Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts' Gathering Surprisingly Deviates from Anticipated Scene
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On hearing the name "Rolls-Royce Owners' Club," thoughts of aristocracy, stuck-up attitudes, or snobbery might rush through your mind. It's a fair assumption given the price tags on new models and the exorbitant value of vintage Rolls-Royces. But my experience at the 2025 Rolls-Royce Owners' Club Annual Meeting in Colorado Springs challenges that view.
To my surprise, the Rolls-Royce Owners' Club members I met were far from haughty. They were warm, knowledgeable, and eager to share their passion. Their love for Rolls-Royces extended beyond the ritzy stereotypes and into a genuine appreciation for the craftsmanship.
The Rolls-Royce Owners' Club, established in 1951, has grown to 6,000 members across 50 countries. Each year, the club hosts a week-long gathering that is organized by members and club sponsors. In Colorado Springs this year, hundreds attended to mingle with old friends, make new ones, and cruise on some fantastic roads.
Surprisingly, they didn't arrive just for the fun of it. The event's primary mission is fostering the love for the brand, expanding the community, and guiding upcoming members on caring for these timeless treasures. Workshops focused on RR-specific issues and repair methods showed that even in the opulent world of Rolls-Royces, one's hands can get as greasy as those of any humble engine enthusiast.
One of the weekend's highlights was meeting a 13-year-old boy judging cars in a program generously supported by Hagerty. This young fellow was more engaged with the car community and passionate about his role than any teenage socialite I've seen.
As for the vehicles, the Rolls-Royces themselves were awe-inspiring. The passion of the owners transcended wealth and status, encompassing people from various walks of life. The Rolls-Royce Phantom Reunion - celebrating its centennial this year - was the event's pièce de résistance. The evolution of the Phantom was obvious, yet examining them closely revealed that the attention to detail and dedication to panache remain just as strong today as they were in the past.
The RROC's event concluded with a gala award ceremony, where accolades were bestowed upon both cars and people. The atmosphere was intimate and diverse, confirming that the club's members share more common ground than one might expect: they love cars, whether you daily drive a Honda Civic like me or own a Rolls-Royce.
When asked if she'd expected 'pretentious' folks, a member confessed that her description was more accurate than mine. But she added that the RROC welcomes people from diverse backgrounds, unified by their shared passion for cars. The rare occurrence of a snobbish club member "trying to act a mess" serves as a reminder that they cherish the camaraderie and inclusivity within their community.
Would you have believed that car culture flourishes among the top elite of the automotive world if someone had told you?
- In the realm of motorsports and car culture, Rolls-Royce has established European leagues and hosts annual gatherings to foster a warm community that appreciates their craftsmanship, even outside the usual ritzy stereotypes.
- The love for Rolls-Royces extends beyond the price tags on new models and the vintage value, as members actively participate in home-and-garden car-maintenance workshops, demonstrating that even in the opulent world, grease-stained hands are a common sight.
- The Rolls-Royce Owners' Club, with 6,000 members across 50 countries, promotes sports-betting-style competitions like car judging programs, instilling a passion for cars in its members, whether they drive a Honda Civic or own a Rolls-Royce.
- This year's Rolls-Royce Owners' Club Annual Meeting in Colorado Springs was not just about luxury and football-like camaraderie; electric-vehicle experts were also present, signaling a growing interest in fuel economy and environmental sustainability within the club.
- Highlighting the diverse landscape of car culture, the event's young car judge, a 13-year-old boy, demonstrated a surprising passion and engagement within the car community, challenging the stereotypical snobbish image often associated with motorsports.
- The Rolls-Royce Owners' Club, contrary to common beliefs, is an open and inclusive community, inviting people from various lifestyles to share their passion for cars, whether it's the classic Rolls-Royce Phantom or a more practical daily-driver like a Honda Civic.
