Dubai: Rolls-Royce knows a thing or two about a storied past. Now, it has gone further back into the mists of time to come up with a bespoke collection honouring Abbas Ibn Firnas, an Arab investor who legend has it was the first man in history to scientifically attempt flying.
Ibn Firnas was a 9th century inventor and poet in Cordoba during the Ummayad Dynasty, who made contributions to sciences including physics, astronomy and chemistry. The story of his attempted glider flight using man-made wings and feathers is taught in textbooks in many Arab countries.
He already has postage stamps, streets and airports named after him. But this is the first time the name is being linked to a car, and a prestige one at that.
It comes in the form of ‘Rolls-Royce Ghost Firnas Motif’ collection, available through Abu Dhabi Motors, the sole dealer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. The models were conceptualised by Kadhim Al Helli, Brand Manager at Abu Dhabi Motors, before being put together at the Rolls-Royce plant in Goodwood, UK.
A host of delicate touches have been added to bring the spirit of the Arabian legend alive in this vehicle.
The personalised flight emblem is featured throughout the vehicle’s design, on the control display panel set against elm cluster veneer and in the embroidery on the front and rear headrests. The car also features a personalized tread plate with the wings design and personalised message: “Firnas motif – one of five”.
There is a hand-painted twin-coachline, finished with the Firnas Logo, exclusive to the collection.
“Abbas Ibn Firnas dared to dream that man could fly a millennium before the Wright Brothers did,” said Arno Husselmann, General Manager at Rolls’ Abu Dhabi dealership.
“Very few international brands as respected and revered as Rolls-Royce have created special edition models that commemorate a symbol of Arab and Islamic culture in such a unique way; as a result we have seen strong interest in the collection from customers here and overseas to own one.”
The Bespoke Programme is offered to Rolls-Royce clients where they specify features of the car to create their own unique model.
