# Rolls-Royce Limited

> 1906-1987 automobile and aerospace manufacturer in the United Kingdom

**Wikidata**: [Q679888](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q679888)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolls-Royce_Limited)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/rolls-royce-limited

## Summary
Rolls-Royce Limited was a British automobile and aerospace manufacturer active from 1906 to 1987, known for its luxury cars and pioneering aircraft engines. It was dissolved in 1973 and succeeded by Rolls-Royce Motors, which later became part of the modern Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1906, with its official inception date recorded as March 15, 1906.
- Dissolved in 1973, succeeded by Rolls-Royce Motors (1973–1998).
- Headquarters in the United Kingdom.
- Produced notable car models including the Silver Cloud, Corniche, Camargue, Silver Ghost, Phantom IV, and Phantom I.
- Developed significant aircraft engines such as the RB.203 Trent, Avon, RB.37 Derwent, and Olympus 593.
- Collaborated with French aerospace firm SNECMA on the M45H engine.
- Affiliated with Dowty Rotol, an English propeller manufacturer.
- Key personnel included Tony Rudd, a British engineer, and Sergio Pininfarina, an Italian automobile designer.
- Preceded by Bristol Siddeley (1959–1968) and succeeded by Rolls-Royce Motors (1973–1998).
- Part of the broader Rolls-Royce brand, which later evolved into a multinational public holding company.

## FAQs
- **What was Rolls-Royce Limited's primary focus?** Rolls-Royce Limited specialized in both automobile manufacturing and aerospace engineering, producing luxury cars and advanced aircraft engines.
- **When was Rolls-Royce Limited founded and dissolved?** It was founded in 1906 and dissolved in 1973, succeeded by Rolls-Royce Motors.
- **What notable car models did Rolls-Royce Limited produce?** It produced the Silver Cloud, Corniche, Camargue, Silver Ghost, Phantom IV, and Phantom I.
- **Which aircraft engines did Rolls-Royce Limited develop?** It developed the RB.203 Trent, Avon, RB.37 Derwent, and Olympus 593, among others.
- **Who were the key figures associated with Rolls-Royce Limited?** Key figures included Tony Rudd, a British engineer, and Sergio Pininfarina, an Italian automobile designer.
- **What was Rolls-Royce Limited's relationship with Rolls-Royce Motors?** Rolls-Royce Limited was succeeded by Rolls-Royce Motors, which operated from 1973 to 1998.

## Why It Matters
Rolls-Royce Limited played a pivotal role in the automotive and aerospace industries, contributing to the development of luxury vehicles and advanced propulsion systems. Its innovations in aircraft engines, such as the Avon and RB.37 Derwent, were critical for early jet propulsion. In the automotive sector, it established a legacy of craftsmanship and luxury, influencing later models like the Phantom series. The company's dissolution in 1973 marked a transition in its focus, leading to the formation of Rolls-Royce Motors, which further solidified the brand's reputation for excellence.

## Notable For
- Pioneered the development of the Avon turbojet engine, a key component in early jet aircraft.
- Produced the Silver Ghost, an early 20th-century luxury car that set standards for automotive design.
- Collaborated with SNECMA on the M45H engine, advancing turbofan technology.
- Affiliated with Dowty Rotol, enhancing its capabilities in propeller manufacturing.
- Key personnel like Tony Rudd and Sergio Pininfarina contributed significantly to its engineering and design innovations.

## Body
### History
Rolls-Royce Limited was established in 1906, with its official inception recorded as March 15, 1906. The company initially focused on automobile manufacturing, producing luxury vehicles such as the Silver Cloud, Corniche, and Camargue. By the mid-20th century, it expanded into aerospace engineering, developing advanced aircraft engines like the Avon and RB.37 Derwent. The company dissolved in 1973, succeeded by Rolls-Royce Motors, which operated until 1998. This transition marked a shift in the company's focus, leading to the modern Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

### Products and Innovations
Rolls-Royce Limited produced a range of notable car models, including the Silver Ghost, Phantom IV, and Phantom I. The Silver Ghost, introduced in 1906, was an early luxury car that set standards for automotive design. The Phantom series, particularly the Phantom IV, became synonymous with luxury and craftsmanship. In aerospace, the company developed the Avon turbojet engine, which was a key component in early jet aircraft. Other significant engines included the RB.37 Derwent, RB.203 Trent, and Olympus 593. The collaboration with SNECMA on the M45H engine further advanced turbofan technology.

### Key Personnel and Affiliations
Tony Rudd, a British engineer, was a key figure associated with Rolls-Royce Limited. His contributions to engineering and design were instrumental in the company's innovations. Sergio Pininfarina, an Italian automobile designer, also played a significant role, particularly in the design of Rolls-Royce's luxury vehicles. The company was affiliated with Dowty Rotol, an English propeller manufacturer, which enhanced its capabilities in aerospace propulsion.

### Legacy and Succession
Rolls-Royce Limited's dissolution in 1973 led to the formation of Rolls-Royce Motors, which operated from 1973 to 1998. This successor company further solidified the brand's reputation for luxury and innovation. The modern Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, established in 2003, continues the legacy of craftsmanship and excellence. The company's contributions to both the automotive and aerospace industries remain significant, influencing later developments in propulsion and luxury vehicle design.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File