The Rolls-Royce Ghost may not have been the first car the brand ever put out but it did arrive just three years after the Phantom and for a car made in 1907 it withstood the test of time with grace. Today, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars proudly announced the creation of a collection of 35 model year 2018 Rolls-Royce Ghosts, created in homage to an impressive achievement the original Silver Ghost reached.
The ‘Silver Ghost’ was the first model of the brand that took part in a record-breaking attempt back in the day. The car achieved a non-stop long distance endurance record of 14,371 miles. It was the twelfth 40/50hp chassis, completed with a Barker & Co 4/5-seater touring body, commissioned by Claude Johnson, then Managing Director of Rolls-Royce Limited that was quickly recognized for its ability to demonstrate the marque’s prowess.
In celebration of this extraordinary feat of engineering excellence, a special collection of model year 2018 Bespoke Ghosts will be created at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex. 35 cars will be built in total and all of them will be different, part of the Bespoke Collective of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars dubbed the ‘Silver Ghost Collection’.
Rolls-Royce CEO, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, commented, “The extraordinary accomplishments of our marque’s founding fathers are honored by the creation of this elegant ‘Silver Ghost Collection’. The Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective masterfully weave the rich narrative of the original ‘Silver Ghost’ into just 35 motor cars, creating a contemporary homage to the original motor car. Today, our craftspeople and master artisans continue this legacy of excellence, creating unique motor cars that define luxury.”
All cars will have a couple of common points that will set them apart from any other Ghost out there. The most important bit will be the solid sterling-silver Spirit of Ecstasy mounted on top of the Pantheon grille. Furthermore, a specially created Hallmark of AX201, the registration plate of the original ‘Silver Ghost’, will be marked on the base of each muse by the British Assay office. Alongside the AX201 Hallmark, the Metal Fineness marks and the Assay Office town mark, a second unique ‘RR’ Hallmark, will act as the Sponsor’s Mark and authenticate its heritage.
A black-gold-plated collar enshrouds the base of the Spirit of Ecstasy, itself bearing the unique identity of this collection. An insert is crafted from hammered copper, in tribute to the copper extensively used in the engine bay of the original ‘Silver Ghost’. The copper, shaped, beaten and textured is engraved with the newly designed AX201 Hallmark.
Cassiopeia Silver, a complex Bespoke silver paint that incorporates both warm and cool tones, will be covering the exterior of these cars in a hue that replicates the silver paint of the original motor car. The traditional coachline that defines every Rolls-Royce out there will include fine particles of 100% pure silver, something that’s never been done before. Furthermore, black painted grille veins mimic the distinctive black grille of the ‘Silver Ghost’, while the fully-polished wheel centers encircled with ‘SILVER GHOST – SINCE 1907’ engraved on a Cassiopeia Silver backing, echo the fine details of the original car.
On opening the coach doors, accents of a specially created ‘Forest Green’ leather provide a nod to the original interior color scheme. A newly designed silver tipped leather makes its Rolls-Royce debut, being incorporated onto the front and rear door panniers. Additionally, a silver inlay has been set into the open pore wood of the fascia and door panels, flanking a solid silver ingot.
Further reference to the ‘Silver Ghost’ is made via the collection’s clock, styled as an ingot of silver, engraved with ‘Silver Ghost Since 1907’ and once again marked with the distinguishing hallmarks of this collection. A penned solid silver encasement provides a decorative surface, reminiscent of the original dials of the ‘Silver Ghost’.
Each car gets a tread plate, engraved with the words ‘Silver Ghost Collection – One of Thirty-Five’, while the Rolls-Royce umbrellas, stowed in the doors of each motor car, are edged in a silver-colored binding and have an open-pore Tudor Oak handle, with the end of the handle engraved to demonstrate its unique origins. A Bespoke central console allows the patron to convey personal accoutrements. A time-piece, sunglasses and accessories case is presented alongside a ‘Silver Ghost’ pen, shaped like the car.
