| Description |
Czarist Russia was known for its architecture, fine art, literature and music. With this appreciation of quality and the wealth of the nobility and business, it was not long before Rolls-Royce found a niche market in the years before the First World War. After being introduced to the marque in 1913, the Czar became a loyal customer. In total, 42 Rolls-Royce motor cars were delivered before the 1917 Revolution which ended the Romanov dynasty. But the Revolution did not end Russia’s appreciation of Rolls-Royce. Trotsky and Lenin commandeered the Czarist cars and at least a further 46 Rolls-Royce motor cars were ordered by the Soviet Government until diplomatic relations soured and Stalin put a stop to further imports.
Sir John Stuttard will relate the story of the owners of Rolls-Royce motor cars in Russia, set among the treasures, the turmoil of the Revolution, the Civil War and the excesses of the Bolshevik era. It is based on the book he wrote and published in 2021, working with a senior executive, Maxim Kartashev, of the State Polytechnic Museum in Moscow, and his co-author. |
Probus Club of Gillingham Dorset