Focus Magazine of SWFL Cheers To Your Style | Page 94

METROPOLITAN
PHANTOM
Whilst every Rolls-Royce is special, many customers desire extraordinary distinguishing features to make their car completely
unique. This falls to the marque’s Bespoke design department; a
collective of the automotive world’s finest designers, engineers
and craftspeople.
This approach has distinguished Rolls-Royce for over a century,
with today’s methods echoing the age of the coachbuilder when
customers purchased their chassis and engine before sending it
to be bodied to their exacting specifications.
From the finest detailing to the boldest statement, customers
work in close collaboration with the team to realize their desires.
Inspiration can come from anywhere; whether it is a request to
perfectly match the exterior finish to a favorite garment or a more
elaborate creation that seeks to tell a story, no idea is left unexplored.
The Phantom Metropolitan Collection, unveiled at the Mondial
de L’Automobile in Paris, features exquisite hand-crafted design
inspired by the modern metropolis. Just 20 of these beautifully
crafted motor cars will be available to commission.
Phantom’s launch in 2003 emphatically heralded the renaissance
of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars by affording the world’s most discerning and successful men and women the consummate super-luxury
experience. Central to the allure of its unique promise is an interior furnished in the very finest materials; expertly hand-applied by
the master craftspeople at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood,
England. It presents a space that cossets occupants and provides
the ultimate sanctuary in which to traverse and observe the city
in supreme comfort.
The Phantom Metropolitan Collection pays homage to the world’s
great metropolises through the meticulous application of marquetry – the art of inlaying small pieces of wood veneer to form
decorative motifs. When open, Phantom’s signature picnic table
presents occupants with an elevated view of the city, created
through the expert application of 500 individual wood veneer
pieces. Indeed, the process of hand-cutting, colouring, shaping
and applying is so complex these unique objects d’art take an
expert wood craftsperson several days to complete. On closing
the tables, a different perspective of the cityscape is offered – reflecting the view one gets when effortlessly travelling in the rear
of a Phantom.
9
4 FOCUS of SWFL 2014

by Mai Yomioto

“I can think of no more fitting location than Paris to debut this
remarkable new mot