(from Rolls-Royce Press Release) Rolls-Royce
Motor Cars has announced today that a special Centenary version of the
Phantom will be produced. The announcement was made at the Midland Hotel
in Manchester, England, where Rolls-Royce is celebrating the centenary
of the first meeting between Henry Royce and the Hon. Charles Rolls.
Production of the Centenary Phantom is restricted to just 35 cars,
uniquely identified by special treadplates in the door sills and a
chassis plate mounted on the B-post. The car's badges will feature
red-on-chrome lettering, recalling the company's first quarter-century
between 1904 and 1930, at which point the badges were changed from their
original red to black. Also recalling a colourful past, yet wholly
contemporary, is the Dark Curzon paintwork scheme of the car - the
"birthday livery" combination derived directly from 100EX, the one-off
experimental car unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
The body is in Dark Curzon, with wheels in Meteor Silver. Dark Curzon
leather has been used for the seats and interior trim. A full-leather
headlining in Smoke Grey completes the unique interior trim treatment.
The Centenary Phantom's woodwork includes Figured Mahogany veneer with a
distinctive silver inlay, while the inter-linked "RR" insignia are
featured in the centre of all four door cappings. Both the front and
rear sides of each picnic table are also veneered, creating a
distinctive wooden accent in the backrests of the front seats.
Customers will be constantly reminded they are driving a special Phantom
from behind the wheel. New instruments with a unique anodised finish to
their faces are presented in a finely textured aluminium dash panel.
Meanwhile, the "Spirit of Ecstasy" mascot will be a constant talking
point as it is made from solid sterling silver.
Tony Gott, Chairman and CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: "We are
delighted to announce production of the Centenary Phantom, which
represents a unique opportunity to celebrate the marque's achievement in
reaching its 100th anniversary. It builds on the excitement and impact
generated by the 100EX Centenary Experimental Car, launched to worldwide
acclaim at the Geneva Motor Show in March, by delivering some of that
special car's signature features to customers for the first time."
The first example of the Centenary Phantom will be on display on the
concourse in front of the G-MEX Centre in Manchester today as part of
the Centenary celebrations.
