Roger Daltrey of The Who with a cheque from the sale of “Tommy”, a special edition Rolls Royce Wraith he designed with the British carmaker. Proceeds benefit the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Roger Daltrey, frontman of legendary British rock band had teamed up with Rolls Royce Motor Cars to design “Tommy” a special edition Rolls Royces Wraith that would be part of the bespoke ‘Inspired by British Music’ cars, a series that celebrates the legacy of British musicians. Daltrey worked with Mike McInnerney, the original artist behind the cover artwork of the band’s seminal 1969 album, Tommy, to recreate elements of the album onto the cars exterior and headrests — artwork and song references easily recognised by Who fans.
Daltrey’s special edition Wraith, with only two available, was announced earlier this year. Now, it’s taken on a life of its own: last month in London, Daltrey delivered a cheque worth £208,945 to David Hoare, chairman of the Teenage Cancer Trust. The “Tommy” Wraith had been auctioned by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Sunningdale to benefit the charity, which supports young people aged 13-24 diagnosed with cancer, and of which Daltrey is an honorary patron.
“Seven young people are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK, and these vital funds will help Teenage Cancer Trust take a huge step towards its goal of providing specialist support to every young person with cancer in the UK,” Daltrey remarked in a statement. “This car has become an incredible collectors’ item, and it’s gratifying to know that the proceeds of the sale will support such a worthy cause.”
Daltrey designed two bespoke vehicles with Rolls-Royce, both paying tribute to the musical legacy of The Who. The first incorporates many of the band’s most significant iconography, like the “bullseye” insignia, and well-loved, recognisable lyrics. The second Wraith — the “Tommy” car that was auctioned for charity – was designed together with Mike McInnerney, the artist responsible for the artwork on The Who’s 1969 album, ‘Tommy’.
With the help of Rolls-Royce’s surface finish experts, McInnerney was able to apply a rendition of the album’s iconic sleeve design to the bonnet. The exterior paint is aptly named ‘Lyrical Copper’, and finished with a blue coachline of a bird in flight, a reference to the album cover art. All four headrests are embroidered with motifs from the album artwork, while reference to the song ‘Pinball Wizard’ gets a special spot on the rear cabin leather waterfall. Door flights, made of copper, are engraved with lyrics from ‘Tommy Can You Hear Me?’ and ‘Listening to You/See Me’.
Rolls-Royce introduced of nine unique Wraiths under the “Inspired by British Music” series in March this year, each one featuring a highly revered British music legend. All nine cars have proud new owners, with sales proceeds going to charities of the artists’ choice. Presumably, the ‘Tommy’ car is now in the loving hands of a devoted Who fan.
