Rolls-Royce is celebrating the 100th anniversary of their most iconic car the only way they know how: in style, luxurious, highly-exclusive style.
Since its launch in 1925, not only has the Rolls-Royce Phantom become the longest-used nameplate in history, it's also cemented its status as an automotive classic.
Paying Tribute To A Classic
The original Phantom was a hand-built limousine, customized to customer's requests, no matter how extravagant. If you had money to spend, RR would cater to your every desire. Almost immediately, the Phantom I became synonymous with luxury, chauffeuring aristocrats to country houses and Hollywood stars to premiers with ease. And, is it any wonder that the Phantom became such a phenomenon? Just look at this beauty. While the design doesn't break too far from the style favored by other 1920s models, every feature spoke to the brand's luxury, from the arcing lines to the Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament.
Since launching the original Phantom in 1925, Rolls-Royce has produced seven other models, each more luxurious than the previous. To celebrate 100 years, Rolls-Royce is releasing a new model: the Phantom Centenary.
Now, before you rush off to find your credit card, you should know that only 25 models will be produced. Even though your chances of attaining one are slim to none, you can still admire the beauty and craftsmanship of this landmark model. And we don't take beauty lightly, the Phantom Centenary is an art piece you can drive.
A Masterclass in Craftsmanship
Starting off with the two-tone paintwork, the sleek black-and-white draws inspiration not only from the silver screen at its best, but also the Phantom's original flowing design. Both Arctic White and Black are covered in a gloss of Super Champagne Crystal—a clear coat infused with crushed glass to sparkle like a diamond. The rich duo-tone finish serves to make the gold accents pop even more.
Standing tall on the hood is a new take on the classic Spirit of Ecstasy. With her clothing billowing behind her like the wings of a goddess, this statuette honors both the Phantom, and its original model, Eleanor Thompson. The typical silver is nowhere to be seen, instead, this spirit is cast in 18-carat gold, then plated with an additional 24 carats!
And this is only the beginning of the Phantom Centenary. Open the door and you'll be amazed by the storytelling and artistry hidden inside. Every inch of the interior is awash with detail; you could stare at it for hours before you understood the whole story. Truly, there are too many details to, well, detail, but we'll highlight a few.
Inspired by the iconic Phantom of Love from 1926, the rear seats weave together paintings, photographs, and diaries to tell the story of the Phantom's creation, and its lasting legacy. Using 3D ink technology and handwoven tapestries, the seats showcase the evolution of the Phantom from Rolls-Royce's headquarters on Conduit Street to famous Phantom owners.
Up front, the white leather seats laser-etched with designs and motifs from Phantom's engineering notes. There's a rabbit, in reference to the "Roger Rabbit" code name used for the Phantom VII, as well as a seagull, from the original prototype's codename.
Mapping History
The door panels throughout trace various paths the Phantom has taken over the past 100 years. There's the coastline of Sir Henry Royce's winter retreat of Le Royal-Canadel-sur-Mer, the gentle slopes and sandy beaches of West Wittering, and a map of Australia that was crossed by the Goodwood-era Phantom. All these paths are detailed, of course, in 24-carat gold.
While only a lucky few will be able to drive under the stars and mulberry trees of the Phantom Centenary, the rest of us will have to settle for admiring it from afar. Learn more about the creation of this showstopper, along with additional Easter eggs here.
