This Unique Rolls-Royce Took a Century to Create | Carscoops

      With 24-carat gold accents and an astonishing interior, the Phantom Centenary Private Collection is a piece of art you can drive.

      15 hours ago

      by Michael Gauthier

      Rolls-Royce has introduced the Phantom Centenary Private Collection.

      This edition commemorates the sedan’s 100th anniversary with astonishing features.

      It includes a solid 18-carat gold hood ornament and artistic designs on the seats.

      The brand is marking the 100th anniversary of the Phantom by launching the exclusive Centenary Private Collection, limited to only 25 units. This model is described as the “most complex and technologically ambitious” collection in the history of Rolls-Royce.

      Additionally, Bentley now presents options for 18K gold and tweed, if you're willing to spend for it.

      Created to honor the “world’s most revered luxury item,” this special edition is the culmination of over 40,000 hours of effort, resulting in a vehicle that reaffirms the Phantom’s status as a symbol of ambition, artistic potential, and historical significance.

      This statement is not an exaggeration, as the model took over three years to develop and narrates the tale of an automotive icon.

      What Makes It Unique?

      Starting with the exterior, the Phantom Centenary Private Collection is adorned with a two-tone finish that echoes the golden age of Hollywood.

      It showcases an Arctic White and Black color scheme featuring an “extraordinary metallic shimmer,” achieved through iridescent glass particles infused into the clear coat.

      While the paint job captures attention, the solid 18-carat gold Spirit of Ecstasy is a remarkable sight. To enhance its distinctiveness, the hood ornament is coated in 24-carat gold, providing a “flawless, tarnish-resistant finish.”

      The ‘flying lady’ rests on a hand-poured white enamel base, which includes “Phantom Centenary” branding.

      The gold theme continues throughout, with four Rolls-Royce badges crafted from 24-carat gold and white enamel. These are complemented by exclusive disc wheels, engraved with 25 lines representing the 25 limited editions produced.

      An Imaginative Interior

      The cabin resembles a comic book, with the rear seats turned into a canvas that narrates the Phantom’s story across three distinct layers.

      As explained by Rolls-Royce, “The first layer serves as the background, created in high-resolution print, showcasing places and artifacts from Phantom’s history – from the marque’s original Conduit Street venue in London to Henry Royce’s oil paintings of Southern France. The second layer, also in high resolution, details great Phantoms of the past with intricate drawings. The third and top layer features embroidered designs, abstractly representing seven significant owners from each Phantom generation.”

      Furthermore, creating this artwork took over a year and involved more than 160,000 stitches. Notably, the rear seats feature fabric, a nod to earlier times when only front seats were upholstered in leather for chauffeurs.

      Regarding the front seats, they too boast their own laser-etched artwork, resembling sketches and referencing the “Seagull” codename used for the 1923 Phantom I, as well as a rabbit design that subtly references the “Roger Rabbit” codename for Rolls-Royce's relaunch in 2003.

      Additionally, there is an Anthology Gallery containing 3D-printed aluminum fins with letters readable from both sides. The model features the most intricate woodwork ever produced for a Rolls-Royce, showcasing stained Blackwood panels on the doors that appear more akin to prints than wood.

      Each panel exhibits a unique design incorporating laser etching, 3D ink layering, multi-directional marquetry, and gold-leafing, adding depth and texture. They also incorporate a 24-carat gold ‘road’ that contributes significant visual interest.

      These panels are complemented by embroidered leather and specially designed rear picnic tables, which feature etchings of the 1925 Phantom I and the Phantom VIII.

      Additional highlights include a Piano Black veneer laced with gold dust, a rotary dial plated in 24-carat gold, and a 6.75-litre V12 engine topped with a custom cover finished in Arctic White and featuring 24-carat gold accents.

      Finally, an animated and embroidered Starlight Headliner captures moments from Phantom’s history in 440,000 stitches.

      The result is a vehicle that transcends traditional car design, offering a mobile art museum that exemplifies Rolls-Royce’s exceptional craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail.