Rolls-Royce revives a villain’s ride, because style doesn’t play by the rules.
James Bond without cars? That’s like a Martini without the twist. In the 60 years of Bond, sleek and powerful cars are the driving force behind the Bond allure. The thrill of the chase and the inventive gadgets built into every iconic model draw fans to this spy universe time and time again. So when luxury British carmaker, Rolls-Royce, unveiled a remake of the vintage Phantom III with a commemorative edition–a one-of-one Phantom Extended, celebrating sixty years of the 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger–we took note, shaken, not stirred.
The Phantom from the film, a 1937 vintage, was iconically driven by Bond’s nemesis, Auric Goldfinger, which somehow makes the car more intriguing. Appearing in classic Bond-plot fashion, the car carried its own secret mission. Made from two tonnes of solid 18-carat gold, it was Goldfinger’s conniving way of smuggling wealth out of England and driving it across the challenging Furka Pass into Switzerland. Much like the ingenious Goldfinger himself, the designers at Rolls-Royce used their expertise in craft, and, of course, obsession with luxury to create a modern adaptation of the legendary on-screen model.
“Bringing Phantom Goldfinger into being was one of the Bespoke Collective’s greatest creative journeys to date.” Says Nick Rhodes, Bespoke Designer of Rolls-Royce. And we can see why. From the bold two-tone exterior to hidden details inside, the designers at Rolls-Royce have had a lot of fun recreating this iconic vehicle, with elegant and whimsical features that reference some of the film’s most memorable moments.
Starting with the exterior, the most noticeable feature taken from the original is the yellow and black chassis paintwork–a sure-fire signifier of “one-off”. The 21-inch disc wheels are finished in black, with silver ‘floating’ hubcaps, creating a tone-on-tone effect that recalls the design of the 1937 model. And The Spirit of Ecstasy at the prow of Phantom Goldfinger has been given a unique gold-reveal finish to cleverly mimic the act of the film’s gold-smuggling villain (not to be confused with the gold-painted woman from the film.)
On entering the driver’s seat you’re met with a key film reference: the moment when Bond trails Goldfinger driving along the scenic and winding Swiss mountains. The scene is artistically recognised in the car’s Phantom Gallery, which features an isoline map of the Swiss Alps with the Furka Pass highlighted by a sliver of gold. The clock at the center is inspired by the iconic “gun barrel” in the opening sequence of Goldfinger and many subsequent Bond films. And as you look up (not while driving, please), a golden hue constellation referencing the day the scene was shot–July 11, 1964.
As a playful nod to Goldfinger's infamous smuggling scheme, the Rolls-Royce designers treat back-seat riders to drop-down picnic tables featuring a 22-carat gold map inlay of Fort Knox.
Inside the centre console, an 18-carat solid gold Speedform is secured as if it were locked in a vault. For an extra touch of cinematic nostalgia, a gold golf putter is mounted on the underside of the trunk lid–a direct nod to Bond’s first encounter with Goldfinger.
As a finishing touch, the prized British number plate ‘AU 1’, which graced the Goldfinger Phantom III in the film, has been secured–a reference to the chemical symbol for gold on the periodic table of elements. This will remain with the Phantom Goldfinger, which has now been delivered to an undisclosed Rolls-Royce client and collector based in England.
Visit the Rolls-Royce website for more information.
If you're a Bond fan, don't miss Omega's special 007 edition!
Bringing Bond’s 60-year legacy within arm’s reach, Omega has released a tribute to the spy films with a special edition 007-inspired timepiece. A 42mm Seamaster Diver 300M with stainless steel case and contrasting blue dial with skeletonized, rhodium-plated hands. On the caseback, fans will love the playful allusion to the iconic rotating rifle barrel opening sequence, and the Milanese strap in the style of Bond’s titanium timepiece in No Time to Die.
Find more details on the Omega official website.
Last Updated on November 8, 2024 by Editorial Team
