Rolls-Royce presents four ‘Year of the Dragon’ Bespoke commissions

Rolls-Royce just kicked off the Lunar New Year with a bang, unveiling their ‘Year of the Dragon’ Bespoke commissions. Picture this: four jaw-droppingly gorgeous cars – three Phantom Extended and one Cullinan – all dressed up to celebrate Chinese culture in grand style. The party starts on February 10, 2024, but Rolls-Royce is already setting the vibe with these masterpieces crafted in their Goodwood home. It’s a global shoutout to Chinese heritage, and these cars are ready to dazzle on streets worldwide.

Why dragons, you ask? Well, in the spirit of power, success, and prosperity, Rolls-Royce has breathed new life into this iconic symbol. They’ve managed to whip up a modern twist on the dragon that’s never been seen before in their lineup, all while tipping their hats to the age-old tradition.

Diving into the details, three of these bespoke beauties feature dash panels that are nothing short of modern art. Think cutting-edge interpretations of the dragon, each hand-painted with a dedication that would make any artist blush. The color red takes center stage – a nod to prosperity and good fortune in Chinese culture. These pieces are no quick sketches; each one took over two weeks of meticulous work, layering red upon red to create a fiery, three-dimensional effect that seems to leap off the panel.

But the real kicker? The precision in the lacquering process. After each paint layer, a clear coat is applied with such care that even a speck of dust would be cause for a do-over. The result? A fascia that’s so lifelike, you’d swear the dragon might just take flight.

Step inside one of these rides, and you’re greeted with a dragon motif that’s elegantly understated. The headrests boast Phoenix Red embroidery against stark black or white leather – a striking contrast. But it’s not just about looks; there’s a sense of movement in the stitch work, giving the dragon an almost fluid quality. And with over 5,449 stitches taking around 20 hours to complete, it’s clear every detail has been obsessed over.

But wait, there’s more – the rear picnic tables offer a minimalist take on the Chinese zodiac, with the dragon naturally stealing the spotlight in gold. And for the pièce de résistance? The Bespoke Starlight Headliner. Imagine looking up to see a dragon formed from 677 ‘stars’, surrounded by 667 more lights. It’s a celestial spectacle that took over 20 hours of painstaking placement to perfect.

As for the exteriors, Rolls-Royce wasn’t playing it safe. Each model sports a unique color scheme, with options ranging from Cherry Red over Selby Grey to a bold Silver and Cherry Red duo, or a sleek monolithic Black. And the finishing touch? A Phoenix Red coachline with a subtle dragon motif, symbolizing the East and the promise of a new dawn.

Rolls-Royce’s ‘Year of the Dragon’ commissions are more than just cars. They’re a tribute to Chinese culture, a testament to bespoke craftsmanship, and a celebration of luxury that’s both timeless and innovative. These are not just vehicles; they’re moving works of art, ready to take on the world one luxurious mile at a time.