Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has unveiled the ‘Phantom Scintilla,’ a private collection that pays tribute to the Spirit of Ecstasy, commemorating the company’s 120th anniversary.
The Spirit of Ecstasy, a symbol that represents Rolls-Royce’s pride, has been a hallmark of the brand for over a century. Adorning the front of every Rolls-Royce, this iconic figure symbolizes elegance and human achievement, serving as a true muse that has inspired diverse art forms such as music, photography, and film from the past to the present.
The newly unveiled Phantom Scintilla is a collection designed to celebrate the elegance, dynamism, and otherworldly beauty of the Spirit of Ecstasy, as well as the brand’s heritage, with only 10 units being produced worldwide. The name Scintilla, meaning ‘spark’ in Latin, indicates the fleeting beauty of the Spirit of Ecstasy.
The vehicle’s interior and exterior design not only evoke an awe for the ephemeral presence depicted by the Spirit but also express exquisite beauty inspired by the moment the goddess glides by, revealing the fabric of her gown.
For the first time, the Spirit of Ecstasy mounted on the Phantom Scintilla is finished in intricate ceramics. This recalls the Greek statue of ‘Nike of Samothrace,’ which left a deep impression on Claude Johnson, the former Rolls-Royce director who commissioned the first mascot back in 1910. The ceramic finish replicates the texture of Parian marble, the material of ancient statues, reflecting purity, strength, and a unique luster.
The exterior of the vehicle is finished in a bespoke two-tone color combination of ‘Andalusian White’ and ‘Thracian Blue,’ inspired by the sea around the island of Samothrace in Greece. The paint includes subtle metallic particles that reflect light like sunshine rippling on water. Additionally, handcrafted double coachlines and Spirit Blue colored wheel pinstripes add to the elegant atmosphere.
The interior space is filled with design elements that capture the dynamic form of the Spirit of Ecstasy. Notably, the coach doors and fabric seats feature the most extensive and dense embroidery in Rolls-Royce history. This continuous graphic flows throughout the interior, enveloping passengers in majestic energy.
The Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective has introduced a six-layer ‘tatami’ embroidery technique after extensive technical experimentation, creating a radiating effect through the use of various thread colors, thicknesses, and stitch directions, akin to painting with thread. The embroidered motif on the coach doors combines blue-gray, arctic white, spirit blue, powder blue, and pastel yellow threads, totaling 633,000 stitches that emit an enchanting glow at night. Meanwhile, the seats, featuring 236,500 stitches, are adorned with a twill fabric that boasts a subtle reflective sheen, enhancing the complex interactions between materials.
The artisans at Goodwood divided the work into 36 parts, meticulously crafted and seamlessly joined to create a cohesive design. The overall embroidery comprises approximately 869,500 stitches, taking over two and a half years to compose and develop, with 40 hours dedicated to the manufacturing process alone.
A centerpiece of this collection is the artwork ‘Celestial Pulse,’ which runs across the front fascia. This piece consists of seven ribbons made from solid aluminum, intricately finished in fine ceramic particles akin to the Spirit of Ecstasy. The edges of the artwork reflect light like a mirror, giving it a dynamic appearance.
The starlight headliner on the cabin ceiling draws inspiration from the gown worn by the Spirit of Ecstasy. 1,500 fiber optic ‘stars’ and 4,450 perforations were all hand-placed in unique patterns, particularly where the fiber optic stars illuminate sequentially, creating a flowing illusion.
The exquisite details extend to the rear picnic table of the vehicle. A masking technique was applied to the iridescent surface, followed by hand polishing and a matte finish to produce an optical illusion of subtle color transitions. To achieve a more luxurious luster, the entire wood set underwent up to 19 layers of lacquer coating, taking over 190 hours to complete.
Inside the passenger glove box, a concealed embossed plate features a quote from Claude Johnson regarding the Rolls-Royce mascot, revealing the collection’s concept, while the tread plate is engraved with the collection’s name, adding to the exclusivity of this private collection.
The Phantom Scintilla, limited to just 10 units globally, will be exclusively showcased through the ‘Private Office’ bespoke experience area of Rolls-Royce.
Chris Brownrigg, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, stated, “The Rolls-Royce private collection is a project that showcases the infinite creativity and craftsmanship of the artisans in Goodwood, the home of Rolls-Royce. By producing bespoke vehicles and providing unique experiences to customers, Rolls-Royce meets the needs of today’s super-luxury consumers, and this approach will continue to be central to our business.” He further remarked, “Through the Private Office, customers can collaborate directly with Rolls-Royce designers to co-create the best vehicles from anywhere in the world,” adding, “The Phantom Scintilla, honoring the eternal muse of Rolls-Royce, the Spirit of Ecstasy, is a masterpiece that perfectly embodies the principles of bespoke models.”
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr