Rolls Royce for the People – China’s Geely builds a RR Phantom

The Geely GE - A Chinese Rolls Royce!

Plagiarised cars are not new. China has been making them for years (to the ongoing consternation of  Western car makers), and Mitsuoka in Japan make a whole range of cars that ‘pay homage’ to classic cars of the past. But Autohome in China are reporting on a new Geely that will launch at the Shanghai Motor Show – the Geely GE – which is about as complete a rip-off of the Rolls Royce Phantom as you can get!

From the Flying Lady on the bonnet (or is it a Flying Dragon?!), to the wood and leather interior, this is China’s take on motoring opulence, and you can bet your boots it’s going to cost a fraction of the real Rolls Royce Phantom.

But apart from the amazing plagiarism, the most farcical/innovative/weird element is the seating arrangements. Now we’ve all seen cars with just one seat up-front for the driver, and opulent accommodation for the Lord & Master in the back (plus a delectable companion – or two), but such is the Chinese interpretation of what is needed that the Geely GE features just one, throne-like seat (I wonder if it accommodates a ‘throne’ below!) at the back, where ‘Sir can sit and bark his orders to the chauffeur and manservant parked up-front.

And ‘Sir’ has all the accoutrement’s for comfort to hand, with fridges and cocktail cabinets and even a cigar holder in the door. There’s even the ‘Stragazer’ roof straight from the Phantom. What would Chairman Mao make of it!

Still, I suppose China’s new rich have to have something to pose in. Oh, and if you follow the link to Autohome (we’ve linked it translated – our Chinese isn’t too hot!) have a look around at the cars due to be seen at Shanghai. Plagiarism Rules!

By Cars UK