The world's smallest Rolls-Royce completes 100km servicing

Every motor car handcrafted at the Home of Rolls-Royce is unique, with its own story and inspiration. But one bespoke project has a special place in the affections of the marque's 2,000-strong workforce - the Rolls-Royce SRH. It recently returned to the company's Global Centre of Luxury Manufacturing Excellence at Goodwood for some much-needed servicing.

The Rolls-Royce SRH belongs to the eponymous St Richard's Hospital in Chichester, U.K., where it performs a vitally important role: Young patients scheduled for paediatric day surgery use it to drive themselves to the theatre when the time comes for their operation, rather than walking or being wheeled on a trolley.

This simple, yet ingenious idea transforms what would otherwise be an intimidating moment into a truly memorable and enjoyable experience for the children, their parents and staff alike.

Since the car entered service in 2017, it has ferried no fewer than 2,000 brave youngsters in true Rolls-Royce comfort and style. But inevitably, its working environment has exacted a toll on its beautiful bespoke bodywork and paint. 

The car was therefore recalled to the Home of Rolls-Royce for its first 100km servicing, lovingly carried out by specialists from the bespoke team and other technical and craft departments, to restore it to its original condition.

In 2017, a small team designed and constructed the Rolls-Royce SRH's bespoke bodyshell in fibreglass reinforced with carbon fibre, complete with the marque's iconic Pantheon grille. The seat was hand-made from wood, with padding upholstered in medical-grade vinyl, hot‑welded to eliminate seams that could trap dirt. The team also designed a custom aluminium footwell that lifts out for cleaning.

Following its servicing and cosmetic repairs, the car has now returned to the Hospital to resume its humble but transformational duties.