Rolls-Royce has unveiled a new special edition of its Phantom limousine at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Limited to just 10 examples, the Phantom Scintilla pays homage to the iconic Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy and the heritage that has shaped the marque for more than a century.
Hail the Goddess of Ecstasy
The design of Phantom Scintilla pays homage to the Spirit of Ecstasy, which has adorned the grille of every Rolls-Royce since 1910. The design of the Spirit of Ecstasy was originally inspired by the Ancient Greek sculpture Victory of Samothrace, which depicts Nike, the goddess of victory. The sculpture impressed Rolls-Royce Managing Director Claude Johnson so much that he commissioned sculptor Charles Sykes to create a mascot that would reflect the brand’s values of elegance, tranquility and subtle strength.
Sykes drew inspiration for the Spirit of Ecstasy from Lord Montagu’s secretary, Eleanor Thornton, and the result was the iconic character we know today. The Phantom Spark’s name is derived from the Latin word for ‘spark’, symbolising a brief but bright flash of light, much like the enduring allure of a Rolls-Royce.
Design
The exterior of the Phantom Scintilla features a two-tone custom paint scheme, with Andalucía White on the upper body and Thracian Blue on the lower body. Hand-painted double pinstripes run throughout the body, adding a touch of elegance to the design.
Interior craftsmanship
The interior of Phantom Scintilla was designed with great attention to detail and took two and a half years to lay out. The Starlight headliner is a signature Rolls-Royce feature, crafted with a bespoke pattern to enhance the dynamic feel of the cabin.
The doors and seats are embellished with 36 sections of embroidery, totaling 633,000 stitches. The interior is finished in a twill fabric with a reflective sheen, contributing to the dynamic interplay of textures and colors.
The dashboard features an artwork called Celestial Pulse, a collection of seven aluminium ‘ribbons’ that crisscross to evoke the shape of the Spirit of Ecstasy. The theme continues on the rear picnic tables, where a sophisticated pattern captures the fluidity of the Spirit of Ecstasy, painted using a masking technique and finished with a matte lacquer for a subtle colour effect.
Limited production
The Phantom Scintilla will be produced in a limited run of 10 units. Although Rolls-Royce has not yet announced pricing, it is expected to be one of the most expensive Phantoms delivered to North America. All 10 units have been sold, highlighting the exclusivity of the car.
As Rolls-Royce celebrates its 120th anniversary, Phantom Scintilla embodies the brand’s commitment to blending history, craftsmanship and luxury in its cars.
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