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The Rolls-Royce manufacturing company, which manufactured both automobiles and aero-engines, was founded in 1906 by Henry Royce and C.S. Rolls based on a partnership of theirs from two years before. The two gentlemen collaborated to create the first automobile, the 10 HP, which was followed by the 20 and 30 HPs as well as the Silver Ghost, the car that truly established the Rolls-Royce reputation. The Silver Ghost was followed by the Phantom I, II, and III premium automobiles, as well as by the standard Wraith and many other designs which featured ghostly names and often the word "silver". The company remained independent until 1971, and in 1973, Rolls-Royce Motors split off from the aero-engine manufacturer. The company was bought in 1980 by Vickers, which held the company for the next 18 years. Currently Rolls-Royce cars are manufactured by BMW, while the Bentley is under the ownership of Volkswagen. "
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