Robert Ackers
Summary
- Rolls-Royce has introduced a limited edition Phantom Centenary Private Collection, celebrating 100 years with 25 unique cars.
- The collection highlights exquisite craftsmanship with 24-carat gold details, 3D marquetry, and bespoke historical storytelling elements.
Rolls-Royce has unveiled the Phantom Centenary Private Collection — a strictly limited run of 25 cars priced at £2.5 million each — described by the marque as “the most technically extraordinary car ever built.” The model celebrates 100 years of Phantom with lavish 24-carat gold detailing, 3D marquetry, bespoke artworks and a host of hand-crafted interior innovations.
What it is: limited-run tribute to 100 years of Phantom
The Phantom Centenary Private Collection uses the mechanical base of the eighth-generation Phantom — including the familiar twin-turbocharged 6.75-litre V12 — but is defined by one-off craftsmanship and century-spanning storytelling in its finishes. Rolls-Royce created 25 examples to showcase landmark moments from Phantom history, combining archival references with modern manufacturing techniques.
Exterior: a historic palette with modern execution
Designer Matt Denton looked to the marque’s past for cues:
- Two-tone paint inspired by the 1930 Phantom II Continental.
- Gold-flake crystal overpaint layered over both white and black surfaces for a metallic shimmer.
- A bespoke Spirit of Ecstasy and unique disc wheels.
- The RR Badge of Honour on the front, rear and flanks is rendered in 24-carat gold and white enamel for the first time.
These visual touches reference classic Phantom styling while signalling exclusivity and modern craftsmanship.
Interior: 3D marquetry, gold leaf and storytelling seats
The cabin is where the Centenary really distinguishes itself:
- 3D marquetry and 3D ink layering appear across door cards, seat panels and trim — blending relief carving with printed texture.
- 24-carat gold leafing accentuates details across interior surfaces.
- Rear seats tell three historical stories using 45 individually cut panels aligned to the seat shapes; motifs include the original Rolls Conduit Street showroom and Henry Royce’s oil paintings of southern France. The method is described as inspired by Savile Row tailoring for precision and alignment.
- Front seats feature laser-etched artwork from hand drawings, including a rabbit motif nodding to the “Roger Rabbit” codename from the brand’s 2003 relaunch.
- The headliner is embroidered with 440,000 stitches for decorative storytelling and texture.
Anthology Gallery & door card masterpieces
A dashboard Anthology Gallery comprises 50 vertical 3D-printed aluminium fins, each sculpted into letters readable from both sides — together forming century-spanning quotes of media acclaim.
The door cards are micro-narratives in wood and metal: one depicts Henry Royce’s West Wittering summer home; another captures the first BMW-era Phantom’s 4,500-mile Australian journey. Techniques used include 3D marquetry, laser etching, 3D ink layering and gold-leafing.
Powertrain & tech
Mechanically the Centenary Phantom retains the standard eighth-generation Phantom specification:
- Engine: Twin-turbocharged 6.75-litre V12.
- Focus is on hand-crafted luxury and bespoke finishes rather than performance upgrades.
- Expect the full Phantom suite of contemporary Rolls-Royce tech and refinement (active suspension, high-end infotainment and comfort systems), presented with unique Centenary visuals and materials.
Pricing, allocation and clients
- Price: £2.5 million (each).
- Limited to 25 examples — Rolls-Royce confirms all units are already sold globally.
- Sales director Julian Jenkins notes many purchases were made by younger clients, highlighting the model’s cross-generational appeal. CEO Chris Brownridge referenced famous Phantom owners — from Queen Elizabeth II to Salvador Dalí — to underscore the car’s historic stature.
Who this is for
The Phantom Centenary Private Collection is aimed at collectors and patrons of ultra-luxury who value one-off craftsmanship, historical provenance and a highly personalised ownership experience. It’s less about technical change and more about heritage, narrative and artisanal detail.
Quick spec summary
| Item | Phantom Centenary Private Collection |
|---|---|
| Production run | 25 examples (limited) |
| Price | £2,500,000 |
| Engine | Twin-turbocharged 6.75-litre V12 (standard Phantom spec) |
| Key interior features | 3D marquetry, 3D ink layer, 24-carat gold leafing, 440,000-stitch headliner |
| Exterior highlights | Two-tone paint with gold-flake overpaint, bespoke Spirit of Ecstasy, 24-carat gold RR Badge |
| Special features | Anthology Gallery (50 3D-printed aluminium fins), historically themed door cards and seat panels |
Why it matters
This release underscores Rolls-Royce’s continuing strategy: leverage century-old heritage while pushing craft and personalization to artisanal extremes. The Centenary Private Collection is a statement product — a rolling museum piece that reframes Phantom as both cultural artifact and contemporary luxury icon.
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