Special Edition Rolls is Even More Lavishly Equipped than Regular Phantom
Compared to some items we use on a regular basis, such as glass bottles (invented about 2000 years ago) and the clock (invented between 1268 and 1360), the motorcar has only been around for 120 years or so, the result of German mechanical engineer Karl Benz who designed and built the world's first practical automobile in 1885.
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| Rolls-Royce, the grandest British motorcar company, is the most recent marque to join the centenarian club. (Photo: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars) |
Since the first motorcars sputtered onto cobblestone and dirt roads the genre has become our predominant source of transportation. Of the early automakers, few have made it to the 100 year mark - among them Mercedes-Benz, Ford, and Oldsmobile (which will soon be defunct). Rolls-Royce, the grandest British motorcar company, is the most recent marque to join the centenarian club. To celebrate this rarified anniversary, Rolls-Royce will be producing a limited edition of its new Phantom sedan.
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| To celebrate its 100th birthday, Rolls-Royce will be producing a limited edition Phantom dubbed the Centenary. (Photo: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars) |
Christened "Centenary," this is the second new Rolls-Royce to be revealed in this special year. The first was a V16 powered convertible concept dubbed the 100 EX, the 100 also to celebrate the luxury brand's age, but the Centenary at least is headed for production.
Only 35 Centenarys will be produced, each fitted with exclusive equipment. The Phantom's stately exterior is coated in a special Curzon paint scheme, the same finish as used on the 100 EX concept vehicle. The charcoal-blue body is bisected by a single crimson pinstripe that follows the beltline for the length of the car. Meteor silver-painted wheels, a polished aluminum grille, and the 'Spirit of Ecstasy' hood ornament crafted from sterling silver contrast the Phantom's dark birthday suit.