Isolation during lockdown has proved hard for so many people, but in these conditions, creativity increases. If you are fortunate to afford a Rolls Royce, you can design your own custom variant. The Goodwood based company will build it for you, equivalent to the ultimate Lego kit.
Rolls-Royce to most car enthusiasts has always been the marque crafting the best luxury motorcars in the world. 2020 solidified this status with the company building some remarkable bespoke commissions for clients. The custom requests showcased the clients’ imagination alongside the workers’ skills at the West Sussex factory.
Torsten Müller-Ötvös (above), Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars commented: “The Bespoke Collective scaled new heights of greatness in 2020 – that they did so against the backdrop of numerous, unprecedented constraints and challenges makes their accomplishments even more impressive. Never before have we seen such levels of Bespoke detailing in each commission, demonstrating that Rolls-Royce clients worldwide have sought solace in creativity – commissioning introspective items of luxury that will stand the test of time to become lasting and poignant legacies.
I am proud to say that at a time when our industry is beset with widespread cutbacks, we have worked hard to safeguard every job. Protecting the artistry of our talented associates demonstrates a conscientious approach to craft; one that protects the precious skills found at Rolls-Royce and preserves them for the future.”
The Bespoke Collective is a dedicated team within Rolls-Royce that bring peoples’ imagination to life. The team is made up of Craftspeople, Designers and Engineers with years of experience behind them. They are passionate people themselves; this shows in their work. Nearly every car built in 2020 received bespoke tailoring through the department in some form.
I have selected a small number of bespoke customs that got my attention from the many that Rolls-Royce built during 2020. I hope you enjoy my choices?
Dusk in Tokyo:
Canvas: Phantom, Wraith, Dawn, Cullinan│Medium: Paint
Comprising Wraith, Dawn, Phantom and Cullinan, The ‘Dusk in Tokyo Collection’, celebrates Japan’s capital. An elaborate, multi-faceted white paint, called ‘Dusk in Tokyo’, characterises the coastal metropolis’. Reflecting the high-rise glass and concrete buildings bathed in the warm light of early dusk. The refractive paint contains aluminium and mica flakes, creating subtle tones in low light.
Punctuated by Rose Gold the Black Leather interior, audio grilles, on Phantom, the fascia’s Rose Gold clock case highlights the contrast of long, dark shadows of the city’s tall buildings with flourishes of the glow of the setting sun on glass.
The Spirit of Ecstasy, in Rose Gold a first in Japan, marks the move from day to night along with the setting of the Sun.
The Steed Phantom Extended:
Canvas: Phantom Extended │ Medium: Embroidery
A Stallion takes pride of place on the interior rear doors of this elegant Phantom Extended. The Steed signifies strength and an abiding enthusiasm to progress. Taken from a drawing, presented to Rolls-Royce by a Chinese client with an evident vision.
Moccasin leather seats are coloured to mimic sands of the Emirates’ deserts. Navy and Cobalto Blue accents suggest rivers and lakes, while Emerald Green piping symbolises nature. A ‘waterfall’ in the rear features atmospheric clouds rendered in precision embroidery using Photoflash technology. The fascia is embellished with a skilfully air-brushed satellite image of the Middle East.
The Starlight Headliner is embroidered to illustrate all the Solar System planets, centred on the Sun. The treadplates, a clock with metal radial background, and inlays showing the planets in silver, with planet Earth accentuated in gold are other bespoke details.
Sportive Collection:
Canvas: Black Badge │ Medium: Colour
Two Black Badge Dawns and nine Black Badge Wraiths were commissioned for the United Arab Emirates. Boasting bold colour combinations and technical fibre, the Sportive Collection encapsulates Black Badge’s expressive and unapologetic nature.
In a creative first for Rolls-Royce, the interior features a technical fibre fascia intertwined with a coloured weave to match the vibrant exterior colour combinations. Coachlines all Hand-painted feature a unique ‘Sportive’ icon. Woven-leather door panniers and engraved Bespoke audio frets further add to the dynamic ambience of the Collection.
Arctic White and Hotspur Red Phantom:
Canvas: Phantom │ Medium: Colour
Finished in Arctic White, this contemporary Phantom with a double coachline and double pinstripe in Hotspur Red indicates the bold interior colourway.
Hotspur Red paints are found inside adorning every surface, from the privacy curtains, lambswool floor mats, even the luggage compartment, is detailed in this vibrant shade.
The ‘Lakeshore Aurora’ Gallery is designed and created by the Bespoke Collective. The owner who designed this is a Texan Rolls-Royce collector.
For more information on Rolls-Royce Motor cars, visit www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com.
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