The Rolls Royce Phantom Goldfinger celebrates 100 years

In a striking celebration of both cinematic heritage and automotive craftsmanship, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars publicly introduced the Phantom Goldfinger at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. This exclusive showcase marked the centenary of the Phantom, the brand’s most distinguished and historic model.

A Tailor-Made Tribute to Bond History

The Phantom Goldfinger is a one-of-a-kind commission inspired by the classic 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger. Revealed for the first time on the iconic Mosaic Lawn beside Lake Como, this bespoke Phantom Extended stands as a modern interpretation of cinematic elegance and luxury. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the vehicle features 18-carat and 24-carat gold accents along with design elements that reflect characters and settings from the film.

This special edition draws direct inspiration from the 1937 Phantom III Sedanca de Ville, the same model driven by Auric Goldfinger in the film. The original car was also displayed at the event, reinforcing the strong link between the two eras and offering guests a rare opportunity to witness history and modern design in one setting.

Phantom's Artistic Legacy on Display

To further honor a century of Phantom excellence, Rolls-Royce presented a curated art exhibition created by the brand’s designers. Eight original artworks were revealed, each capturing a different generation of Phantom in the visual style of the time period it represents. These pieces explored the influence Phantom has had on culture and design throughout its hundred-year journey.

Each artwork is not just a visual record of evolving aesthetics but also a tribute to the environments and moments Phantom has shaped and reflected throughout the decades.

A Grand Entrance for a Timeless Icon

Visitors to the Concorso were also treated to a special parade on the opening day that included a perfectly preserved Phantom V. Known for its association with influential figures in politics and culture, the Phantom V added a strong sense of historical presence to the festivities. Its appearance reminded onlookers of Phantom’s role as more than just a luxury vehicle but as a symbol of leadership and distinction.

Reflections from Rolls-Royce Leadership

Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, emphasized the importance of the venue and the occasion.
The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este is the perfect setting for Rolls-Royce, as both this gathering and our marque celebrate the motor car as an object of art, craftsmanship and cultural expression. In this exceptional location, we are proud to make the public debut of Phantom Goldfinger, a remarkable expression of our Bespoke capabilities and a powerful tribute to a film cherished by the client.

He added that the presence of the original 1937 model alongside the new Phantom Goldfinger added an emotional layer to the experience, highlighting the car’s role in both cinematic and brand history.

A Defining Moment for the Phantom Legacy

This year’s unveiling of the Phantom Goldfinger and the broader centenary celebration at Villa d’Este served as a powerful reminder of Phantom’s status as an icon of design and culture. The event illustrated how the nameplate has continued to inspire across generations and remains a defining force in the world of bespoke luxury automobiles.

As Rolls-Royce looks toward the next century, the Phantom continues to stand as a symbol of enduring excellence, with the Goldfinger edition reaffirming its place at the intersection of art, film and automotive brilliance.