Rolls-Royce Unveils Limited Edition Phantom Scintilla at Pebble Beach
Rolls-Royce, the iconic luxury car brand, has recently showcased its latest limited edition vehicle, the Phantom Scintilla, at Pebble Beach. Limited to just 10 examples, this exclusive reworking of the Phantom is inspired by the brand’s famous Spirit of Ecstasy mascot. One of the standout features of the Scintilla is its ceramic bonnet emblem, which pays homage to The Winged Victory of Samothrace, a Greek marble statue that almost became the inspiration for the Spirit of Ecstasy.
The Phantom Scintilla is painted in Andalusian White and Thracian Blue, two bespoke shades that draw inspiration from the seas around the island of Samothrace. The car’s shoulder line and wheels also feature hand-painted stripes in a darker Spirit Blue. The interior of the Scintilla is just as meticulously crafted, with a starlight headliner that has a flowing pattern resembling the Spirit of Ecstasy’s gown. The dashboard panel is decorated with seven interwoven aluminum ribbons. Even the glovebox has a special touch, engraved with the words of Claude Johnson, Rolls-Royce’s founding managing director, emphasizing the car’s attributes of speed, silence, and grace.
While the Scintilla is a limited edition vehicle, it serves a greater purpose for Rolls-Royce. It acts as a showcase for the brand’s Bespoke program, demonstrating the range of customization options available to customers. Celina Mettang, in charge of color and trim design at Rolls-Royce Bespoke, emphasizes the importance of limited-run commissions like the Scintilla as team-building exercises and opportunities for creative growth. The ability to remain flexible and agile in design is highly valued at Rolls-Royce Bespoke.
Katrin Lehmann, Bespoke color and materials designer, explains that projects like the Scintilla blur the lines between designer and craftsperson. They aim to create cars that are not just vehicles but also works of art. The Scintilla’s concept may be challenging to convey, as it is an abstract theme. However, Lehmann and Mettang believe that the complexity and uniqueness of the car can be expressed through numbers. For example, the Scintilla’s rear picnic tables boast 19 layers of lacquer, and the wave motif sewn onto the dashboard requires 869,500 stitches. These details highlight the intricate craftsmanship and artistic nature of the vehicle.
When asked about the lessons learned from the Scintilla project, Mettang and Lehmann remain tight-lipped but hint that future Private Collection cars will have an entirely different conception. Even if the same concept were to be replicated, Rolls-Royce would interpret it in a completely different way, showcasing their commitment to innovation and creativity.
In summary, the Rolls-Royce Phantom Scintilla is a highly exclusive limited edition vehicle that exemplifies the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship and customization. It serves as a showcase for the Bespoke program, blurring the boundaries between car and art piece. With its unique design elements and attention to detail, the Scintilla captures the essence of luxury and exclusivity that Rolls-Royce is renowned for.
