Rolls-Royce, one of the most expensive luxury cars in the world, has a fascinating history behind it. Next time you wonder why it is considered a “royal car,” try to remember the following:

• The Rolls-Royce is one of the few cars with many parts still built by hand. This includes the radiator grille, which takes a full day of work and is done without specific molds or measurements. The engine itself is also put together entirely by hand. In the Silver Spirit model, each glass part of the car is polished by hand with the same kind of stone used to polish optical lenses.
• The first Rolls-Royce cost $800. If you can find one of the original models, you should expect to pay at least a quarter of a million dollars for it.
• 60 percent of all Rolls-Royce ever produced are still running.
• Rolls-Royce factories have their own vocabulary that workers must use when referring to the cars. For example, cars are said to “fail to proceed” rather than “break down.” Managers and owners are referred to by their first initial, rather than a full name. Sir Henry Royce started the tradition when he insisted to be called “R” by everybody, even on written memos.
• John Lennon’s own Rolls-Royce, the Phantom V. Chassis 5VD73, had some unique adaptations, including a Sterno Radio Telephone (in 1965!), a backseat that converted to a double bed, a portable refrigerator and a TV. The car was also custom painted in yellow, with lots of colorful flowers, following the inspiration and look of a gypsy caravan.