On November 1, 2024, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars made headlines by unveiling a unique Phantom Extended that pays tribute to the iconic 1964 James Bond film, Goldfinger. This one-of-a-kind masterpiece celebrates sixty years of the film and highlights the luxury brand's storied connection to the 007 franchise, marking one of twelve Rolls-Royce appearances throughout its cinematic history.
The Phantom Goldfinger draws inspiration from the 1937 Phantom III Sedanca de Ville owned by the film’s antagonist, Auric Goldfinger. Every element of this bespoke vehicle is meticulously crafted, featuring some of the most sophisticated engineering and artisanal details ever incorporated into a Rolls-Royce. The development process spanned three years, allowing the creative team to meticulously design features that pay homage to the film's rich narrative and visual aesthetic.
The exterior of the Phantom Goldfinger showcases a striking two-tone paint job, precisely matched to the original Phantom III from the film. The bold yellow hue wraps around the vehicle’s elegant lines, complemented by black accents that create a seamless graphic effect. The 21-inch disc wheels, finished in black with silver floating hubcaps, echo the historical design while enhancing the modern luxury of this bespoke creation.
At the forefront of the car is the Spirit of Ecstasy, uniquely finished to reflect the film’s plot. This specially crafted figurine appears to reveal sections of gold beneath its silver coating, alluding to Goldfinger’s notorious smuggling of gold within the body of his Phantom. Achieving this ‘gold reveal’ effect involved gold-plating a solid silver Spirit of Ecstasy, demonstrating the exceptional craftsmanship Rolls-Royce is renowned for.
Inside, the interior of Phantom Goldfinger is a treasure trove of exquisite features. One of the standout elements is the concealed vault in the center console, housing an illuminated solid 18-carat gold bar shaped like a ‘Speedform’, representing the car’s design in miniature. The attention to detail continues with the glovebox, which bears an embossed quote from Goldfinger: “This is gold, Mr. Bond. All my life, I’ve been in love with its colour, its brilliance, its divine heaviness.” This meticulousness extends to gold finishes on the air vents, speaker frets, and treadplates, all of which enhance the luxurious experience.
A focal point of the interior is the Gallery, a stunning three-dimensional artwork that serves as the motor car’s centerpiece. This feature is an artistic representation of the Furka Pass, where a key scene in Goldfinger unfolds. Constructed from stainless steel with intricate engravings, the Gallery showcases both craftsmanship and creativity, revealing bright metal beneath its darkened surface. The surrounding clock design echoes the iconic ‘gun barrel’ sequence familiar to Bond fans.
The Starlight Headliner adds another layer of homage to the film, meticulously crafted to reflect the constellation visible above the Furka Pass on July 11, 1964, the last day of filming. A total of 719 stars, gently glowing with a gold hue, create a celestial backdrop that connects the car to its cinematic legacy.
Further enriching the narrative, the Royal Walnut picnic tables feature a 22-carat gold inlay, illustrating a fictional map of Fort Knox. This meticulous design took six months to finalize and integrates critical locations from Goldfinger’s plot, adding an interactive element to the vehicle’s luxurious features.
The interior color palette, a refined combination of navy leather and Royal Walnut veneer, highlights the gold detailing, reminiscent of the original motor car's elegant aesthetic. Seating arrangements include the opulent Serenity Seating, adorned with gold stitching and bespoke ‘RR’ monograms.
The Phantom Goldfinger also includes playful nods to the film’s iconic moments. A gold-plated golf putter is mounted inside the boot lid, echoing Goldfinger’s first encounter with Bond. Moreover, an innovative projection device discreetly displays the 007 logo on the carpet whenever the boot is opened, a clever tribute to the gadgetry synonymous with the franchise.
Additional details, such as harlequin umbrellas reflecting the vibrant colors of the original film and the prized number plate ‘AU 1’, referencing the chemical symbol for gold, further enhance this extraordinary vehicle. Delivered to a prominent Rolls-Royce client and collector in England, the Phantom Goldfinger stands as a testament to the brand’s dedication to bespoke craftsmanship and its enduring connection to the world of James Bond.
Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, articulated the brand's commitment to creating unique masterpieces that transcend conventional luxury, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that brought the Phantom Goldfinger to life. Meanwhile, Boris Weletzky, the Regional Director for the UK, Europe, and Central Asia, expressed pride in how the Bespoke Collective captured the essence of Goldfinger through this exceptional creation.
As the film's 60th anniversary is celebrated, the Phantom Goldfinger not only redefines luxury but also immortalizes the cinematic legacy of James Bond, weaving together artistry, engineering, and storytelling in an unparalleled motor car experience.