Rolls-Royce interior detail crafting.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is set to celebrate the centenary of its iconic Phantom model in 2025 with the unveiling of a limited-edition Private Collection. This exclusive series will consist of just 25 intricately detailed cars, showcasing advanced craftsmanship through techniques such as 3D marquetry, 3D ink layering, and the use of 24-carat gold leafing. Each vehicle will represent significant places, moments, and journeys that have defined the Phantom’s century-long legacy.
A team of artisans underwent a year-long training program to master the specialized techniques required for this project. The collection features several remarkable highlights. The Blackwood veneer door panels will be laser-etched with topographical maps and landscapes, creating an intricate mosaic that dynamically reflects light, unveiling various details and textures. Additionally, small openings milled into the wood will discreetly house the audio system speakers, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.
The use of 3D marquetry adds raised motifs and engravings to the wood surface, creating a tactile experience that is both visually stunning and unique to each car. Notably, the application of gold leafing, a first for Rolls-Royce, draws inspiration from centuries-old cabinet-making traditions. Five artisans from the Interior Surface Centre trained at West Dean College in West Sussex to perfect this technique.
Once the wood sections were finalized, artisans meticulously applied 24-carat gold leaves to depict roads, symbolizing the rich narrative of the Phantom’s history. Each square of gold leaf measures just 0.1 micrometre thick and was hand-laid before being sealed with a protective coating for durability and a high-gloss finish. Phil Fabre de la Grange, head of bespoke at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, remarked, “These intricate processes push materials to the limits of their natural tolerance, transforming each panel into a stunning, tactile sculpture.”
A Legacy of Excellence
The history of Rolls-Royce dates back to 1904, when Henry Royce and Charles Rolls formed a partnership that would change the automotive industry. Royce, who began working at a young age, contrasted with Rolls’ privileged background. The brand’s first Phantom model debuted in 1911, and since then, the nameplate has evolved through multiple generations, reflecting a blend of luxury and engineering excellence.
The first “Goodwood” Phantom, which marked a new era for the brand under BMW ownership, was launched on January 1, 2003, in Perth, Western Australia. The vehicle was delivered at precisely 12:01 AM, and the delighted client embarked on a remarkable 7,240 km journey across the country immediately thereafter.
In 2011, Rolls-Royce introduced the 102EX, also known as the Phantom Experimental Electric (EE), a fully electric version of the Phantom. While it was not intended for production, the model provided a glimpse into the potential future of battery-electric technology for the brand.
The upcoming Private Collection represents not only a celebration of the Phantom’s storied legacy but also a commitment to pushing the boundaries of craftsmanship and luxury in the automotive world. As Rolls-Royce prepares to unveil this exclusive series, enthusiasts and collectors alike await a showcase of innovation that honors a century of excellence.
