Header: Rolls-Royce
Project Nightingale was named after La Rossignol, the engineer’s house near Henry Royce’s winter home in the French Riviera. A part of the Coachbuild Collection, the two-seat convertible is a unique project that offers both limited-edition cars with a structured programme of client experiences.
Art Deco and experimental motor cars
Project Nightingale is inspired by the Art Deco era and the brand’s experimental motor cars of the 1920s, known as EX cars (particularly EX16 and EX17). These 1920 vehicles are some of the rarest in the company’s history. Created during the Jazz Age, just three years after Art Deco got its name, the 1928 cars employed a Powerful Phantom Chassis and light aluminium to reach the fastest speed to date, 90 miles per hour. The Nightingale has employed several principles typical of the 1928 cars, starting with the front elevation.
Fully electric drivetrain
The new Rolls-Royce two-seater comes in the body of a much larger car. At 5.76 metres in length, Project Nightingale sports the same dimensions as the company’s flagship Phantom, with a fully electric drivetrain that allows a generous width of the area between the sides of the car and the Pantheon Grille. The surroundings of the Pantheon Grille are almost one metre wide and appear as if sculpted from a block of stainless steel.
Rolls-Royce’s trademark Spirit of Ecstasy figurine sits in the slightly receded section on top of the grille. The backwards-facing lines create the illusion of moving through water, while the metal is subtly parting around it. The section below the grille widens at 45 degrees from each corner before dropping vertically. The outermost edge of the wing features slender vertically-oriented headlamp assemblies and a stainless steel band that spans from the bottom of the headlamps to the tail lamps.
Branding, wheels, and a cabin for two
The Double R monogram is visible on the centre of the luggage compartment and on each front wing. The generous 24-inch wheel, the largest ever for the brand, features a directional design inspired by the propellers of a yacht. The surface includes machined stripes, while aluminium flakes in black finish bring a delicate sparkle when the wheel turns.
The bonnet is wide and expands into a dramatically raked windscreen shaped by stainless-steel form with a quarterlight window. Set within the body is a compact cabin for two. The single hull line inspired by those on a yacht starts at the sculpted Pinnacles on the front wings to continue to the trailing edge. The intentionally high position creates the notion of being enveloped in the car. The coach door handle includes a hidden lock mechanism and a discreet indicator lamp.
Streamline Modern
The car expands towards the rear wheel arches, creating an impression of muscles. The horizontal deck above is interrupted by two rear lamps that fall from the upper to the lower surface at an almost 90-degree angle. The Piano Booth opens sideways on a cantilever. A single brake lamp situated at the rear centreline mirrors the stripes of Streamline Modern style of Art Deco. A recessed chrome number plate surround is nested into the lower rear face with great precision. Lower transcom carbon-fibre diffuser, Aero Afterdeck accelerates the flow of air under the car.
Birdsong-inspired interior
The interior of the Project Natingale is inspired by the sound wave patterns of the car’s namesake bird. The suite called Starlight Breeze consists of 10,500 individual stars in three sizes. The light pattern based on the soundwave forms extends from the front of each door to the horseshoe interior form rising behind the seats. The door card is overlaid with a saddle-like leather section, which continues to the armrest, split into two pieces.
The Spirit of Ecstasy rotary controller is managed with a stainless steel collar, formed with four grooves. Every groove has a jewelled tretman with faceted, and then glass-blasted metal, which extends to the other rotary controls. A concealed compartment for personal items is available at the touch of a button. The hidden shelf for hand luggage and polished aluminium cupholders ensure comfort during long travels. The textile roof can be opened or closed to accommodate weather conditions and the needs for a more intimate drive.
Limited edition all-electric vehicle by Rolls-Royce brings a silent electric drivetrain, a large frame, a leather interior, and the biggest wheels yet.
