Marking 100 years since the first Rolls-Royce Phantom graced the streets of London, the British marque has unveiled one of its most spectacular creations yet — the Phantom Centenary Private Collection. Priced at a breathtaking £2.5 million, this ultra-exclusive edition is limited to just 25 examples worldwide and celebrates a century of engineering brilliance, craftsmanship, and legacy that has made the Phantom an enduring symbol of ultimate luxury.
Rolls-Royce calls it “the most technically extraordinary car ever built.” The Centenary Edition pays homage to the lineage of Phantoms past, combining traditional artistry with the most advanced production techniques the brand has ever used.
Design Inspired by History, Crafted for the Future
At first glance, the Centenary Edition is unmistakably a Phantom, yet its detailing speaks of something far more special. Designer Matt Denton explains that the design “draws a strong reference to the marque’s past,” especially the 1930 Phantom II Continental, a car celebrated for its elegance and power.
The two-tone exterior — a stunning blend of deep black and crystal white — is enhanced by a gold-flake crystal overpaint, creating a shimmering metallic effect under natural light. Rolls-Royce’s legendary Spirit of Ecstasy is crafted anew in a unique finish, while the ‘RR’ Badge of Honour across the front, rear and sides gleams in 24-carat gold and white enamel for the first time ever.
The special-edition model also features bespoke disc wheels inspired by vintage Phantom design, tying together the past and present in one rolling masterpiece.
A Cabin Like No Other: Luxury in Three Dimensions
Inside, the Phantom Centenary is more artwork than automobile. The interior takes inspiration from Rolls-Royce’s heritage, particularly the craftsmanship traditions of Savile Row tailoring. Every surface has been touched by hand, layered in innovation and detail unseen in any other luxury car.
- 3D Marquetry & 3D Ink Layering: A world-first technique for Rolls-Royce, each piece of wood veneer features up to 45 individually aligned panels, carefully fitted to flow with the seat contours.
- 24-Carat Gold Leafing: Gold filigree detailing shimmers across dashboard panels, door cards, and seat backs, reflecting Rolls-Royce’s dedication to unmatched opulence.
- Rear-Seat Storytelling: The rear seats portray three historic moments — the original Conduit Street showroom, Henry Royce’s paintings of southern France, and a tribute to the early Phantom II.
- Laser-Etched Artworks: The front seats bear etched designs inspired by hand sketches, including a whimsical rabbit motif, referencing the “Roger Rabbit” codename from Rolls-Royce’s rebirth in 2003.
Even the headliner showcases craftsmanship at its finest — embroidered with over 440,000 stitches, forming constellations that glow in perfect symmetry across the cabin ceiling.
Engineering Mastery: A Phantom at Heart
While the Centenary Edition dazzles with artistry, its mechanical soul remains pure Phantom. Beneath the hand-sculpted bonnet lies Rolls-Royce’s signature 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine, delivering seamless power and near-silent refinement.
The engine’s 563 bhp output provides effortless acceleration, while the car’s advanced air suspension system and rear-wheel steering ensure the legendary “Magic Carpet Ride” remains intact. In essence, this special-edition Phantom doesn’t just look extraordinary — it drives like a dream, continuing the brand’s heritage of serenity and strength.
The ‘Anthology Gallery’ — A Living Timeline of Legacy
One of the most captivating elements of the Centenary Edition is its dashboard feature known as the Anthology Gallery. It houses 50 3D-printed aluminium fins, each etched with historic press quotes and accolades from the Phantom’s illustrious history.
Viewed from different angles, these sculpted letters appear to float within the glass fascia — a stunning fusion of craftsmanship and cutting-edge engineering that honours how the Phantom has been celebrated for a century.
This artistic gallery is a symbolic bridge between past and present, reinforcing the Phantom’s timeless status as the “pinnacle luxury automobile of the world.”
Doors That Tell Stories
Even the door panels are artistic showcases. The driver’s door features an intricate map-style etching of the 4500-mile journey across Australia made by the first BMW-era Phantom. The front passenger door, meanwhile, immortalises the landscape of Henry Royce’s summer home in West Wittering.
Each door combines laser etching, 3D ink printing, and gold leafing — techniques more often associated with fine art than car building. These features transform every Phantom Centenary Edition into a rolling museum piece.
Exclusivity Beyond Compare
As with any Rolls-Royce Bespoke Commission, exclusivity is built into every stitch and brushstroke. Only 25 examples of the Phantom Centenary Private Collection will ever be made — and all are already spoken for.
According to Sales and Brand Director Julian Jenkins, the order books were filled quickly:
“Many of the buyers are surprisingly young, which demonstrates the Phantom’s enduring appeal among new generations of collectors.”
This demand underscores that the Phantom isn’t merely a car for the nostalgic elite — it’s a design and cultural statement still commanding reverence among modern luxury consume
A Century of Fame and Fortune
Few cars can match the Phantom’s celebrity pedigree. Over its 100-year journey, it has been owned and cherished by world icons — Queen Elizabeth II, artist Salvador Dalí, and even rapper 50 Cent among them.
CEO Chris Brownridge summarised it best:
“Phantom has always been a car that people remember. It’s the world’s pinnacle luxury product.”
With the Centenary Edition, Rolls-Royce reaffirms that tradition — creating not just transportation, but an artefact destined for future museums and private galleries.
Conclusion
The Rolls-Royce Phantom Centenary Edition 2025 isn’t just another special-edition luxury car — it’s a tangible celebration of artistry, history, and craftsmanship that defines the Rolls-Royce legacy. Each of the 25 cars tells a different story, woven through gold, wood, and leather by the most skilled artisans in Goodwood.
In an age dominated by automation and minimalism, the Phantom Centenary stands as a reminder that true luxury is timeless — built by human hands, imagined by history, and destined for eternity.
