Rolls-Royce unveiled a collection of four bespoke builds named the “Year Of The Dragon” commissions to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Comprised of three Phantom Extended Wheelbase models and one Cullinan, this grouping of cars allows the British carmaker to pay tribute to Chinese culture simultaneously while allowing its Bespoke department to flex its artistic muscles.
The Lunar New Year began on February 10th, with this year being the year of the dragon. As such, the dragon motif is central to the design of these four cars. In the three Phantoms, for example, the rear picnic tables incorporate an illustration, finished in stainless steel, of the Chinese zodiac calendar with the dragon highlighted in gold.
Subtler representations of the dragon exist in the Phoenix Red stitching found throughout on their seats and interiors. The Phantoms utilize white or black leather as the interior’s base color, contrasting red leather on the dashboard, armrest, and steering wheel. Even Rolls’ famous lambswool floormats feature the bright color. The dragon makes its way onto Rolls-Royce’s starlight headliner, which is comprised of 1,344 lights, with 677 highlighting the motif.
The Phantom photographed above is the first of the four commissions to head to its owner in Orange County, CA. It features a gloss black exterior with a sparkly Crystal finish along with a Phoenix Red coachline, interrupted only by a dragon motif finished in the same color.
According to Jonathan Simms, head of Rolls’ Bespoke division, “The Bespoke creations, inspired by the Year of the Dragon in 2024, celebrate the international reach and influence of Chinese culture, which transcends national boundaries. Hence, these magnificent motor cars are destined for clients based across three continents.”
Although Rolls-Royce hasn’t specified where the remaining commissions will go, they won’t be sold in the U.S., with at least one conceivably going to the Chinese market. These remaining three cars will wear unique front fascias with different reinterpretations of the dragon motif hand-painted by various artists, each taking at least two weeks to complete.
