On 24 May 2025, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars marked a milestone in automotive history, celebrating 100 years of its most iconic model, the Phantom, at the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy. This exclusive gathering on the shores of Lake Como served as the global stage for the public debut of the Phantom Goldfinger — a bespoke one-of-one masterpiece inspired by the 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger.
“The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este is the perfect setting for Rolls-Royce,” said Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “Both this event and our marque recognize the motor car as a true work of art, craftsmanship, and cultural expression. Presenting the Phantom Goldfinger here, alongside the original 1937 model that inspired it, is a powerful tribute to this legacy.”
The Phantom Goldfinger draws directly from cinematic history, echoing the Phantom III Sedanca de Ville driven by villain Auric Goldfinger in the classic film. Originally revealed in 2024 during the film’s 60th anniversary, this modern reinterpretation features 18- and 24-carat gold elements, alongside rich storytelling motifs and design cues that nod to the movie’s characters, settings, and narrative themes.
In homage to Phantom’s centennial legacy, Rolls-Royce also showcased a curated exhibition of eight original artworks. Created by the marque’s design team at Goodwood, each piece represents a different generation of Phantom, captured in the visual style of its respective era. These works highlight how Phantom has reflected and influenced global culture across ten decades.
The event also included a ceremonial parade, where a pristinely maintained Phantom V took center stage. Once favored by world leaders and cultural icons, the Phantom V served as a reminder of the car’s enduring symbolism of status, leadership, and timeless elegance.
Against the backdrop of a culturally rich and luxurious Italian calendar, the unveiling of the Phantom Goldfinger was more than a debut — it was a celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation. As the Phantom enters its second century, this moment underscores its role not only as a pinnacle of automotive excellence but as a continuing source of inspiration and influence.
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