In this period of austerity – we don’t call it a recession anymore – it might not always seem appropriate for the more well-heeled among us to parade our wealth. But if you saw last month one Sunday’s Centenary drive of 100 Rolls Royces around central and west London, you would probably make an exception. Some of these cars were so old that the drivers would have been well advised to ensure their vehicle breakdown insurance was up to date before setting out.

The 100 cars were comprised of various different models - cars that have made Rolls Royce one of the most prestigious car brands in the world. But as well as plenty of wonderful old timers, there were a few modern versions there too. One of these was the Ghost. A car with a price tag so huge it does not, understandably, get seen on the roads– even in London – that often, which is probably why the car enjoyed so much attention on the parade. It sported a most un-British ‘LA Spec’ paint job, whereby the bonnet and wheels were chromed-up and the rest of the car was painted in dazzling electric blue.

The convoy of glittering cars set off through central London before finishing up in Syon Park in the west. En route they glided past the birthplace of Charles Rolls on Hill Street in Mayfair, together with the Rolls Royce showroom on Berkeley Square and the Spirit of Ecstasy design studios on the Brompton Road.

Given the huge value of some of these cars, it would take rather more than a high grade vehicle breakdown cover insurance policy to repair the damage, should the merest bump occur. Luckily though, the proud parade of the very best British automotive prowess went off without a hitch, charming all who saw it.