Rolls-Royce reveals intricate woodwork with 3D marquetry

Rolls-Royce marks Phantom centenary with Private Collection featuring 3D marquetry, 3D ink layering and gold leafing in the most intricate woodwork ever created.

In 2025, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars celebrates the centenary of the Phantom, a model that for one hundred years has embodied the pinnacle of luxury and craftsmanship. To mark this milestone, the marque is preparing an exclusive Private Collection featuring the most intricate wooden panels ever created for a Rolls-Royce, showcasing three groundbreaking techniques: 3D marquetry, 3D ink layering, and 24-carat gold leafing.

The project demanded a year of development from the Bespoke Collective of designers and craftspeople, who transformed wood into a sculptural canvas. Blackwood was chosen for its distinctive grain, and oversized veneer sheets were carefully positioned to enhance the play of light across the surfaces. To preserve the integrity of the design, conventional speaker grilles were replaced by discreet perforations milled directly into the wood.

The door panels tell a layered story, combining maps, routes, landscapes, and floral motifs that celebrate Phantom’s century of journeys. Laser engraving at three depths creates shifting light and shadow, while 3D ink layering adds tactile patterns to the surface. These are further enriched by 3D marquetry, introducing raised motifs that give the composition depth and invite touch.

The final element is gold leafing. Five Rolls-Royce artisans undertook specialist training at West Dean College in West Sussex, mastering traditional gilding techniques adapted to meet the demands of automotive environments. Hand-laid sheets of 24-carat gold, each just 100 nanometres thick, were used to trace roads across the wooden maps, sealed beneath a durable protective finish.

The Phantom’s centenary is not only a celebration of history but also a statement of progress. Across eight generations — from the first Phantom of 1925 to the current eighth generation introduced in 2017 and updated in 2022 — the model has remained a symbol of prestige. Special editions such as the Phantom IV, reserved for heads of state, and the Phantom VI, associated with diplomatic status, illustrate its legacy of exclusivity.

In 2025, one-off commissions including the Phantom Dragon and Phantom Cherry Blossom further underline this legacy. These creations transform the car into a collector’s object, valued as much for artistry as for engineering.

Within the automotive community, the centenary projects are viewed as a bold evolution of craft. By introducing unprecedented techniques into its interiors, Rolls-Royce not only redefines its own standards but also sets new benchmarks for the industry. Collectors are expected to show keen interest, as anniversary Phantoms have historically commanded special attention on the market.