RROC Annual Rally 2026 - Palm Springs

 

The 2026 Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club Annual Rally in Palm Springs, California brought together owners, enthusiasts, restorers, and specialists from across the world for one of the most significant events in the Rolls-Royce and Bentley calendar. Representing Flying Spares this year were Colin and Bailey, who travelled to California to attend the rally, meet customers, and strengthen relationships within the international Rolls-Royce and Bentley community.

After a long journey from the UK, including extended travel delays and airport stopovers, the team finally arrived in Palm Springs ahead of the event. Set against the backdrop of the Californian desert, the city provided a fitting setting for a gathering centred around some of the world’s finest motor cars. Palm-lined streets, mountain views, and warm temperatures created an atmosphere entirely different from the workshops of Leicestershire, where much of our daily work takes place.

Before the rally officially began, Colin and Bailey had an opportunity to explore the local area, including a visit to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Despite technical delays interrupting the journey, the trip ultimately offered spectacular views across the surrounding mountains and desert landscape. The days leading up to the event also provided a chance to prepare for the rally itself and reflect on the scale of the gathering to come.

Once the RROC Rally opened, the importance of the event quickly became clear. Throughout the week, Flying Spares was welcomed by owners and enthusiasts who travelled from across the United States and beyond to attend. Many visitors were already familiar with Flying Spares through our parts supply and technical support, but what stood out most was the number of people who spoke about the wider role the company plays within the community.

Owners took the time to express their appreciation not only for the availability of parts, but also for the technical advice, guides, newsletters, and ongoing support that help keep these vehicles running for decades after production ended. For a business focused daily on dismantling donor vehicles, rebuilding components, and sourcing hard-to-find parts, it was a valuable reminder of the global impact this work continues to have.

The rally itself showcased an extraordinary collection of Rolls-Royce and Bentley motor cars, presented to an exceptionally high standard. The main concours and display areas featured rows of beautifully maintained vehicles set against the dramatic Palm Springs landscape. Despite temperatures reaching 41 degrees Celsius, attendance remained strong throughout the event, with enthusiasts gathering to share knowledge, stories, and experiences connected by a shared passion for the marque.

Beyond the cars themselves, the rally highlighted the strength of the community surrounding them. Conversations throughout the week consistently returned to the same theme: preservation. Owners discussed the challenges of maintaining and restoring vehicles that, in many cases, are more than fifty years old. Technical knowledge, specialist support, and collaboration between enthusiasts remain essential to ensuring these cars continue to survive and thrive.

The event also provided an opportunity to reconnect with long-standing friends and partners within the industry, including Charles from Easirider and Rodd Sala from Park-Ward Motors, whose hospitality throughout the week was greatly appreciated. Evenings were spent attending dinners, exploring downtown Palm Springs, and meeting fellow enthusiasts outside the formal rally schedule, reinforcing the relationships that make events like this so valuable.

As the rally drew to a close, the return journey to the UK proved almost as eventful as the trip out. Severe weather delays in Dallas resulted in a missed Heathrow connection and an unexpected overnight stay in Texas before the team eventually returned home a day later. Fortunately, both Colin, Bailey, and their luggage successfully made it back to Leicestershire.

Attending events such as the RROC Annual Rally remains incredibly important for Flying Spares. They provide an opportunity not only to meet customers face-to-face, but also to better understand the international community that relies on the continued availability of parts, expertise, and support. While the cars may span different countries, climates, and generations, the enthusiasm surrounding them remains remarkably consistent.

Most importantly, the rally served as a reminder that the Rolls-Royce and Bentley world extends far beyond individual workshops or collections. It is built on shared knowledge, friendships, and a collective determination to preserve these remarkable vehicles for future generations.

Finally, we would like to thank everyone who visited the Flying Spares stand, spoke with Colin and Bailey during the week, and made them feel so welcome throughout the event. Special thanks also go to Charles and Rodd for their generosity and hospitality throughout the trip, as well as to John Burge and Mike Steiner, organisers of the RROC 2026 Rally, for hosting such a fantastic event. We look forward to returning again in the future and continuing to support this extraordinary community.