Phantom Goldfinger unveiled at Villa d’Este for Phantom’s centenary

Rolls-Royce marks 100 years of Phantom with the public debut of Phantom Goldfinger at Villa d’Este, inspired by the 1964 James Bond film.

At this year's Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars marked the centenary of its iconic Phantom nameplate with a spectacle that bridged cinema, heritage, and craftsmanship. The headline act: the public debut of Phantom Goldfinger, a one-of-one commission inspired by the 1964 James Bond film "Goldfinger" and brought to life through the marque’s renowned Bespoke Collective.

Unveiled on the shore of Lake Como, the Phantom Goldfinger is a striking interpretation of the Phantom Extended, blending cinematic storytelling with precious material detailing. 18- and 24-carat gold accents run through both interior and exterior elements, while subtle references to the film’s characters and themes are woven into its design. The vehicle’s bold black and yellow paintwork evokes the original Phantom III driven by Auric Goldfinger in the film.

This very same 1937 Phantom III Sedanca de Ville was also on display during the event, reuniting the real-life film prop with its modern tribute. For fans of Bond and automotive history alike, the juxtaposition of past and present offered a rare glimpse into the evolving mythology surrounding the Phantom.

Adding a visual dimension to the celebration, Rolls-Royce designers created a series of eight original artworks, each portraying a different Phantom generation through the lens of its respective era. The pieces not only traced the aesthetic journey of the model, but also underscored Phantom’s cultural resonance over ten decades of political, social, and artistic transformation.

One of the show’s dynamic moments was the participation of a pristine Phantom V in the opening parade. A car that once served heads of state and cultural icons, it served as a living reminder of Phantom’s role as a global symbol of power and distinction.

The Concorso d’Eleganza, with its curated selection of historic vehicles, proved the ideal backdrop. Alongside the Phantom Goldfinger, rare and bespoke automobiles like the BMW 507 Roadster and Alfa Romeo P3 captured attention, reaffirming the show’s status as a global stage for automotive artistry.

Looking ahead, Rolls-Royce appears poised to maintain Phantom's status in a changing world. With substantial investments into electrification and the continued evolution of its Bespoke program, the brand is preparing Phantom for its second century without compromising the legacy it has so meticulously built.

Source: rolls-roycemotorcars.com