If they talk to you about modifications to a Rolls-Royce, the first thing that comes to mind is luxury and sophisticated interior details. But there have also been modifications to convert them into a kind of pick-up. And it was not the work of an eccentric millionaire YouTuber, but rather it was made in memory of the .
The rear of a was modified Rolls-Royce 40/50 Springfield Silver Ghostto turn it into a kind of tray designed to carry a hot air balloon basket, with the balloon folded inside it when not in use. It was not a unique idea, but was inspired by the balloon carthe original “balloon car” of Rolls-Royce co-founder Charles S. Rolls, an avid early 20th century balloonist and hot air balloon enthusiast.
Balloons are, by far, the most popular flight technology: the first documented balloon flight took place on November 21, 1783. Their operation is very simple: the balloon is filled with hot air and rises, with basket that is tied. Then it’s a matter of adjusting the altitude by varying the amount of heat (or hydrogen, a gas lighter than air that provides better lift than hot air, but can explode). To travel with them you have to go up and down, looking for favorable winds.
They were very popular until the beginning of the 20th century, as the first airplanes were much less safe. It was then that Rolls-Royce co-founder Charles S. Rolls became an avid balloonist (he actually died in a plane crash – no balloons involved – in 1910.
The Rolls-Royce 40/50 Balloon Car you see here originally had a Mayfair body when it was delivered new to Chicago on October 24, 1924. After a few decades in hiding, in the late 2000s the car was fitted with a Mayfair body. “balloon car” type automobile, in the style of the classic designs of HJ Mulliner (British coachbuilder currently known for his collaborations with Bentley).
The car is powered by a motor 7.4 liter inline six cylindersa single updraft carburetor and a double spark plug ignition. Power is sent through a 4-speed manual transmission and the vehicle features mechanical rear drum brakes, leaf springs, wire wheels, a white convertible top, and a red leather interior.
If you want to feel like the founder of Rolls-Royce, the car is for sale in Phoenix, Arizona. Includes extensive documentation, recent service bills, and an authentic California title. A unique piece that combines vintage aeronautical and automotive history.
