In a reenactment of a landmark reliability trial a 1911 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost 1701 has completed an epic detour between London and Edinburgh.

110 years ago the same machine, an “Experimental Speed Car”, won the London-Edinburgh Trial – a round trip between the two capitals of 799 miles. It averaged a speed of 19.59 mph, which may not sound much, but consider the state of the roads at the beginning of the 20th century.

The Roller was locked in to top gear for whole journey, helping to achieve a remarkable 24 mpg. Later the same car would manage over 78 mph on a half-mile speed run and then become the first Rolls to top 100mph at Brooklands.

For the 2021 run the Edwardian-engineered machine left the offices of the Royal Automobile Club on Pall Mall in London at 6am on Sunday 6 September and followed the Great North Road route as closely as possible. Adding to the spectacle were a further nine veteran Ghosts and the very latest model which formed an incredible cavalcade.

The drivers took it a little easier than their predecessors, however, making the journey in two days – and opting not to take the return trip to London either.

“The Silver Ghost is arguably the most famous Rolls-Royce model of all time,” says Andrew Ball, head of corporate communications. “It was through its success in the early trials of speed, reliability and endurance that it earned Rolls-Royce its reputation as 'the best car in the world'. Winning the 1911 London-Edinburgh Trial was a landmark moment for Silver Ghost 1701: that the same car, now a priceless collector's item, can repeat the endeavour 110 years later is testament to its remarkable engineering, materials and build quality.”