Maharajas and Rolls Royce

[sasguru]

Anyone see that perfectly splendid program on BBC4 about the customised Rollers that the Maharajas of India bought (almost in bulk, it seems) in the last century.
That's why the licence fee is worth paying.
Is it age or are all the best programs on BBC4 nowadays?

[NotAllThere]

I certainly rarely watch BBC1 (or ITV) any more. BBC3 can be entertaining when you want something no-brainer. Otherwise BBC4 and BBC2.

[OwlHoot]

Anyone see that perfectly splendid program on BBC4 about the customised Rollers that the Maharajas of India bought (almost in bulk, it seems) in the last century.

I'm thinking of getting a customized Roller. What kind of things did the Maharajahs have done? I need some ideas.

I probably won't buy them in bulk though, as the parking permits (and parking come to that) in central London would be a bit of a problem.

[DaveB]

I'm thinking of getting a customized Roller. What kind of things did the Maharajahs have done? I need some ideas.

I probably won't buy them in bulk though, as the parking permits (and parking come to that) in central London would be a bit of a problem.

Start by Gold plating them and go from there

[sasguru]

I'm thinking of getting a customized Roller. What kind of things did the Maharajahs have done? I need some ideas.

.

Well in those days (20s/30s) apparently Rolls only sold the chassis and engine. You got the body built by a specialist coach-builder to whatever spec you wanted.

Examples of the maharajah's creations:

1. A Rolls with a body large enough to transport the local cricket team
2. An extra height Rolls with a throne inside
3. A Rolls optimised for hunting - gun turrets etc
4. A Rolls with an extra large bumper for gently nudging away holy cows and 4 different types of horn


Got me thinking. Shouldn't the motor industry revert to being organised like that? So some firms specialise in chassis, some in engines, some in bodies. Then you can mix and match or customise.
The roads would be a far more interesting place.

[expat]

Anyone see that perfectly splendid program on BBC4 about the customised Rollers that the Maharajas of India bought (almost in bulk, it seems) in the last century.
That's why the licence fee is worth paying.
Is it age or are all the best programs on BBC4 nowadays?

Yes, BBC4 is what BBC2 used to be.

[Foxy Moron]

Got me thinking. Shouldn't the motor industry revert to being organised like that? So some firms specialise in chassis, some in engines, some in bodies. Then you can mix and match or customise.
The roads would be a far more interesting place.

In some ways they do, e.g. the current Ford Ka uses a fiat Punto engine