A photo of a Rolls Royce car enroute to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport from Heathrow Airport in London, UK has been the talk of town for the days.
Kenyans on social media had shared mixed reactions especially with speculations that it belonged to a powerful politician in the country.
Several versions of stories about the car’s ownership surfaced on the platforms with some also pointing out that a tycoon in the country had imported it.
But the truth we know is that it would require adequate financial muscle to import such a car.
The car, a Rolls Royce Phantom is one of brands manufactured by UK-based car manufacturer Rolls Royce, a subsidiary of BMW Group.
From its appearance to functionality, the car speaks elegance, comfort and status.
In the UK, Rolls Royce has a rich history having once served as the purveyor to the Royal Household and as the official limousine used by Royal Household.
Features of Rolls Royce
Its exterior as expected is majestic and widely known by its front grill parallel columns made of shiny material and its emblem, two ‘R’s denoting Rolls Royce.
But its doors are, perhaps, the most fascinating feature in the Phantom series.
Unlike in majority vehicle models, the Phantom’s rear doors open backwards giving it a cut above so many other models.
The backwards opening doors known in some quarters as the “suicide doors” were inspired by wagons traditionally used in the UK which had doors opening in opposite direction.
Reason behind choosing backwards doors
By then such wagons, known as stagecoaches, were reserved for the rich in the society.
The opposite opening doors were designed for reasons including allowing ladies in long dresses to exit freely and giving the passengers an immediate presence upon arrival.
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Its interior is also designed to accord passengers comfort and luxury, with spacious leg room for the passenger- among other features.
Additionally, the modern Phantom cars come with a partitioned interior- giving the VIPs sitting in the rear cabin a secluded space for privacy.
Also standing among the features is an umbrella discreetly stored within the door.
The umbrella is fitted with a drainage channel to clear away excess water in times of light showers or heavy rains.
In addition, the car allows the passenger to customize the interior lighting according to his or her preference through the hundreds of fiber-optic lights installed in the cabin.
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And the music too is exceptional, and enabled by a Bespoke Audio system which is tuned by expert ears to ensure only the richest studio-quality is released.
The rear seat comes with coolers to keep drinks at the perfect temperature.
A new phantom in the modern market goes for a fee in the region of $450,000- which is equivalent to some Ksh 68 million.
The interior and external features coupled with a powerful engine give explains the preference especially among persons of high status.
In the modern car world, the Rolls Royce is among the world’s top luxurious vehicles.