Rolls-Royce returns to Scotland in the spirit of the Scottish Reliability Trials

The Rolls-Royce Wraith, Ghost Series II, Phantom and Phantom Coupe all paid homage to the achievements of the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, which, by completing a 23,128km virtually non-stop run, forged the marque's reputation as purveyor of the 'Best Car in World'.

The petrol-powered automobile was still in its infancy in 1907, and the greatest concerns for the motorist were a car's ability to cope with gradients, the ease with which it could be steered, stopped and started again, but above all, its reliability. However, very few early manufacturers could truly meet these requirements.

The challenge was not one to be taken lightly. A six-cylinder Rolls-Royce 40/50 h.p. (later known as the Silver Ghost) was to be driven over 8,046km in less than a month, without once entering a repair shop for the duration of the trial. The mileage was twice the annual mileage a motorist would be expected to cover at that time and 1,203km would be covered as part of the gruelling challenge that would become known as the Scottish Reliability Trials.

Run in various forms since 1901, the Scottish Reliability Trials were administered by the Scottish Automobile Club and designed as the ultimate test over some of the most demanding and remote roads in Great Britain. Starting and finishing in Glasgow, the route stretched as far as Aberdeen, Inverness and Pitlochry. 

The 1,203km took five days to complete and 14 of 104 cars failed to make the finish. The Rolls-Royce 40/50 h.p. completed the Trials in style, comfortably taking the gold medal in its class.