Rolls-Royce Celebrates 100 Years of the Phantom with a £2.5 Million Masterpiece

Rolls-Royce has revealed the Phantom Centenary Private Collection, a special edition marking 100 years of the iconic Phantom name. Limited to only 25 examples worldwide, it stands as a tribute to a century of craftsmanship, innovation, and enduring presence on the road. Each Phantom Centenary is hand-built and represents more than 40,000 hours of dedicated development by the marque’s Bespoke Collective at Goodwood.

While the technical foundation remains the same as the standard eighth-generation Phantom, it is powered by the magnificent twin-turbocharged 6.75-litre V12 engine. This exclusive edition distinguishes itself through its exquisite exterior and interior detailing.

Inspired by the 1930 Phantom II Continental, the car features a striking two-tone paint scheme with a delicate gold-flake crystal topcoat that adds a subtle metallic shimmer to both the black and white surfaces. The signature Spirit of Ecstasy mascot and bespoke disc wheels are finished in 24-carat gold, complemented by a specially designed ‘RR’ Badge of Honour in white enamel and gold, a first for Rolls-Royce.

One of the most striking features of the Centenary Phantom is its intricate use of 3D marquetry, layered ink detailing, and 24-carat gold leafing, techniques that elevate the car’s artistry to a new level.

The exterior design pays homage to classic Phantoms with a stunning two-tone Super Champagne Crystal finish over Arctic White and Black. This finish incorporates a subtle metallic shimmer created from crushed-glass particles suspended in the clear coat, producing a captivating play of light that changes with every angle.

Inside, the Phantom feels like a true gallery of craftsmanship. The rear compartment features detailed 3D artwork that tells three distinct stories, each celebrating a century of Rolls-Royce heritage. The designs combine printed textiles and fine embroidery inspired by key moments in the Phantom’s history.

Each seat is made up of 45 carefully aligned panels and more than 160,000 stitches. Among the designs are scenes of the original Conduit Street showroom, where the first Phantom was launched, and oil paintings that capture the light and scenery of Southern France, reflecting Sir Henry Royce’s time there.

The process is described as being inspired by Savile Row tailoring, with every panel individually crafted to follow the natural contours of the seats. Even the front seats feature hand-drawn artwork referencing the 1923 “Seagull” prototype and the 2003 “Roger Rabbit” project, both important chapters in the brand’s history.

On the dashboard, the Phantom features an anthology gallery that houses five 3D-printed vertical aluminium fins. Each fin forms part of a sculptural lettering design that can be read from both sides, together revealing quotes of media acclaim celebrating a century of Phantom excellence.

The true showpiece, however, lies in the woodwork that adorns the interior door panels. Each panel tells a story of journeys made by iconic Phantoms throughout history. On the front passenger door, an intricate landscape depicts Henry Royce’s summer home in West Wittering, while the driver’s door illustrates the 4,500-mile journey across Australia completed by the first BMW-era Phantom.

Every element combines 3D marquetry, layered ink detailing, and 24-carat gold leafing, resulting in a breathtaking fusion of craftsmanship and innovation.

With only 25 units available worldwide, interest in the £2.5 million Centenary Phantom is already remarkably high. The car’s artistry and design have captured global attention, proving that the spirit of Rolls-Royce craftsmanship remains as powerful and inspiring as ever.