A collection car inspired by the remarkable ventures of Thunderbolt — a lightning-quick vehicle that broke the land-speed record three times. As one of the most powerful models in Rolls-Royce history, Black Badge Wraith embodies Thunderbolt’s intrepid legacy of speed.

The collection derives its name from the third iteration of Thunderbolt. Beneath the blazing sun, it was difficult to detect when Thunderbolt’s aluminium body passed the timing equipment. The ingenious solution was to paint a large black arrow and yellow circle motif on its side — ensuring the vehicle’s visibility at high speeds.

On 16 September 1938, Captain George Eyston and his racecar Thunderbolt sought to reclaim the land-speed record, having lost the prized title to John Cobb just a mere day prior. For this third attempt, Thunderbolt’s fin was tactically removed, bestowing the vehicle with a perfectly streamlined body.

The record-breaking attempt took place on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, USA. Forged from the remains of prehistoric Lake Bonneville, its vast crusted planes provide a clear path for those accelerating at extraordinary speeds.

Before Thunderbolt’s power was unleashed, a black guideline was painted along the salt speedway, ensuring Eyston stayed on course while Thunderbolt rapidly gained speed.

With the high-speed undertaking about to commence, Eyston climbed into Thunderbolt’s club-armchair — his most trusted and preferred driving seat. The Club leather armrests of Black Arrow reference Eyston’s seat of command, displaying visible lifelines and subtle, natural markings.

The moment of truth was in sight. Eyston ignited Thunderbolt’s engine — the immensely powerful Rolls-Royce V12 ‘R’.

In celebration of our time-honoured driving force, a technical engraving of Wraith's V12 engine spans the collection car’s fascia. The design reveals a pure aluminium surface, reminiscent of Thunderbolt’s original aluminium body.

The countdown begins.

Thunderbolt took off in an instant, appearing a blur as it raced across the Bonneville Salt Flats. Shifting from Celebration Silver to Black Diamond, Black Arrow’s exclusive Bespoke Gradient Paint represents Thunderbolt’s unprecedented speed and motion-blurred image.

Thunderbolt swiftly reached a maximum speed of 357.497 mph, triumphantly breaking the land-speed record and reclaiming its position as master of speed.

As this historic day faded to night, the stars above the Bonneville Salt Flats — meticulously replicated in the Constellation Headliner — beamed down in celebration.

Black Arrow preserves a moment in time, a historic endeavour of trial and triumph.

As the marque embarks on a bold new electric future, Wraith’s chapter within the Rolls-Royce model range comes to a triumphant end. Black Arrow commemorates the coupé’s remarkable legacy and formidable powerhouse engine.