawn and Wraith: The Sunset Years
Dawn and Wraith have bowed out of production, but the used market is rich with beautifully specced examples. The Wraith, with its grand-tourer muscle, always felt like the mischievous cousin to the Phantom’s statesman.
Small Quirks? Of Course
- Infotainment inherits BMW logic, but with Rolls’ own interface. Great once you’re in the rhythm; a touch fiddly when you’re tired.
- The driving position is upright and regal—perfect on long drives, slightly formal for quick errands if you’re used to sports sedans.
- Personalization can be a rabbit hole. Fun, but budget accordingly. The best builds feel cohesive, not just expensive.
Side tip: Rolls-Royce moved beyond printed brochures—most details hide in the online configurator. Don’t miss the download button tucked in (often) the upper right. Also: the built-in Rolls-Royce umbrella in the door? Genuinely useful during a surprise squall—and a crowd-pleaser at valet.
Who Owned Rolls-Royce vs. Bentley? Today’s Reality
| Brand | Who Owns It? | Where It’s Built | Flagship Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rolls-Royce | BMW | Goodwood, England | Majestic calm, formal elegance, peerless ride. Phantom, Ghost, Cullinan, Spectre. |
| Bentley | Volkswagen Group | Crewe, England | Sporting luxury, more driver-led. Continental GT, Flying Spur, Bentayga. |
Buying, Owning, and the Little Luxuries
If you’re shopping, work with an authorized Rolls-Royce dealership. The handover alone feels like a miniature ceremony, and you’ll want their guidance on commissioning finishes—woods, leathers, embroidery—that suit your life. Alpine ski weekends? Go lambswool rugs and a darker headliner. Miami nights? Two-tone paint and brightwork. Honest confession: I wasn’t sure about contrast coachlines at first. Now I spot them across a car park like a signature.
Accessories? Protecting the cabin is never a bad idea. I’ve seen owners swear by premium mats—especially if the kids forget their muddy boots.
Fun fact: Prestige doesn’t mean aloof. Rolls-Royce routinely supports charities and community causes; it’s a brand that understands its place—and responsibility—in the world.
Prices, Special Builds, and that Boat Tail
- Ghost: Typically well into the $300k range before options. Worth it? If tranquility and craftsmanship are your love languages—absolutely.
- Cullinan: A premium SUV in every sense—price, presence, and capability.
- Spectre: The first Rolls EV. Expect a significant premium; the serenity is otherworldly.
- Boat Tail: Bespoke coachbuilt art. Multimillion-dollar territory and then some. A true collector’s item.
Who Owned Rolls-Royce? Final Word
From Charles and Henry’s early brilliance to BMW’s modern stewardship, the answer to “Who owned Rolls-Royce?” mirrors the cars themselves: layered, meticulously engineered, and very British in its sense of continuity. Today’s Rolls-Royce Motor Cars builds the quietest, most opulent luxury cars on earth—Phantom, Ghost, Cullinan, Spectre—out of Goodwood, and they feel as special as ever. Ownership has changed. The standard hasn’t.
FAQ: Who Owned Rolls-Royce?
- Who owns Rolls-Royce cars today? BMW owns Rolls‑Royce Motor Cars Limited, which builds all current Rolls-Royce automobiles in Goodwood, England.
- Is Rolls-Royce the same company as the jet engine maker? No. Rolls‑Royce plc (aerospace) is a separate, publicly traded company. The car brand is owned by BMW.
- Does BMW own Bentley too? No. Bentley is owned by the Volkswagen Group and builds cars in Crewe.
- Are Rolls-Royce cars handmade? Extensively. Bodies and engineering are modern, but the finishing—leather, wood, paint, bespoke details—is intensely hand-crafted.
- What’s the most expensive Rolls-Royce? Bespoke coachbuilt models like the Boat Tail sit at the very top, with multi-million-dollar price tags. Among series cars, a fully commissioned Phantom can easily crest the half-million mark.
