Rolls-Royce has never specifically produced a car solely for professional racing in the way that other manufacturers like Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, or Porsche have. The company has always been primarily focused on producing luxury cars and aerospace engines, with an emphasis on comfort, reliability, and refinement rather than the competitive spirit of racing. However, Rolls-Royce has had some involvement in motorsport-related ventures, albeit not through dedicated racing cars.

Key Historical Instances of Rolls-Royce in Racing:

1. The Rolls-Royce 40/50 hp Silver Ghost:
   • While not a dedicated racing car, the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (introduced in 1907) is one of the most famous early Rolls-Royce models. The car gained a reputation for being an incredibly reliable and durable vehicle, qualities that would later be vital in motorsports. It was often used for long-distance endurance events where performance and dependability were key.
   • The Silver Ghost was highly regarded for its ability to withstand rough conditions, and it competed in several long-distance events, setting new standards for automotive reliability. It was not specifically built for racing but showed the company's ability to build cars that could handle extreme challenges.
2. The Rolls-Royce “R” Engine and Aviation Legacy:
   • Rolls-Royce’s expertise in aerospace engineering has had an indirect impact on motorsport, especially in terms of powertrain technology. The company’s R-Type engines, developed for aircraft, were used during World War I and became famous for their performance. This technology, though not directly associated with racing cars, showed Rolls-Royce’s advanced engineering capabilities that were later applied to high-performance cars and motorsports.
   • Rolls-Royce has never designed a racing car specifically for competitive events like Formula 1 or Le Mans, but its aerospace-engineering background has influenced the development of high-performance engines in motorsport.
3. Rolls-Royce and the Benetton F1 Team (Early 1990s):
   • While Rolls-Royce didn’t produce an F1 car, the company did have a connection to Formula 1 in the 1990s through a partnership with Ford-Cosworth. Rolls-Royce’s aerospace division provided key technologies that influenced the development of Ford-Cosworth engines used in F1 cars, including those of the Benetton team.
   • This partnership was primarily focused on engineering and materials, with Rolls-Royce’s experience in engine development and reliability helping Ford to design high-performance engines for F1. In this instance, Rolls-Royce’s role was not to produce the cars themselves but to contribute to the engineering excellence that went into creating competitive race car engines.
4. Rolls-Royce in Vintage Racing:
   • Rolls-Royce has also been part of classic car racing events, where vintage Rolls-Royce models, including the Silver Ghost and Phantom models, are showcased in events such as Concours d'Elegance or classic car rallies. These events celebrate the craftsmanship and heritage of Rolls-Royce vehicles but are not competitive racing events in the traditional sense.
   • Some classic racing clubs feature Rolls-Royce cars for display, showing the company's historical ties to motorsport, particularly in endurance and vintage events.
5. The Rolls-Royce Special (1950s):
   • In the 1950s, Rolls-Royce produced a "special" version of the Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn for an English enthusiast, which was used in amateur motorsports. While not built for professional racing, it was a one-off customized car with a more performance-oriented setup. However, this was an exception and not a standard racing model from Rolls-Royce.

Summary:

Rolls-Royce has never built a car specifically for professional racing. While the company has developed vehicles with remarkable performance and endurance capabilities (like the Silver Ghost), its focus has always been on luxury, refinement, and reliability rather than direct involvement in competitive racing. The company’s legacy in aerospace engineering, however, has influenced some of the technology used in high-performance racing cars, particularly in areas like engine reliability, materials science, and powertrain development. In terms of competitive racing cars, Rolls-Royce’s contributions have been more about engineering support and technology rather than designing cars for motorsport.