The Phantom Goldfinger; Rolls-Royce’ Tribute To 007’s Legacy
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By
Rithika Raghu
on
28th October 2024
Rolls-Royce has unveiled the Phantom Goldfinger, a luxurious one-of-one creation inspired by the 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger.
This masterpiece,commemorating the 60th anniversary of the film, features intricate bespoke design elements, including the most extensive use of gold ever in a Rolls-Royce. Highlights include an 18-carat gold bar in the centre console, 22-carat gold-inlaid picnic tables depicting Fort Knox, and a detailed isoline map of the Furka Pass etched across the dashboard. With a nod to Bond, the Phantom Goldfinger also incorporates a gold-plated golf club and 007-themed features.
Meticulously crafted and artfully designed, the Phantom Goldfinger is a one-of-a-kind magnum opus from Rolls-Royce, inspired by the 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger. The exterior of the Phantom Goldfinger is finished in a striking yellow, meticulously matched to the original 1937 Phantom III Sedanca de Ville featured in Goldfinger. A unique "long-side" two-tone design wraps around the car's body, complemented by 21-inch disc wheels in black with silver floating hubcaps, evoking the classic film's aesthetics. The Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament cleverly integrates silver accents within its gold plating, referencing the movie scene where Goldfinger smuggles gold. Rolls-Royce used solid silver, later gold-plated, to achieve this intricate detail.
Subtle yet iconic details nod to memorable scenes, like the hidden vault between the front seats housing an 18-carat gold Phantom Speedform. The interior gleams with gold accents throughout—air vents, organ stops, speaker frets, and more. The glove box features the iconic quote, "This is gold, Mr. Bond…" while a 24-carat gold-plated plaque engraved with a custom 007 VIN adds the ultimate touch of luxury.
To contrast the stunning gold detailing, the Phantom Goldfinger features rich navy leather and Royal Walnut veneer inspired by the colour scheme of the original motor car. The rear seating is equipped with reclining Serenity seats, subtly elevated by gold stitching and gold-hued “bullets” that cap the seat piping. Additionally, the headrests showcase the iconic ‘RR’ monograms, enhancing the luxurious feel of the interior.
The bespoke artwork adorning the Phantom's gallery spans the full width of the front fascia and draws inspiration from the iconic scene where 007 discreetly trails Goldfinger to his smelting plant through the Swiss Alps' Furka Pass. This hand-drawn, three-dimensional design features an intricate isoline map of the pass, engraved onto a dark substrate and crafted from stainless steel using a technique called physical vapour deposition. After a year of meticulous development and ten prototype iterations, the final design was perfected. At the center, a bespoke clock pays homage to the legendary 'gun barrel' sequence present in every James Bond film since Dr. No (1962).
In another subtle homage to the Furka Pass scene, the Starlight Headliner of the Phantom Goldfinger mirrors the 719 constellations as they appeared over the pass on July 11, 1964—the final filming day in Switzerland. These constellations shimmer in a delicate gold hue, surrounded by eight meticulously placed shooting stars, each arranged by hand.
A gold-plated golf putter, adorned with a specially designed 'AG' monogram inspired by Goldfinger's on-screen signet, is meticulously recreated and mounted on the underside of the boot lid. This detail nods to the iconic scene where 007 first meets Goldfinger at Stoke Park in Buckinghamshire and challenges him to a game of golf.
In commemorating the scene where Bond places a tracking device on Goldfinger's Phantom III, the Bespoke Collective has designed a device that projects the 007 logo onto the boot carpet when the lid is opened. The umbrellas fitting into the car's rear doors are finished in vibrant red, blue, green, and yellow, mirroring the moment when Oddjob, Goldfinger's henchman, almost catches 007 interfering with the Phantom by loading his golf clubs and a harlequin umbrella into the boot.
As a final touch, the prized British number plate 'AU 1'—referencing the chemical symbol for gold—has been affixed to the Phantom Goldfinger, now delivered to a prominent Rolls-Royce client and collector in England.
The Phantom Goldfinger represents the pinnacle of automotive craftsmanship, artfully merging luxury with iconic elements from the James Bond legacy. Every detail, from the bespoke artwork to the gold accents, pays tribute to both the film and the character of 007. This unique vehicle is not just a celebration of Rolls-Royce’s dedication to excellence; it’s also a tribute to the enduring allure of the Bond franchise.
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