Taking in-person delivery of a bespoke Rolls-Royce is a bucket list experience. But when Rolls-Royce was forced to close its factory, customer deliveries were put on hold. Following the reopening of the Goodwood-based Global Center of Luxury Manufacturing Excellence in May, Rolls-Royce has just announced that customers can once again take delivery of their cars in-person.

Rolls-Royce says that resuming the customer handover is a much-needed return to normalcy for the brand. The factory is still operating with only a single manufacturing shift because of strict health guidelines. Like most automakers, Rolls has even implemented additional security, handwashing stations, one-way walking paths, and modified seating arrangements. For additional safety, all staff must wear face masks in production areas.

Earlier in the week, the factory received a welcomed reminder of pre-coronavirus times when it delivered a 2020 Rolls-Royce Wraith to a customer. The car was finished in a lovely shade of Red Velvet Sparkle paired with a Saddlery Tan and contrasting Anthracite interior. Rolls says this is the first time the color combination has been paired with a matching steering-wheel and door umbrellas. This particular car features the Bespoke Black Badge, which includes 21-inch wheels, Black Badge kickplates, and a dark chrome Spirit of Ecstasy and grille.

Minor adjustments to the delivery ceremony were made in order to adhere to social distancing guidelines. However, the owner was allowed to meet with associates from the production line and specialist departments who hand-built his car. In total, 90 people are involved in handcrafting each Rolls-Royce car.

"It is a tremendous pleasure to welcome our discerning patrons to the Home of Rolls-Royce once again. That this has been possible so soon after reopening, while maintaining both our tradition of hospitality and our critical new operational measures, is a tribute to the conscientiousness and commitment of the entire Rolls-Royce family. We have worked incredibly hard to remain in touch with our customers during this crisis. The fact that so many are choosing to collect their new car in person, even in these circumstances, underlines how close and valuable these relationships have become," said Torsten Muller-Otvos, Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

"We have to accept that the comprehensive safety and hygiene measures we have put in place at the Home of Rolls-Royce will be our 'new normal' for some time to come. Handover ceremonies are a much-enjoyed moment of familiarity; they are both celebratory and uplifting and remind us of our true purpose as a company. We look forward to many more such occasions in the weeks and months ahead," he added.