Experimental
Introduction
Innovation and experimentation have been at the heart of Rolls-Royce’s philosophy for more than a century. Driven by the uncompromising quest for perfection instilled by its founder, Sir Henry Royce, the company’s enduring commitment to exceptional engineering is best exemplified by its long tradition of ‘EX’ Experimental cars.
In 1919, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars built 1EX, its first experimental car. Based on a Silver Ghost chassis, it was used a rolling test bed to develop ideas and engineering solutions that would be incorporated into later generations of production Rolls-Royce cars. A succession of EX cars followed over the next 40 years, culminating in the 45EX of 1958.
After a hiatus of some 46 years, it’s a revitalised Rolls-Royce Motor Cars that has revived the EX tradition, with two bold experimental cars. The first - 100EX - was the product of a desire both to celebrate the company’s centenary in 2004, and to build on the groundbreaking technology pioneered by the company’s new Phantom road car. The second, and most recent - 101EX - is an equally adventurous machine albeit with a very different character.
With increasing technological challenges and demanding customer expectations, the value of EX is stronger now than ever. By exploring adventurous themes, advanced concepts and bold technology through living, breathing cars like 100 and 101EX, Rolls-Royce remains at the forefront of automotive design and engineering.
