Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is here with a one-of-one Phantom Extended
The one-of-a-kind Rolls-Royce Phantom Dragon celebrates the Year of the Dragon with bespoke designing and Chinese cultural symbolism. Share
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has revealed the one-of-one Phantom Extended, designed as a tribute to the Year of the Dragon. Commissioned by a client from China, Phantom Dragon is a modern interpretation of the legendary tale of two dragons with a pearl. This theme, rich in meaning and deeply rooted in East Asian culture, is celebrated through the car’s bespoke design and intricate craftsmanship.
The story of the two dragons represents kindness, loyalty, and balance—values that resonate with the commissioning client and are reflected in the car’s every detail. The Phantom Dragon marks the conclusion of the lunar Year of the Dragon while heralding the 100th anniversary of the Phantom nameplate in 2025.
This Bespoke commission brings together Chinese cultural heritage and Rolls-Royce’s unique design approach. The creative team has thoughtfully blended traditional motifs with the brand’s modern craftsmanship, resulting in a masterpiece that appeals to a new generation of luxury enthusiasts. The Private Office in Shanghai played a central role in curating this creation. This facility serves as a bridge between the marque’s Goodwood headquarters and the Chinese market, facilitating a cultural exchange that shapes such unique commissions.
“Our goal for this project was to express China’s most revered symbols and the client’s personal iconography impactfully yet respectfully, while also subtly incorporating Rolls-Royce’s design handwriting. In this motor car, our artisans have accomplished this using different mediums, capturing the rich legacy of the region, the client, and the Rolls-Royce brand.”
At the heart of this creation lies an ancient legend over 3,000 years old. The tale tells of two dragons who, as protectors of humanity, were gifted a divine pearl for their virtue. Refusing to take the treasure for personal gain, the dragons deferred to each other in a display of mutual respect. Impressed by their selflessness, the gods granted them a second pearl, elevating them to celestial beings. The dragons embody power and good fortune, while the pearl symbolizes purity and perfection. Together, they reflect harmony and balance, as seen in the interplay of Yin and Yang.
The centrepiece of the interior is the Gallery, which spans the fascia and features intricate marquetry made from 297 individual pieces. This artwork took an artisan three months to complete, using four types of wood to depict dragons amidst swirling clouds. The pearl they guard is represented by the Bespoke clock. The marquetry uses Smoked Eucalyptus for the base, with Sycamore veneer creating the delicate outlines. Ash burr, chosen for its natural grain resembling clouds, fills the shapes, while Black Bolivar adds depth, giving the impression that the dragons are floating.
This exceptional craftsmanship extends across the interior. The doors feature Canadel panels in natural Smoked Eucalyptus while high-gloss Smoked Eucalyptus trim adds a sense of refinement. The seats are upholstered in Ardent Red and black leather, with the front and rear Serenity seats offering unmatched comfort. The client’s family name is embroidered onto the headrests in ancient Chinese calligraphy, providing a personal touch.
Adding to the visual splendour is the Starlight Headliner. This feature captures an abstract representation of two dragons rendered in red and white. Made up of 768 red and 576 white fibre-optic lights, the headliner is adorned with 24 shooting stars. Each light was hand-fitted, creating a celestial composition that enhances the car’s dramatic interior.
“One of the Rolls-Royce brand’s signature strengths is creating products that sensitively and respectfully integrate iconography from specific cultures, interpreted through our own innovative crafts and design language. Like every Bespoke motor car, this magnificent Phantom Extended reflects the skills and creativity of our Bespoke designers, engineers, and craftspeople. This commission features a Bespoke Gallery with a floating effect that makes the dragon appear as if it is formed from clouds of smoke—a design achieved through the intricate art of marquetry.”
The Phantom Dragon’s exterior is finished in Iced Diamond Black, which gives the car a shimmering satin effect. This unique finish provides a bold contrast to the intricate interior details, ensuring the car stands out as a true work of art.
