Rolls-Royce News

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Khris Bharath – February 25, 2026

Rolls-Royce Makes Historic Debut at India’s Premier Classic and Vintage Car Gathering

After a widely noted launch in 2024, the second Oberoi Concours d’Elegance returned to The Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur, India. Held between February 20 and 22, 2026, the event assembled an international roster of classic automobiles and motorcycles dating from the early 20th century through later milestone eras. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars selected the banks of the picturesque Lake Pichola in Rajasthan for its inaugural participation in the event. A dedicated Pre-War Classics class for the brand showcased the brand's historic ties to India, when Maharajas commissioned highly personalized motor cars with custom coachbuilt bodies and elaborate specifications. <- Gallery -> The centerpiece display was a Black Badge Spectre, the all-electric super coupé built in Goodwood. The Spectre delivers 577 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque, and can hit 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Crucially, it carries an EPA estimated range of 291 miles and sits on the Architecture of Luxury platform, the same aluminum spaceframe underpinning Phantom and Cullinan. Ironically, Charles Rolls predicted over a century ago 1900, that electric propulsion would be “perfectly noiseless and clean.” Spectre now lives up to that statement production form "India occupies a unique and highly meaningful place in the story of Rolls-Royce, past, present, and future. We see a new generation of clients who bear a deep-seated appreciation for Bespoke craftsmanship and the depth of our heritage in equal measure. Oberoi Concours d’Elegance is an event that mirrors our own values of excellence and rarity, and it is a profound pleasure to engage with the Indian classic car community and meet so many enthusiasts and owners who continue to preserve the legacy of our motor cars. Their passion ensures that the spirit of Rolls-Royce remains as vibrant today as it was a century ago.” - Irene Nikkein, Regional Director Asia-Pacific, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. The scale of that legacy remains visible today. In November last year, one of the most impressive collections of eight generations of the Phantoms hailing from India appeared at the opening day of the 1000 Miglia Experience UAE. It was a rare sight even by global concours standards. The Phantom nameplate, first introduced in 1925, marked its centenary in 2025, reinforcing its status as the company’s defining flagship for a full century. India has also become the fastest-growing Asia-Pacific market for the brand in 2025, recording four consecutive years of double-digit growth. Its presence in Udaipur reinforces a long-term strategy in the subcontinent, one grounded in heritage, engineering brilliance, and bespoke craftsmanship. View All Rolls-Royce For Sale Images: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

The New Rolls-Royce Phantom Arabesque Has The First Rolls-Royce Laser-Engraved Hood

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 12, 2026

New Bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantom Arabesque Unveiled

The Rolls-Royce Phantom is, to many, the ultimate luxury sedan. A V12 engine under the hood, a massive footprint, and unapologetically opulent design and craftsmanship have made it a universal symbol of grandeur, and thanks to Rolls-Royce Bespoke, which constantly pushes the boundaries of craftsmanship and attention to detail, customers can enjoy a level of luxury that coachbuilding offered in the early 20th century. The latest masterpiece to come from Rolls-Royce Bespoke is the new Rolls-Royce Phantom Arabesque, which is a new one-off that was curated at the Rolls-Royce Private Office Dubai, a concept that brings the configuration experience and expertise from Goodwood to luxury hubs across the globe. The inspiration behind much of the configuration mashrabiya latticework, a geometric motif that is seen throughout architecture and design in the Middle East, and its most prominent incorporation is in the laser-engraved hood of the car, the first of its kind to ever be fitted to a Rolls-Royce. The technique used to achieve the laser engraving on the hood is a newly patented one, and the result of a five-year development program from Rolls-Royce’s Exterior Surface Center. Inspired by Italian sgraffito, which reveals colors by removing upper layers, the hood is painted in a dark color first, which is sealed in layers of clear coat. Then, a lighter top layer is applied, which is engraved at a depth of just 145-190 microns to reveal the dark color underneath. The result is a finish that is not only two-tone, but also three-dimensional. <- Gallery -> The main body of the new Rolls-Royce Phantom Arabesque is finished in Diamond Black, with the upper surfaces finished in Silver. The coachline is also painted in Silver, and the Pantheon Grille of the vehicle is illuminated with a dark chrome surround, with 22-inch wheels completing the exterior configuration. Inside, the Phantom Arabesque features a Phantom Gallery that spans the width of the front fascia, featuring marquetry artwork made out of Blackwood and Black Bolivar wood, echoing the same mashrabiya technique in its design. The upholstery is done in Selby Grey and Black leather, with mashrabiya-inspired embroidery on the headrests, and the final bespoke touches include Starlight doors and illuminated treadplates with the same pattern as the laser-engraved hood. With never-before-seen techniques and uncompromising luxury craftsmanship throughout, the new Rolls-Royce Phantom Arabesque is an ode to opulence and Middle Eastern architectural tradition. View All Rolls-Royce Phantom For Sale Image Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

How Rolls-Royce Engineered The Spectre To Be A Classic

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 05, 2026

Why The Rolls-Royce Spectre Will Be A Classic

Electric vehicles present exciting new technology and innovation to the automotive industry, with near-instant torque delivery, immense power, and rapidly evolving charging technology that makes refueling much less of a hassle. However, while battery-powered mobility might be marvelous to look at now, the question remains as to whether today’s EVs will remain on the road in the long run, let alone be as potent as they are when they are new. The Rolls-Royce Spectre is one of those electric vehicles, but more importantly to its manufacturer, it’s also a Rolls-Royce. Known for its ultra-luxurious, beautifully designed and crafted, highly exclusive, and painstakingly engineered vehicles, a Rolls-Royce often goes on to become a cherished classic as the years pass. According to Rolls-Royce, the Spectre won’t be an exception to that rule. As the sumptuous coupe, which is Rolls-Royce’s first electric vehicle, has been on the market for a few years, Rolls-Royce is putting plenty of measures in place to make sure that the Spectre stands out within the industry when it comes to its longevity, and especially its long-term performance. The vehicle debuted only after completing a strenuous testing program of over 1.5 million miles, which was the most extensive validation program in Rolls-Royce history. In addition, a recently retired test Spectre showed 99% battery capacity with over 60,000 miles completed of real-world driving and charging in various climates and geographies. <- Gallery -> The Spectre is also covered by a 15-year, unlimited mileage battery warranty, with a secured future cell supply, ensuring its long-term fidelity among serious luxury car collectors who want to enjoy their masterpieces for generations. Since it was revealed, the Spectre has been the subject of various ultra-exclusive Rolls-Royce Bespoke commissions, like the Spectre Bailey and Spectre Soulmate, showcasing the most discerning Rolls-Royce clients choosing to use the Spectre as a canvas for artisan craftsmanship and heirloom luxury. As the Spectre continues to build its legacy within the Rolls-Royce lexicon, it joins models like its predecessor, the Phantom Coupe, which, like many other early Goodwood-era Rolls-Royces, is quickly becoming a modern classic. In fact, the Spectre, and electrification in general, is something Rolls-Royce looked forward to doing as a manufacturer over 120 years ago, as The Hon. Charles Stewart Rolls predicted the silent driving of electric mobility and its contribution to automotive luxury. Showcased in a new photoshoot alongside a 1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud coupé in the heart of London, the Rolls-Royce Spectre shows the future of ultra-luxury automotive engineering, but also a commitment to embodying what has made Rolls-Royce a household name in timeless luxury for over a century. View All Rolls-Royce Spectre For Sale Image Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

By Khris Bharath – December 17, 2025

Rolls-Royce Marks 150 Years of Charles Sykes, the Artist ...

The Spirit of Ecstasy is one of the most recognizable mascots in the automotive world, but its origins trace back to a single artist whose influence still defines Rolls-Royce today. As the British marque marks the 150th anniversary of Charles Robinson Sykes, let’s turn our attention to the artist who quietly gave Rolls-Royce its creative soul. Born in 1875 in Brotton, a mining village in North Yorkshire, Sykes grew up far from the aristocratic settings his work would later depict. Encouraged by family members with artistic interests, he trained at Rutherford Art College in Newcastle before earning a scholarship to the Royal College of Art in London. There, he studied drawing, painting, and sculpture, building a foundation that allowed him to work across multiple disciplines with equal confidence. By the early twentieth century, Sykes had established himself as a respected commercial artist and sculptor. Under the pseudonym Rilette, he created magazine covers, advertisements, and illustrations that are now held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. His sculptural work earned similar recognition. A Bacchante, one of his bronzes, was exhibited at both the Royal Academy in London and the Paris Salon, underscoring his standing in the fine art world. Sykes did not work in isolation, as he would eventually cross paths with John Montagu, the publisher of The Car Illustrated, and with Claude Johnson, Rolls-Royce’s first managing director. Another important figure was Eleanor Velasco Thornton, Montagu’s office manager and a frequent model for Sykes, whose presence forms part of the broader human context surrounding the creation of the Spirit of Ecstasy. Before the official Rolls-Royce mascot existed, Sykes sculpted a small figure for Montagu’s Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost. Known as The Whisper, it portrayed a robed woman with a finger raised to her lips. Eleanor modeled for the piece, and Montagu displayed it on his cars for many years. At the time, hood ornaments were a common feature on luxury motor cars. Many were expressive, some elaborate, and not always aligned with the image Rolls-Royce sought to project. In 1910, Johnson proposed the idea of an official mascot that would reflect the marque’s values. He convinced a reluctant Henry Royce that Rolls-Royce needed an official emblem, one that elevated the car rather than distracted from it. He commissioned Sykes and suggested classical inspiration, including the Nike of Samothrace. Image by Khris Bharath " Best known as the sculptor who created the Spirit of Ecstasy, Sykes was a multifaceted and prolific artist whose work is still held in high regard 150 years after his birth. He was the first of the marque’s foundational figures to bring artistry and creativity to Rolls-Royce, a legacy that endures today in our ever more ambitious and elaborate Bespoke and Coachbuild work." - Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Sykes ultimately created a more restrained figure, one that suggested movement and grace rather than drama. That figure eventually became the Spirit of Ecstasy. Although opinions on mascots varied within the company, Johnson supported the project, and the design was formally adopted in 1911. In 1920, the Spirit of Ecstasy received international recognition when it won a Paris competition for automotive mascots. Sykes personally cast and finished the figurine for many years, ensuring subtle variation in each example. 150 years after his birth, his contribution endures not simply as an emblem but as a lasting reminder that craftsmanship and artistic expression have always been central to the Rolls-Royce identity. View All Rolls-Royces For Sale Images: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Khris Bharath

Close-up of two car seats with orange upholstery, embroidered Space Invader icons on the headrests, and "PLAYER 1" and "PLAYER 2" text on the seat backs; starry ceiling above.

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 19, 2025

Rolls-Royce Unveils New Black Badge Ghost "Gamer"

Rolls-Royce interprets the gaming world with its signature sense of opulence. Rolls-Royce, and especially the creations of its Rolls-Royce Bespoke artisans and craftspeople, is known for creating some of the most intricately designed and uncompromisingly luxurious vehicles in the entire automotive industry. Whether those are ultra-exclusive limited series of Rolls-Royce models meant to celebrate a milestone or a cultural moment, or personal commissions that offer an outlet for expression or tell a family story through stunning design, Rolls-Royce Bespoke commissions are some of the most incredible vehicles in the world. The latest is the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost Gamer, a unique commission created for a client whose love for old-school arcade video games served as the main inspiration for the car. The iconic imagery of 8-bit ‘80s video games can be seen throughout the stunning bespoke commission, and designers employed incredibly creative solutions to showcase the client’s love for arcade games. The exterior features a two-tone finish, combining Salamanca Blue and Crystal over Diamond Black. A motif created by Rolls-Royce Bespoke designers, the “Cheeky Alien” is seen on the exterior, hinting at the stunning bespoke design inside. That interior suite features the same motif embroidered on the headrests, with the two front seats featuring “Player 1” and “Player 2” embroidery, as well. The pixelated embroidery throughout echoes the designs of 8-bit games, with the rear waterfall also echoing that design. Meanwhile, a custom “Pixel Blaster” Starlight Headliner design turns the car’s ceiling into a painstakingly replicated design of a classic ‘80s arcade game. The interior design is completed with custom treadplates featuring classic arcade gaming phrases completed in the same pixelated lettering that is seen throughout: ‘PRESS START’, ‘LOADING…’, ‘LEVEL UP’, and ‘INSERT COIN’. Overall, the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost "Gamer" commission is both an ultra-luxurious bespoke oasis and an ode to a classic retro pastime. View All Rolls-Royce Ghost For Sale Image Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

A white Rolls-Royce Phantom luxury sedan with black accents is parked indoors against a dark, illuminated background, celebrating Rolls-Royce Honors 100 Years Of Phantom With Groundbreaking Private Collection.

By Charles Bradley – October 22, 2025

Rolls-Royce Honors 100 Years Of Phantom With Groundbreaki...

To celebrate 100 years of Phantom, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has launched a truly landmark creation: the Phantom Centenary Private Collection, limited to just 25 examples worldwide. It stands as the most complex and technologically ambitious private Rolls-Royce ensemble ever seen. For 100 years, Phantom has been chosen by the world’s most influential figures as the ultimate symbol of success and discernment. To mark this milestone, the Bespoke Collective – a collaboration of designers, engineers, and artisans – immersed themselves in Phantom’s lineage, crafting a collection that honors the brand’s past, defines its present, and projects the principles that will guide it forward. The collection’s interior celebrates pivotal figures, notable clients, significant models, journeys, places, and moments that shaped the first century of Phantom. More than 77 hand-sketched motifs were translated into exquisite archival references through couture textiles, embroidered leather, laser etching, and avant-garde woodcraft. Seating as Storytelling The rear seats feature high-resolution printed fabric developed in partnership with a fashion atelier, completed with over 160,000 stitches. The layered design depicts historic locations tied to Phantom – from the original Conduit Street showroom in London to Henry Royce’s southern France retreat – together with a montage of Phantom models and abstract portraits of notable owners. The panels span 45 sections and were tailored at the Home of Rolls-Royce using Savile Row-inspired techniques. Laser-etched leather continues the narrative in the front seats. Motifs include a rabbit (the codename for Rolls-Royce’s 2003 relaunch) and a seagull (the codename for the 1923 Phantom I prototype), all drawn from hand-sketched line work inspired by Phantom’s heritage. Woodwork as Art The wood panels mark another Rolls-Royce first: marrying three-dimensional marquetry, ink layering, and 24-karat gold leafing. Rear doors depict Henry Royce’s winter retreat in Le Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer; front passenger doors feature West Wittering, near his summer home; and the driver’s door recognizes the first Goodwood Phantom’s 4,500-mile journey across Australia. Roads and flora are carved from gold leaf, while stitched “roads” continue across adjacent leather panels. Even the picnic tables incorporate mirrored etchings of the 1925 Phantom I and the current Phantom VIII. Exterior Brilliance The cars sport two-tone exteriors: Super Champagne Crystal over Arctic White on lower sides, and Super Champagne Crystal over Black above. The effect is deepened by doubling the champagne-colored glass-flake content in the clear coat. On the hood sits a reinterpretation of the first Spirit of Ecstasy, cast in solid 18-karat gold, plated in 24-karat gold, and hallmarked with a Phantom Centenary stamp. The base is finished in white enamel with the collection’s name. The signature “RR” Badge of Honor is executed in 24-karat gold and enamel. Phantom disc wheels carry 25 engraved lines – one for each car in the collection – with a total of 100 lines commemorating Phantom’s centenary. Above, the Starlight Headliner includes 440,000 stitches, illustrating Phantom history with symbols like the mulberry tree at Goodwood and honeybees referencing the Rolls-Royce apiary. Hidden details nod to legends like Sir Malcolm Campbell’s Phantom II “Bluebird.” This collection is nothing short of a golden legacy. It embodies the same spirit that created Phantom itself: a relentless commitment to unchallenged quality, exquisite narrative, and the ambition to build the world’s finest motor car. View All Rolls-Royce Phantoms For Sale Images: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

The interior of an ornate vintage carriage with elaborate woodwork, floral upholstery, and decorative painted details on the door evokes the bespoke luxury found in a classic Rolls-Royce Phantom.

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 08, 2025

100 Years Of Bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantoms

Rolls-Royce looks back on a century of bespoke Phantom excellence. Known today as one of the world’s most coveted and celebrated ultra-luxury automotive manufacturers, Rolls-Royce is responsible for creating some of the greatest luxury cars of all time. One of those is, of course, the Phantom, the flagship model from Rolls-Royce whose name has represented the pinnacle of Rolls-Royce luxury for a century since it was first introduced in 1925. Having 100 years of ultra-luxury excellence to look back on, Rolls-Royce has spent the year celebrating the centenary of the Phantom, and its latest retrospective explores bespoke versions of the ultra-luxury model throughout the years. Today, Rolls-Royce Bespoke reaches daring heights of craftsmanship, allowing clients to express themselves to an incredible degree with bespoke paint colors, unique interior finishes, stunning embroidery, painstaking woodwork, and unique art displays in the case of the Phantom Gallery. However, bespoke iterations of the Phantom have been a part of Rolls-Royce’s repertoire for almost the entire century that the nameplate has been in existence. Some of the first commissions of the Rolls-Royce Phantom I featured elaborate details for owners like Indian Maharajas, and a Phantom VI made for the Lord Mayor of London featured an armrest made to hold the ceremonial mace during public appearances. Many early Phantom owners opted for privacy curtains in the cabin, a feature still available today, and a Phantom IV for the British Royal Family featured seats that could slide back and forth to hide occupants when need be. Another Phantom V featured a Perspex dome for a transparent view, with a cover for privacy. John Lennon’s Phantom V was one of the first cars in Britain to feature tinted rear windows, and in 1928, Otto Oppenheimer, who ran the London operations of De Beers at the time, opted for a secret compartment to transport uncut diamonds in a Phantom, and only he, Rolls-Royce, and the coachbuilder knew its location. Bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantoms also evolved with style movements throughout the century of its existence, with many of the first being inspired by the Art Deco movement with opulent treatments, and more minimal approaches taking over with luxurious materials still being used in later examples, like the Queen’s Light Grey and Baroda Blue Phantoms in the 1950s and ‘60s. During the era of Prohibition in the United States, Bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantoms featured secret compartments for liquor, with the end of Prohibition ushering in vehicles with prominent and visible drinks cabinets. Other features seen in Rolls-Royce Phantom commissions include a Phantom II with a gramophone, radios in Phantoms from the 1930s, and a television in a Phantom from the 1960s. One Phantom owned by Elvis Presley even had a microphone installed. Today, features like the Starlight Headliner, Phantom Gallery, and other stunning ultra-luxury craftsmanship touches from Rolls-Royce are highlights of the Bespoke Phantom experience, and while it features cutting-edge technology and artisan craftsmanship now, the tradition of bespoke excellence in the Rolls-Royce Phantom is one that stretches back roughly 100 years. View All Rolls-Royce Phantom For Sale Image Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

A yellow labrador retriever is resting its head on the center armrest while lying on the back seat of a Bespoke Rolls-Royce with cream and tan leather interior, dedicated to a dog’s comfort.

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 02, 2025

New Bespoke Rolls-Royce Spectre Bailey Is Dedicated To A Dog

This bespoke Rolls-Royce is inspired by its owner’s best friend. Bailey is a Labrador-Golden Retriever mix, and he is the beloved dog of a family of passionate car collectors. When it came time for the family to commission a bespoke example of the first all-electric ultra-luxury car from Rolls-Royce, the Spectre, Bailey, and his family’s love for him served as the perfect inspiration. The clients, lifelong animal lovers, decided to turn their Rolls-Royce Spectre into a tribute to Bailey, and “something beautiful which would remind us of him for decades to come.” That is the new Rolls-Royce Spectre Bailey, a stunning new bespoke Rolls-Royce that was commissioned through the Rolls-Royce Private Office New York, one of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ Private Offices across the globe, that recreates the commissioning experience Rolls-Royce’s home in Goodwood typically offers in the world’s luxury hubs. The new bespoke electric ultra-luxury coupe boasts features inside and out that honor Bailey, like the paint colors, the painstaking interior treatments, and more. An iridescent two-tone finish adorns the exterior of the new Rolls-Royce Spectre Bailey, and it consists of Crystal Fusion and a bespoke color called Beautiful Bailey, which is inspired by the soft fur on Bailey’s ear. The Coachline is finished in Rose Gold and completed with an exact replication of Bailey’s paw print. The interior features myriad bespoke details dedicated to Bailey. Moccasin and Crème Light leather upholstery complemented by Dark Walnut veneers and Dark Spice and Casden Tan accents. The centerpiece is a portrait of Bailey, which is crafted from 180 pieces of veneer. Positioned on the waterfall between the two rear seats, the veneer took four months to complete, using a range of 22 natural shades with no staining or artificial treatment to capture what Bailey looks like with wood alone. The tongue alone used four veneers never before used by Rolls-Royce: Purple Heart, Tulipwood, Louro Faia, and Pear. The commissioning clients’ love for Bailey was the main inspiration for the new Rolls-Royce Spectre Bailey, and that love shows in the incredible craftsmanship and attention to detail paid in the stunning commission, from a bespoke exterior color to the choice of leathers used in the interior and the stunning veneer portrait of Bailey between the rear seats. View All Rolls-Royce Spectre For Sale Image Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Black textured panel with circular speaker grilles and a wavy gold line, featuring embossed botanical patterns, detailed etching, and intricate woodwork inspired by Rolls-Royce craftsmanship.

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 30, 2025

Rolls-Royce Unveils Its Most Intricate Woodwork Yet

Some of Rolls-Royce’s greatest craftsmanship yet comes out of the woodwork. Rolls-Royce Bespoke is the avenue through which clients of the ultra-luxury manufacturer are able to turn the opulent vehicles into incredibly unique personal statements, heirlooms, and ultra-exclusive masterpieces with the greatest degree of luxury that Rolls-Royce is able to offer. With the introduction of Private Offices from Rolls-Royce across the globe, the Rolls-Royce Bespoke configuration experience that was typically only available at Rolls-Royce’s home of Goodwood is now featured in some of the world’s most important luxury hubs. As the Rolls-Royce Phantom celebrates its 100th anniversary since its introduction in 1925, the flagship Rolls-Royce nameplate is looking back on a century of dominating the automotive ultra-luxury arena, and a new Rolls-Royce Bespoke Private Collection is set to debut soon to mark that milestone. Created to celebrate a hundred years of pinnacle luxury, the new Private Collection is set to feature some of the most incredible craftsmanship Rolls-Royce Bespoke has ever produced, including the most intricate woodwork in Rolls-Royce history. The new woodwork brings new techniques to the fold that have never been seen before in a Rolls-Royce: 3D marquetry, 3D ink layering, and 24-carat gold leafing. As part of the incredibly meticulous process involved in creating the special woodwork, Rolls-Royce artisans underwent special training as part of the year-long development process. Originating in hand-drawn sketches, the special techniques used on the woodwork are employed to visually tell the story of places and moments that were pivotal to the Rolls-Royce Phantom’s hundred-year legacy. With an unprecedented level of artisan craftsmanship, fastidious technique, and opulence, the upcoming Rolls-Royce Bepsoke Private Collection is about to be the most captivating rendition of the Phantom yet, worthy of an ultra-luxury legend celebrating 100 years of excellence. View All Rolls-Royce Phantom For Sale Image Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

A collage featuring a modern Rolls-Royce Phantom, a memorial plaque for Sir Henry Royce, and an old black-and-white photo of a man beside a vintage car, celebrating the 100-year legacy of Rolls-Royce.

By Khris Bharath – September 24, 2025

Phantom at 100: Rolls-Royce Traces the People and Locatio...

We've been on a journey with Rolls-Royce for much of 2025, with extensive coverage on how the British marque is celebrating the Phantom's centenary. It began in January, when Rolls-Royce first officially announced the anniversary, and from there, we watched the brand honor its flagship sedan or saloon (if you’re British) in a series of powerful moments throughout the year. In May, we covered the famous people who've owned a Phantom, from royalty, music legends, to film stars. That same month, we also touched on how a one-off Phantom Goldfinger stole the show at Villa d'Este. The celebrations peaked in August, when all eight generations of the Phantom appeared at Pebble Beach, followed by a tribute to the car’s place in music history. The anniversary came full circle, more recently at the Goodwood Revival, where Rolls-Royce reunited historic Phantoms with period racing. As the year comes to a close, and to better understand why the Phantom has remained the ultimate motoring benchmark, Rolls-Royce is now taking a moment to reflect upon the Phantom's journey, highlighting some of the key figures and places that defined its century-long legacy. From the onset, Rolls-Royce positioned itself as the car for people at the pinnacle of their careers. The partnership between Charles Rolls, an aristocrat with a passion for racing, and Henry Royce, the self-taught engineer who built a reputation for reliability, was a perfect match. Their historic collaboration in 1904 would lead to the Silver Ghost, a legendary model that solidified their reputation for building the finest motorcars in the world. Claude Johnson, often called the "hyphen" in Rolls-Royce, convinced the duo to build it in 1907, and the rest, as we know, is history. After completing a 15,000-mile trial with less than $10 in repairs, the car became a rolling statement: quality outlasts price. That fastidious pursuit for perfection and craftsmanship carried through into the Phantom, which first hit the scene in 1925. From his winter retreat in France, Sir Henry Royce personally oversaw the first Phantom's development at Villa Mimosa, testing cars on the sweeping coastal roads of the Côte d’Azur on the French Riviera. Today's Canadel wood paneling and Duality Twill fabric can directly trace their origins to that time and place. Back in England, Royce also personally signed off on every component in West Wittering, making 400-mile round trips just to do it. You have to wonder: what other founder would commit to that level of oversight? London, meanwhile, gave Phantom its cultural gravitas as Charles Rolls had established one of the city’s first luxury car showrooms as early as 1905, near Savile Row, in the upscale Mayfair district. Decades later, in the late the early 2000s, in a Hyde Park studio known as "The Bank," designers created the modern Phantom, borrowing the "waft line" from a 1930s Phantom II. At precisely 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 2003, the very first Goodwood-era Phantom (now under BMW ownership) began a 4,500-mile crossing of the Australian outback, showing that Rolls-Royce wasn’t just back, but it was once again redefining luxury travel on a global scale. Earlier this year, that same car returned to Goodwood for inspection, a powerful symbolic full-circle moment. In 2011, Phantom Experimental Electric, or 102EX, hinted at the EV era long before the all-electric Rolls-Royce Spectre coupe became a reality, laying the groundwork for the marque’s future direction. Rolls-Royce’s legacy, of course, extends beyond its cars, because the company’s Merlin engines famously powered Spitfires and Hurricanes during the Battle of Britain, and their post-war expansion into commercial aviation subsidized the craftsmanship of their hand-built cars. As for the Phantom, if its 100-year legacy has been shaped by geography and people, we wonder how the future of this Stately limousine will be shaped over the next century. View All Rolls-Royce Phantoms For Sale " width="680"> Source: Rolls-Royce

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