It would be easy to confuse this Rolls Royce Abu Dhabi dealership for a luxury hotel lobby or loungeroom. The new Rolls showroom in Abu Dhabi is the biggest for the brand in the world, measuring 900 m2. It holds a space for five models on display, an office area, bar and a “boudoir” where each potential customer can configure their Roller.

The new showroom is a kind of homage to the Middle East whose market has contributed 15 percent to Rolls Royce global production figures. Of 82 Rolls Royce dealerships around the world, eight are in the Middle East, and the newly opened Abu Dhabi store has the new Spirit of Ecstasy Centenery Collection Phantom Drophead Coupé on display. I’d go just to sit on one of those lounges….

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We had to wonder just how old the Rolls Royce company itself was when it revealed that its famous “Spirit of Ecstasy” or flying lady badge alone is 100 years old in 2011. Rolls Royce Limited was formed in 1906 and this year it will celebrate the 100th anniversay of one of the world’s great motoring icons - the silver, winged flying lady that adorns the front of every Roller around.

To celebrate, Rolls Royce is indulging in a number of initiatives this year, starting with a special edition badge for each Ghost and Phantom produced, which will have the words “Spirit of Ecstasy Centenary – 2011″ etched into the bottom of each statuette. A drive through central London on February 6 will take place to celebrate the very day on which the mascot was registered, with vintage and current Rolls Royce models taking in historic sites. It will be followed by other events during the year. Rolls Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös says:

The Spirit of Ecstasy is perhaps the most famous automotive icon, gracefully adorning the prow of Rolls-Royce models past and present. She was an inspiration for the founding fathers of our great company, as well as for owners and enthusiasts through the generations. Today her image continues to inspire and drive those of us who are fortunate enough to work for this unique brand, making the world’s most exclusive and desirable cars.

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