GRAHAM HULL
Features
Unique insiders story of styling Rolls-Royce & Bentley cars
How special commissions saved the company in the 1990s
Previously unseen renderings of special commission and concept vehicles
Bentleys extraordinary re-birth, from barely 3% of production to the entire factory
Fly-on-the wall view of the VW take over
Candid reflections on the seven Managing Directors, from 1971-2001
Describes project charts from the period
The untold Corniche story the last Crewe-built Rolls-Royce
The untold story of the evolution of the Silver Seraph/Arnage
The importance of Crewes interior design department
Description
A unique and personal account of young designerÂs journey after joining that most prestigious of marques, Rolls-Royce. Sometimes eccentric, often humorous, the workings of this uniquely British institution during a period of immense change are described in detail. Generously supported by previously unseen illustrations, the authorÂs story, from designer to Chief Stylist, pulls back the curtain concealing an idiosyncratic institution, motivated as much by pride, as the bottom-line.
Synopsis
From a small design team working on the Silver Spirit/Mulsanne, to becoming Chief Stylist, Graham Hull peels back the curtain on an idiosyncratic institution during his time at Crewe. Throwing light on a factory motivated as much by pride, as the bottom-line, all the projects, whether production, special commission, or aborted designs, are covered, and the often unique styling process is explored. This process was a key element in the resurgence of the dormant Bentley marque, that, with its fortunes on the rise, became the star of the Geneva Motor Show, attracting commissions from wealthy enthusiasts for totally bespoke vehicles. Founding fathers Royce and Rolls melded engineering with marketing, but as marketing took over, this union fractured. The drama of how this British institution was divided between BMW and VW, and how aesthetic design, never cherished by British management, was increasingly recognised, is fundamental to the story. The bewildering number of projects during the 1990s is a genuine eye-opener and a phenomena that demanded unique peoples, skills, and facilities.
Independent Reviews
A highly interesting insider report.
British Classics
Funny, touching and immensely readable this book by Graham Hull offers a rare human glimpse into the pressured world behind the cold if starkly beautiful shiny metal exteriors of two of the worldÂs most fought-over mechanical masterpieces.
Thoroughly recommended. Lavishly illustrated and jolly good value for money.
Big End
This is the most interesting book on Rolls-Royce and the development of the cars ever printed. ThatÂs all you need to know. Get it for yourself and buy a copy for your buddy too. You wonÂt be able to put it down.
The Modern Car
A long overdue book by pretty much the only person who could have written it.
The Flying Lady
The world of Rolls-Royce and Bentley is at your fingertips in a stunning new book from the man who worked on them for 30 years.
Sunday Mail
This is a useful reference as well as a fine read.
Classic & Sports Car
Author Graham Hunt  ex-chief stylist at Rolls and Bentley  reveals lots of detail about the brands in the frantic nineties, leading up to the BMW and VW divide. Plenty of pictures and sketches ...
Auto Express  * * * *
A really interesting read that shows just how much goes on behind the scenes!
New Zealand Classic Car
A superb book!
Old Timer Magazine / Dreamcar Magazine
One of the constant gripes we have when reviewing books is how most new Âmust-reads offer nothing new, but this compelling effort is anything but a soulless cash-in.
Octane
This is a well produced book with good illustrations ... to anyone with an interest in either marque, this book represents a new insightful approach from an interestingly different viewpoint, with some excellent renderings and illustrations along the way.
BDC Review
Fascinating study of concepts and the odd doomsday scenario from Crewe.
Classic Cars
Additional Information
Covers the period 1971-2001, and RR Silver Shadow, RR Corniche, RR Camargue, RR Silver Spirit (and variants), Bentley Continental R (and variants), RR Silver Seraph (and variants), RR Corniche 2000.
Also includes details of special commission cars, and styling mock-ups.
