As the 100th anniversary of Rolls-Royce’s ultimate status symbol, the Phantom, approaches, the famed car manufacturer has decided to issue a limited edition Phantom Centenary Private Collection of just 25 exceptional automobiles. The designers studied every generation of cars from the 1920s to today, including the stories they carry, the prominent owners, pivotal events, landmark places, and important figures inside Rolls-Royce, to create 77 hand-sketched motifs incorporated into the collection.
The most intricate seats Rolls-Royce ever made
The interior is dominated by couturier-designed textiles and leather, a nod to the marque’s early years. Rear Seats is inspired by handwoven Aubusson tapestries from the 1926 Phantom of Love commission. The back tells a story in three layers, the first of which traces the Phantom’s history. Rendered in high-resolution print, made especially for the Phantom Centenary Private Collection, the first layer combines portrayals of important places and items, such as the old headquarters at Conduit Street, London, and oil paintings by the company’s co-founder, Henry Royce. The second layer, printed using the same technique, depicts famous Phantoms from the past, while the third embroidered layer portrays seven renowned owners from every generation of Phantom. It took 12 months to create the fabric in collaboration with a fashion atelier and the embroidery process included Golden Sands thread and atypical stitches to make the lines look like they are levitating.
Additionally, the artisans added Seashell thread in dense stitches to create texture and depth. The artwork has more than 160,000 stitches, spanning 45 individual panels fitted around the seats and mimicking the Savile Row tailoring method. The front seats are covered in leather, with laser-etched artworks inspired by Bespoke designer drawings. The symbols reflect memories of past cars, including the 1923 Phantom I prototype and Roger Rabbit (the codename for the 2023 Phantom relaunch). Anthology Gallery, a composition with over 50 3D-printed aluminium fins created from sculpted letters, is the centrepiece of the collection. Every fin can be read from both sides to generate positive press coverage for the brand.
From Crushed Glass to Gold Plate
Inspired by Hollywood’s golden era, the exterior features a Bespoke two-tone paint applied in a way that is reminiscent of the 1930s Phantom’s silhouette. Super Champagne Crystal is applied over Arctic White (on the sides) and over Black (on the upper body). Crushed glass has been incorporated into the clear coat to provide a mesmerising metallic shine to the finish. To create depth, the usual transparent flakes are replaced with large quantities of champagne-colored particles. The Spirit of Ecstasy, a bonnet mascot on the car’s front, received a makeover. Cast in 18-carat gold with a 24-carat gold plate, the figure matches the RR badge of Honor made of 24-carat gold and white enamel. Handpoured white vitreous enamel spells the collection’s name in the base of the figure. Twenty-five lines on the Phantom disc wheels represent the equivalent number of motor cars within the collection. Together, the 25 lines on four wheels make 100, signifying the anniversary.
Woodwork
The Private Collection’s door panel portrays the most important parts of Phantom’s heritage in stained Blackwood. The rear doors carry the illustration of Le Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer, where Sir Henry Royce spent his winters, while the front door features his West Wittering summer residence. The rear doors are dedicated to flora from Southern France, and the rear passenger door replicates one of Sir Henry Royce’s canvases in wood. The left-hand front door tells the story of the Goodwood-era Phantom’s 4,500-mile journey across Australia. Etched motifs include maps, flower motifs, routes, trees, and landscapes. The compositions are made through laser etching, 3D ink layering, and multidirectional marquetry with the addition of gold leafing.
Photo Credit: Rolls-Royce
