Rolls-Royce Unveils Ultra-Exclusive Phantom Scintilla Inspired by Spirit of Ecstasy

Introduction

Rolls-Royce has recently showcased its latest limited edition vehicle, the Phantom Scintilla, at Pebble Beach. This exclusive model, produced by the Bespoke coachbuilding division, pays homage to the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy mascot.

Design and Features

The Phantom Scintilla is a unique creation limited to only 10 units. It stands out as the first “production” car from Rolls-Royce to feature a ceramic bonnet emblem, inspired by The Winged Victory of Samothrace, a Greek marble statue closely associated with the Spirit of Ecstasy.

The car is painted in bespoke shades of Andalusian White and Thracian Blue, reminiscent of the seas surrounding the island of Samothrace. It also boasts hand-painted stripes in darker Spirit Blue on its shoulder line and wheels. The starlight headliner showcases a flowing pattern inspired by the Spirit of Ecstasy’s gown, while the dashboard panel is adorned with seven interwoven aluminium ribbons.

Inside the glovebox, you’ll find an engraving of the brief by Claude Johnson, the founding managing director of Rolls-Royce, which reads: “Speed with silence, the absence of vibration, the mysterious harnessing of great energy, and a beautiful living organism of superb grace.”

Exclusivity and Future Projects

Rolls-Royce plans to manufacture only 10 units of the Phantom Scintilla, all of which have already been sold at a price higher than the standard Phantom’s £417,200. This limited edition model serves as a testament to the capabilities of the Bespoke programme and provides valuable insights for future projects.

Celina Mettang, in charge of colour and trim design at Rolls-Royce Bespoke, emphasizes the importance of limited-run Private Collection commissions in fostering creativity and flexibility within the team. Katrin Lehmann, Bespoke colour and materials designer, adds that projects like the Scintilla blur the lines between designers and craftspeople, creating a collaborative environment.

While the concept behind commissions like the Scintilla may be challenging to convey, the aim of the Private Collections is to blur the boundaries between a car and an art piece. The intricate details of the Scintilla, such as the 19 layers of lacquer on the rear picnic tables and the 869,500 stitches on the wave motif sewn onto the dashboard, highlight the complexity and uniqueness of these art pieces.

Looking ahead, Rolls-Royce remains tight-lipped about future projects but suggests that each Private Collection car will have a distinct and innovative interpretation of a given theme. The possibilities for creativity are endless.