In a masterful tribute to one of cinema’s greatest villains, Rolls-Royce has unveiled a one-of-a-kind Phantom Extended, marking 60 years since the release of Goldfinger. This custom-made model captures the essence of the iconic 1964 James Bond film and honours the infamous Auric Goldfinger. Moreover, with meticulous attention to detail, this exclusive Rolls-Royce blends the allure of luxury while nodding to the plot, characters, and memorable scenes that defined a classic.
A Legacy of Luxury and Mystery
Rolls-Royce’s reputation for creating bespoke, personalised vehicles is unmatched, but this Phantom Goldfinger takes customisation to a cinematic level. Each crafted detail references Goldfinger, from hidden gold accents to design elements inspired by Auric Goldfinger’s treasured Phantom III. Consequently, three years of development went into creating this masterpiece, with features that evoke the drama and elegance of the legendary film.
Exterior: A Contemporary Take on a Classic Design
For the Phantom Goldfinger’s exterior, Rolls-Royce meticulously replicated the yellow-and-black design of the original 1937 Phantom III that appeared in Goldfinger. As a result, the vehicle’s sleek, long-side two-tone paintwork pays homage to the Sedanca de Ville’s silhouette, while incorporating a modern twist.
- Black and Yellow Colour Scheme: The bold two-tone paint, seamlessly merging yellow with a black wrap, not only echoes the villainous style of Auric Goldfinger’s car but also enhances the vehicle’s overall dramatic aesthetic.
- 21-inch Black Disc Wheels: Silver ‘floating’ hubcaps enhance these wheels, nodding to the original film’s wheel design.
- Spirit of Ecstasy Emblem: Rolls-Royce plated the iconic emblem with 18-carat gold, subtly hinting at the film’s hidden treasures. Furthermore, it reinforced this theme with the ‘gold reveal’ effect on the figurine.
Interior: An Ode to Hidden Gold
Inside the Phantom Goldfinger, the theme of hidden gold continues. Specifically, Rolls-Royce’s team has used precious metals to create intricate details that link to Goldfinger’s wealth and fascination with gold. Furthermore, every corner of the car whispers luxury and craftsmanship, with many bespoke elements inspired by the film.
- Gold Bar Console: A centrepiece 18-carat gold bar, shaped like a ‘Speedform’, resides between the front seats. When illuminated, this feature captures the mystique of Goldfinger in every drive.
- Quote-Inspired Glovebox: The designers embossed Goldfinger’s iconic line, “This is Gold, Mr. Bond,” on the inner lid of the glovebox. All my life, I have been in love with its colour, its brilliance, its divine heaviness.”
- Golden Air Vents and Organ Stops: The gold-plated air vents and organ stops further enhance the golden theme, with speaker grilles etched with the Goldfinger title font.
- Custom VIN Plaque: The car’s VIN ends in ‘007’, a nod to Bond himself, engraved in 24-carat gold on a bespoke plaque.
The Furka Pass Gallery: A Cinematic Tribute
One of the Phantom Goldfinger’s most striking features is the Furka Pass Gallery, a 3D piece of art that spans the dashboard. Furthermore, this detailed map showcases the Swiss Alps, where, notably, Bond covertly follows Goldfinger in one of the film’s iconic chase scenes.
- Hand-Drawn Isoline Map: Engraved into darkened stainless steel, this map precisely traces the contours of the Furka Pass.
- Physical Vapour Deposition Technique: This unique darkening technique creates contrast between the engraved metal and the gilded elements beneath, symbolising Bond’s pursuit of Goldfinger across rugged landscapes.
- Gun Barrel Clock Surround: A nod to the Bond franchise’s classic gun barrel sequence, the clock surround offers a unique homage within the Gallery’s design.
Starlight Headliner: A Night Under the Furka Pass Stars
The Phantom’s Starlight Headliner mirrors the night sky as it appeared over the Furka Pass on the final day of filming, 11 July 1964.
- 719 Fibre-Optic Stars: Individually hand-placed, these golden-hued stars evoke the Swiss night sky.
- Eight Shooting Stars: Positioned throughout the headliner, these “shooting stars” bring a dynamic, celestial feel to the cabin, a subtle yet effective tribute to the scene’s suspense.
Fort Knox Picnic Tables: A Map to the Gold
The wooden picnic tables are no ordinary car accessory. In fact, Rolls-Royce embellished these tables, crafted from Royal Walnut, with a 22-carat gold inlay that forms a fictional map of Fort Knox – the famous location of Goldfinger’s heist in the film.
- Gold Map Inlay: The map, showing fictional paths and entry points to the Bullion Depository, is just 0.1 mm thick, representing the wealth Goldfinger sought to conquer.
- Six-Month Development: Creating this feature required numerous prototypes, exemplifying the effort invested into each detail of the Phantom Goldfinger.
Exquisite Details: Subtle, Clever Touches
No detail was overlooked in capturing Goldfinger’s essence. Rolls-Royce has embedded tributes throughout, each one adding to the car’s allure and exclusivity.
- Gold-Plated Golf Club in the Boot: Rolls-Royce fitted a gold putter, complete with a custom “AG” monogram, to the underside of the boot lid, inspired by the infamous golf scene between Bond and Goldfinger.
- Tracking Device Projector: Bond’s gadgetry is recalled with a 007 logo that illuminates the luggage compartment floor upon opening, reminiscent of Bond’s tracking device in the film.
- Harlequin Umbrellas: The rear-door umbrellas feature vibrant colours, just like the umbrella seen with Oddjob, Goldfinger’s loyal henchman, in a memorable film scene.
- AU 1 Number Plate: The number plate, referencing the chemical symbol for gold, remains with the Phantom Goldfinger, cementing its connection to the story’s theme of gold.
Interior Elegance: The Gold Standard
The Phantom Goldfinger’s cabin is finished in navy leather and Royal Walnut veneer, evoking sophistication and restraint. The rich colour palette is carefully selected to let the golden accents shine while delivering a luxurious ambience.
- Gold Stitching and Bullet Detailing: The seats feature gold stitching, with gold ‘bullets’ capping the piping, while the headrests bear the Rolls-Royce logo in gold.
- Serenity Seating: Rear-seat passengers enjoy reclining Serenity Seating, adding to the overall feeling of grandeur within this one-of-a-kind Phantom.
An Unmatched Celebration of Cinema and Craftsmanship
The Rolls-Royce Phantom Goldfinger stands as both a celebration of Goldfinger’s legacy and a testament to the Bespoke Collective’s unmatched attention to detail. Moreover, this one-off creation intertwines the worlds of film and luxury, honouring a moment in cinema history while simultaneously setting a new standard for automotive design.
The car has now been delivered to an esteemed collector in England, making it one of the most exclusive vehicles in the world. Besides, each component, from the hidden gold features to the James Bond-inspired gadgets, invites admiration and reflects the dedication of Rolls-Royce’s designers, engineers, and artisans.
Concluding Thoughts
What do you think about this dazzling Phantom Goldfinger? Does this blend of film homage and luxury detail capture the essence of Bond? Which features would you love to see in more Rolls-Royce designs? Share your thoughts below, and let’s talk about the future of luxury car customisation.
