Jaguar releases a tease image of its dramatic new creative philosophy – Exuberant Modernism, that will inspire future vehicles.
The image of the rear detail, provides a glimpse into the brands design vision that will showcase bold forms and exuberant proportions.
Jaguar will globally reveal its Design Vision Concept at one of the world’s premier art festivals, Miami Art Week, on 2nd December 2024. With a presence in two locations, Jaguar will create meticulously curated gallery spaces and work with diverse emerging artists that share the Copy Nothing ethos of its founder, Sir William Lyons.
This ethos can trace its roots back to 1935 and is built on embracing unexpected and original thinking and a brand character that commands attention through fearless creativity.
New design, 800 CV of power, over 60km range in electric mode, with best-in-class performance and top speed in its category
AutomobiliLamborghini held the Oceania debut of the highly anticipated Lamborghini Urus SE , the first PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) of its Super SUV. Over 250 esteemed guests were hosted at Cockatoo Island, Sydney, to meet the revolutionary Super SUV that embodies Lamborghini’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and its iconic DNA of performance and luxury.
Featuring a new design, optimised aerodynamics, unprecedented on-board technology, and an 800 CV hybrid powertrain, the Urus SE builds on Urus S in terms of comfort, performance, efficiency, emissions and driving pleasure. Thanks to its “two hearts”, thermal and electric, the torque and power values are the highest ever, giving the SE a unique place in its category.
“I am pleased to present the most powerful version of Lamborghini’s Super SUV in Australia. The Urus SE offers an unparalleled driving experience with its plug-in hybrid system, which helps to improve the vehicle’s performance and dynamics on any surface and in any condition. Thanks to its “two hearts”, thermal and electric, the torque and power values are the highest and at the same time, it also reduces carbon emission which is in line with the sustainability goals in our Direzione Cor Tauri. Since the debut of The Urus, it has firmly established itself as Lamborghini’s global best seller, and I am confident that the Urus SE will continue to be a success in Oceania,” said Francesco Scardaoni, Region Director of Automobili Lamborghini Asia Pacific.
Ghost is one of the most important Rolls-Royce motor cars of the Goodwood era. The first generation was introduced in 2009 to meet the needs of what was then a completely new category of luxury consumer. These clients, who were predominantly younger than those the marque had spoken to with its initial motor car, Phantom, requested a more approachable and versatile model. They also sought a more distilled expression of the Rolls-Royce brand — and crucially, one that would allow them to make their own statements through Bespoke that they would relish driving themselves.
Exterior Design: The front end has been redesigned with a new illuminated Pantheon grille and updated headlight graphics. The rear features a new tail lamp configuration inspired by the Spectre.
Interior Enhancements: A new pillar-to-pillar glass panel houses the Central Information Display with the advanced SPIRIT operating system. The interior also features a new Spirit of Ecstasy Clock Cabinet and Illuminated Fascia.
Technology Upgrades: The SPIRIT system integrates with the Whispers private members app, allowing for remote vehicle management. Entertainment functions have been improved with enhanced streaming capabilities and connectivity.
BESPOKE Audio System: An upgraded 1400-watt amplifier powers the 18-speaker audio system, with innovative ‘speakerless’ exciters in the Headliner.
New Materials: Introduction of Grey-Stained Ash wood and Duality Twill, a bamboo-based textile. The Placed Perforation technique offers unique leather artworks.
Engineering: The 6.75-liter V12 engine is retained, with improvements to the Planar Suspension System for a more refined ride.
Ghost Extended Series II: The Ghost Extended Series II offers 6.69 inches more rear space and optional reclining Serenity Seating.
New ‘Duality Twill’ embroidered bamboo fabric (2.2m stitches, 11 miles of thread)
New choregraphed interior illumination sequence
Black Badge Ghost Series II Highlights
Rolls-Royce’s disruptive alter ego, Black Badge, finds its most powerful, agile, and technical expression in Ghost. Today, the company presents a daring evolution of this unapologetic and uniquely driver-focused car with Black Badge Ghost Series II, meticulously redesigned to provide this rebellious group of clients with a dramatic canvas for their bold Bespoke commissions.
The Black Badge Ghost Series II builds upon the standard model with performance and aesthetic enhancements:
Exterior Design: Features unique lower grille treatment with darkened chrome elements. All exterior Rolls-Royce hallmarks receive a black chrome finish.
Black Badge-specific bumper, Black Badge-specific lower bumper & specific air intakes
Darkened taillights, Black Chrome grille, Black door handles and window surround
Rolls-Royce announces the one-of-one Spectre Lunaflair
Inspired by a lunar halo, where light refracts through ice particles in cirrus clouds
Effect creates a brilliant, ethereal technicolor ring around the moon
Bespoke holographic paint captures this phenomenon for one-off motor car
Creating Lunaflair paint required one year of development
Bespoke paint reserved exclusively for the commissioning client
“We are constantly astounded by the diversity of ideas that inform our clients’ Bespoke concepts, which frequently draw inspiration from materials, finishes and themes they see in other commissions. Spectre Lunaflair is the perfect example of this, exploring the ethereal beauty of a lunar halo and sparked by the client after witnessing a paint finish on another Bespoke motor car. This symbiotic relationship and cross-pollination of ideas is fostering a ‘virtuous circle’ of innovation and creativity, which is incredibly important to our team of Bespoke designers, as we focus on delivering unparalleled value to those who entrust us with their vision.”
Rolls-Royce has unveiled the breathtaking Spectre Lunaflair – a Bespoke commission undertaken on behalf of a significant client from the United States. The extraordinary and exquisite highlight of this landmark motor car is the remarkable holographic paint finish that creates a captivating ‘rainbow’ effect.
The commission takes its inspiration and name from the optical phenomenon of a lunar halo, which appears as a colorful circle of light around the moon. It is caused by moonlight passing through ice crystals in high-altitude cirrus clouds, which act as microscopic prisms: the light refracts, creating a spellbinding technicolour ring effect, similar to light passing through a diamond.
Capturing this phenomenon in a bespoke paint finish required more than one year of experimentation. The paint chemistry, application timings, and base coat were extensively trialed in order to meet the client’s concept. The final finish is achieved by applying seven layers of lacquer, including a specially formulated pearlescent coat infused with fine flakes of magnesium fluoride and aluminum. This creates a deep metallic effect under low light that bursts into rainbow technicolor in bright sunshine.
The Spectre Lunaflair concept was partially inspired by another Bespoke masterpiece, the one-of-one Phantom Syntopia. Revealed in 2023, it features a dark iridescent Liquid Noir finish, infused with color-shifting, mirror-like pigment. Captivated by Phantom Syntopia’s appearance, the commissioning patron asked the Bespoke Collective to create a light and luminous expression of this concept that reflected their fascination with the lunar halo phenomenon.
This cross-pollination of ideas, where a previous commission directly informs and inspires a completely new concept and story, speaks to the power of Bespoke. For the marque’s Bespoke Collective of designers, engineers and craftspeople, this virtuous creative circle and interconnection of ideas constantly provides new opportunities for the advancement of their art.
Spectre Lunaflair’s dramatic coachwork is complemented by a fully Bespoke interior. It includes Navy Blue, White, and Peony Pink tones, recalling the spectrum of hues that can be witnessed during a lunar halo. The color scheme appears on the seats, doors and the Starlight Headliner. This theme is also carried onto the dual-tone steering wheel, with a Navy outer and an Arctic White inner side.
There will be only one Spectre Lunaflair ever produced. The unique Lunaflair paint finish is reserved exclusively for the commissioning patron.
The secrets of the innovative multi-technology spaceframe chassis, designed and built for the new super sports car from Sant’Agata Bolognese
Unveiled at Monterey Car Week 2024, the Temerario* has become a new benchmark in the super sports car segment owing to its unrivaled performance features: not only the hybrid powertrain combining a twin-turbo V8 engine with three axial flow electric motors, delivering a total power output of 920 CV, but also the new approach to chassis design.
Rouven Mohr, Chief Technical Officer of Automobili Lamborghini, unmasks the new Temerario with a detailed description of the new multi-technology spaceframe chassis, designed to withstand the higher loads deriving from the hybrid power unit, combining excellent mechanical qualities with remarkable efficiency in weight reduction.
These technologies made it possible to minimize the constructional complexity of the spaceframe, while at the same time enabling a high level of functional integration of the hybrid powertrain. In fact, the number of structural components has been reduced by 50%, along with an 80% reduction of heat welds. The new construction archetype has led to a 25% increase in torsional stiffness compared to the previous generation spaceframe, making a significant contribution to the vehicle’s excellent driving dynamics.
*The vehicle is not yet offered for sale and is therefore not subject to Directive 1999/94/EC. The fuel consumption and emissions data is in the type approval stage
Pole and second place in the final race of the year enough for SSR Performance driver to be crowned
Lamborghini Squadra Corse claimed a historic maiden DTM championship title as SSR Performance’s Mirko Bortolotti finished second in the final race of the season at Hockenheim.
Lamborghini Factory Driver Bortolotti, at the wheel of his #92 Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2, came into the weekend with a healthy if not insurmountable 15-point lead in the drivers’ standings over Audi rival Kelvin van der Linde, with the Mercedes of Maro Engel 20 points adrift in third.
Fifth place in the opening one-hour encounter on Saturday meant the Italian lost the lead of the championship to van der Linde, who won the race from pole position to take a slender two-point margin heading into Sunday’s decider. But a superb performance in qualifying allowed Bortolotti to reclaim the lead by a point after taking pole and duly captured the title with a steady, trouble-free run to second as Lamborghini Team Liqui Moly by GRT’s Luca Engstler won his second race of the year.
It is the first time that Lamborghini has won the coveted DTM title since making its entry into the Germany-based GT3 championship in 2021. For Bortolotti, it is the first championship crown since winning the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup title in 2017 and second major success in two weeks after victory in the IMSA season finale, the Petit Le Mans. Of particular significance to Lamborghini, it is also the first time an Italian brand has won the DTM for 31 years.
Free Practice and Qualifying
Opening practice on Friday morning was rain-affected, which, despite forecasts for dry weather across the weekend, turned out to offer representative conditions as the capricious Baden-Württemberg climate proved typically tricky to predict. Bortolotti was quick in both wet and dry conditions during practice, setting the second-quickest time in the morning and going fastest in the afternoon. Come qualifying, however, the pace intensified as Bortolotti could only manage seventh on the grid as main challenger van der Linde took the three points for pole position to reduce the gap to just 12 points before race one. By Sunday morning, the #92 Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 was on song again and Bortolotti stormed to his third pole position of the year to reclaim the points lead, with SSR Performance team-mate Nicki Thiim alongside him on the front-row of the grid in second.
Race 1
Keen to make up ground from his lower-than-expected grid position, Bortolotti vaulted up to fourth at the start of the race, as van der Linde leaped clear in his Audi. Key to Bortolotti’s progress on the opening lap was a series of bold overtakes, on the #91 Porsche of Thomas Preining before turn two and then another pass on Engstler on the exit of the turn four hairpin. Unfortunately, that was about as much as Bortolotti could manage as the Audi in the lead appeared to have too much pace. Bortolotti made his mandatory pit-stop and rejoined in front of the Mercedes of Engel but was passed and briefly pushed off-track, at turn eight by his rival. From there, it was a case of damage limitation as Bortolotti came home fifth at the end of the race and losing the lead of the championship to race winner van der Linde.
Race 2
Trailing van der Linde by just two points before qualifying, Bortolotti then reclaimed the lead of the championship by a solitary point by taking pole and duly made the most of a poor starting position for the Audi driver by romping clear of team-mate Thiim in the early stages. The #92 stretched its margin over the sister #94 Huracán to nearly five seconds before the mandatory pit-stops as van der Linde languished down the order in 10th. The last major hurdle overcome by efficient pit work by the SSR Performance mechanics, Bortolotti returned to the track still firmly in control of the championship, albeit dropping behind the #63 GRT Lamborghini of Engstler who took the lead. Bortolotti, knowing he only needed to maintain position to win the title, followed Engstler home in second place to safely become DTM champion. Engstler, therefore, claimed his second victory of the season, following his opening weekend success at Oschersleben, while Thiim recovered from contact with Jules Gounon’s Mercedes to finish fifth, completing a memorable final day for Lamborghini.
Rouven Mohr, Automobili Lamborghini Chief Technical Officer: “It’s an incredible achievement, to be honest. In this 40th anniversary season of the DTM, to win the title with Lamborghini and with Mirko is unbelievable. We have made history this weekend, and I am so proud of the efforts of the whole team to make this dream come true.”
Mirko Bortolotti, Lamborghini Factory Driver and SSR Performance said: “It’s tough to put it into words because it is something really major for us. First of all, I want to thank Lamborghini. They took me out of a hole 10 years ago and believed in me and gave me a chance. We went through thick and thin together, having great success at the same time, and I think today has been the biggest success for us and for myself. It’s definitely the biggest title of my career, so I am incredibly proud of everyone. I also need to thank everyone involved at DTM, all of the teams that gave me the chance to race, T3 Motorsport back in the days with my guest start at Assen, GRT of course for the first season where we were also close to the title, but it didn’t work out. And then SSR Performance, Stefan Schlund and everyone involved for the last two seasons, you really needed to be part of it every day behind the scenes to understand how this success was possible and to be built and where it comes from. The hours, the dedication, and the job that everybody did are something very unique and very special, and I will carry this for the rest of my life; it’s a really special day for me.”
Iron Lynx crew of Hamaguchi, Caldarelli, and Jefferies win final race of the year and LMGT3 crown
Lamborghini captured its first-ever Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) sanctioned title as Andrea Caldarelli, Axcil Jefferies and Hiroshi Hamaguchi became European Le Mans Series (ELMS) LMGT3 champions after a final-lap victory in the 4 Hours of Portimão.
The trio at the wheel of their #63 Iron Lynx Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2. started the final race of the season in Portugal fifth on the grid and had to fight back from an early setback following contact with another car inside the opening hour.
As the race wore on, the #63 moved back into contention with the efforts of Hamaguchi and Jefferies leaving the car lying second on a day heavily disrupted by multiple full course yellow, safety car and virtual safety car periods.
By the time Caldarelli took over, the car was still second but needed to win the race overall in order to wrap up the title. The Iron Dames Porsche (run by Iron Lynx) of Michelle Gatting led for the majority of the 4 Hours but gave up the lead at the last corner of the final lap to give the #63 the win and the class title.
Andrea Caldarelli, Lamborghini Factory Driver, said: “It’s been an amazing season, definitely not an easy one from the beginning. This has been the first season for the Huracán, which was quite difficult at the start of the year where we didn’t have so much pace, but we’ve fought very hard and got a lot of good points. We didn’t finish the last two races, so it was very difficult to come here for the last race, but in the end, we had a very good pace and a great strategy. I would like you to thank the whole team, Lamborghini, and my team-mates Hiroshi and Axcil, who did a great job, too.”
It rounds off a memorable season for Lamborghini and Iron Lynx, which started the season in Barcelona with a strong third place finish for Hamaguchi, Jefferies and Caldarelli. With valuable points in the bag, the crew then finished a competitive second in the second round of the year at Le Castellet in France, before adding another third place, on home soil at Imola.
Hamaguchi showcased his impressive raw speed in qualifying for round four at Spa-Francorchamps, taking pole position and leading the early stages. Unfortunately, contact with an LMP2 car damaged the suspension during the race, which led to further contact at Eau Rouge with the Iron Dames Porsche, putting both cars out of the race and registering the first retirement for the #63. A trouble race in the 4 Hours of Mugello meant the trio could only manage ninth place, but retirement and misfortune for its rivals left them in the hunt for the title in Portimão.
The weekend in Portugal began strongly for the #63, setting the fourth-quickest time in the opening free practice session on Thursday morning. Hamaguchi then took part in the Bronze-only session, pacing second fastest before qualifying fifth on the grid for the race.
The Japanese driver took the start but found himself facing the wrong way after an ambitious overtaking attempt on the #59 Aston Martin at turn 12 left, both spinning into the gravel trap. Fortunately, the #63 was able to return to the track, albeit dropping to 10th place and receiving a drivethrough penalty for its part in the contact, but Hamaguchi performed admirably to hand over the car to Jefferies.
Caldarelli then took over from Jefferies with the car in second place and began closing on the leading car entering the final stages. A late safety car preceded a restart with just 30 minutes remaining; Caldarelli pressurised the back of Gatting but could not find a way past, until the final lap when he snuck down the inside of the Porsche at the final corner. The significance of this was elevated due to the overall race leader lapping the pair, meaning the #63 crossed the line as the winner of the race and LMGT3 champions from the Kessel Racing Ferrari by just two points.
This is the third Private Office worldwide and the first in North America, Rolls-Royce’s largest global market
For the first time, North American clients can work directly with a bespoke designer to bring their commissions to life
The exclusive office supports increasing client engagement on more valuable and complex commissions
It also serves as a venue for dealers and clients to view and commission Rolls-Royce Private Collections
“Private Office New York responds directly to our North American clients’ requests for increasingly sophisticated Bespoke projects. We see a growing appetite for our world-renowned craftsmanship, technology, and design in advanced commissions. This space gives us a home in the heart of New York’s newest creative district.”
Martin Fritsches, President & CEO , Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, NA LLC
“Today’s inauguration marks a key moment for Rolls-Royce in the Americas. The studio offers clients throughout the region a slice of Rolls-Royce within easy reach. This investment addresses the rising engagement from regional clients, challenging our designers to create our most exciting and intricate commissions yet. Private Office New York brings to mind the magical environment of Goodwood, enhancing the brand experience for our clients.”
Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive Officer , Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars today unveiled Private Office New York, joining centers in Shanghai and Dubai. The exclusive studio, overlooking New York City’s Meatpacking District, is available by appointment to North American clients and dealers.
Bespoke customization, the hallmark of Rolls-Royce, increasingly adds value beyond a model’s starting price. Private Office New York provides an authentic setting for clients to explore design possibilities. For the first time, U.S.-based designers will help clients realize their visions, emphasizing value creation over commission volume.
As clients initiate commissions with authorized dealers, the Bespoke team determines which projects require Private Office support. Designers use physical samples to create initial concepts, sparking creative dialogue. The studio’s luxurious space, featuring authentic materials and colors, nurtures clients’ creativity.
Private Office New York will also highlight future Rolls-Royce Private Collections. These exclusive, themed collections highlight the Bespoke Collective’s artistry, with each project extending inspiring narratives through craft, design, and engineering.
The office complements local dealership experiences, exploring each client’s unique lifestyle, preferences, and needs. Designers assess requests, color palettes, and moods through formal and casual interviews. Clients can share personal items or images to infuse their personality into designs.
Housing a vast array of samples—fabrics, paints, leathers, and textiles in diverse colors and finishes—Private Office New York equips designers with cutting-edge technology to present materials, techniques, and ideas before commission finalization.
New York City, particularly Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, was chosen for its accessibility to top clients and dealers across North America. This vibrant area, known for boutiques, exclusive restaurants, and hotels, blends industrial charm with contemporary sophistication, attracting those seeking pinnacle luxury experiences.
As Rolls-Royce’s largest market for two decades, North America has seen a dramatic increase in Bespoke complexity and creativity over the past three years. Private Office New York aims to further elevate the value of each commission in this key region.
Grosjean returns to SC63 alongside Caldarelli and Cairoli for penultimate Endurance round of the year
Lamborghini Iron Lynx returns to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship this weekend for the penultimate round of the Michelin Endurance Cup (MEC) at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Having contested the previous MEC round at Watkins Glen with a two-driver line-up, Lamborghini Iron Lynx returns to full capacity this weekend as Romain Grosjean teams up with fellow factory drivers Matteo Cairoli and Andrea Caldarelli in the #63 Lamborghini SC63. The trio last raced together at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where they finished a creditable 13.
Despite their race ending in retirement due to a cooling issue with the SC63, Caldarelli and Cairoli were able to showcase the improved performance of the #63 car in the Sahlen’s 6 Hours of the Glen in June. The car recorded its best qualifying performance of the season so far and ran strongly inside the top five during the race, running as high as third due to good strategic calls amid changeable weather conditions.
The GT Daytona (GTD) line-ups remain unchanged, with Sarah Bovy, Rahel Frey, and Michelle Gatting again joining forces in the #83 Iron Dames Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2. Fresh off the back of a podium finish in the Sprint race at Virginia International Raceway last month, the #78 Forte Racing Huracán of Loris Spinelli and Misha Goikhberg is once again completed with the addition of Devlin DeFrancesco. Meanwhile, in the other full season entry, Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America regular Graham Doyle returns to the #45 Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti car alongside Kyle Marcelli and Danny Formal.
Due to a calendar clash with the Fanatec GT World Challenge Endurance Cup race at Monza, the #19 Iron Lynx Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 features a revised driver line-up this weekend, with DTM regulars Maximilian Paul and Luca Engstler joining the team, the latter making his IMSA debut. The German duo are both members of Lamborghini Squadra Corse’s young driver talent pool, with Paul an official Young Professional Driver and Engstler part of the GT3 Junior Driver roster.
Track Description
The Indianapolis Road Course is a 14-turn, 2.439-mile (3.925km) track which starts and finishes on the famous main straight – running in the opposite direction – of the Speedway, crossing the line of bricks which gives the venue its nickname, the Brickyard. A narrow and technical track, there are three big braking areas, namely the first turn where the cars arrive at maximum terminal speed and turn seven following the high-speed chicane of turns five and six and the backstraight. Overtaking and negotiating lapped traffic will likely cause a few headaches during the race, particularly in the final sector. Additionally, with a lap-time of just over 70-seconds, quick pit work and effective strategy will play a key role in staying on the lead lap for as long as possible.
How keen are you to get back in the car after missing Watkins Glen?
“I’m very excited to be back in the car this weekend, I kept an eye on Watkins and the recent WEC round at COTA, but I was able to get a bit of a refresher in the SC63 with the tyre test at COTA. But I’m very keen to get back, IMSA is a great championship with really high competition, and I know the track very well.”
What are the main challenges of the Indy Road Course and what is the key to a good lap-time?
“It’s a very flat track, and it has a lot of big braking zones into slow-speed corners, so this is quite a big challenge. And then the 7, 8, 9 sequence of corners is quite tricky, so you need to use a lot of kerbs. I think the flat nature of the track should help us a bit compared to the bumpy tracks we’ve been at before at Sebring.”
You’ve done well at this track before in IndyCar, what are you hoping to achieve in IMSA?
“The aim is to keep improving the car and continue the development and learning curve this weekend. I think we are getting better and better, and so the objective is to try and get the best result we can with this beautiful car in Indy.”
How do you assess the first season with the SC63 so far?
“The reliability has been one of the biggest strengths of the car which is great. I think we have a very good baseline to develop for the future; of course, there are a few things which all of us drivers and engineers want to see on the car going forward but overall, I would say that it has been a very positive team with the entire Lamborghini Squadra Corse team.”
The weekend at a glance
Friday 20th September Free Practice 1 (11:15-12:45)
Saturday 21st September Free Practice 2 (08:55-10:25) Qualifying – GTD/GTD Pro (15:40-15:55) Qualifying – GTP (16:30-16:45)
1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III used by film’s villain, Auric Goldfinger, to smuggle gold
Perfectly suited to the task: powerful Phantom III was the first ever V12 Rolls-Royce
Phantom III was the final model that Henry Royce developed before his death in 1933
Rolls-Royce will be making a special announcement on 25 October
“Today marks the 60th anniversary of Phantom’s most memorable big-screen debut in the 1964 James Bond film, Goldfinger. The 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Sedanca de Ville used in the film is both the perfect accomplice for its villain, Auric Goldfinger, and an enduring muse within our brand. The model used also holds a special place in the Rolls-Royce canon as it was the final motor car personally developed by our visionary founder, Sir Henry Royce. I look forward to announcing a brilliant new chapter in this story imminently.”
Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
“This is gold, Mr. Bond. All my life, I’ve been in love with its color, its brilliance, its divine heaviness.”
Auric Goldfinger, Auric Enterprises
Rolls-Royce motor cars have featured in a dozen James Bond films throughout the film franchise’s history. However, the marque’s most enduring and memorable role is in the 007 Goldfinger.
This cinematic classic came to define the essential qualities of a Bond film; the design, the locations, the gadgets, and the eccentric adversary. Today, on the anniversary of the film’s premiere on 17 September 1964, Rolls-Royce explores the story of Goldfinger and the British icon that featured in it – the Rolls-Royce Phantom.
The film sees eponymous villain, Auric Goldfinger, driven by his henchman, Oddjob, across Europe in an exquisite 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Sedanca de Ville. The coachwork of this imperious motor car holds a secret – it is made from two tons of solid 18-carat gold, which Goldfinger is smuggling from England, across the continent and over the challenging Furka Pass into Switzerland. Once safely installed in Auric Enterprises, he uses his alpine smelting plant to disassemble his Rolls-Royce, melting down the body panels into gold bars. With the original coachwork replaced, he returns his motor car to England and repeats this nefarious crossing.
Goldfinger’s master plan, named ‘Operation Grand Slam’, is far more ambitious; he plans to irradiate the gold stored in the Fort Knox Bullion Depository with an atomic device, rendering it worthless, driving the value of his own reserves into the stratosphere.
Goldfinger’s choice of a Phantom III for smuggling gold is as brilliant as the precious metal that compels him. Its generous proportions allow for a significant amount of contraband to be concealed, and the gold’s ‘divine weight’ would do little to hinder this potent motor car’s performance, even on the demanding alpine roads. Phantom III was the first V12-powered Rolls-Royce in history, producing 165bhp from its 7.3-litre engine, a 37.5% increase in power from its predecessor, the 120bhp Phantom II.
Phantom III was also the last motor car to be developed by Henry Royce himself, prior to his death in 1933. It includes a number of innovations that would have greatly improved those smuggling runs for Goldfinger. Its suspension system incorporates fully adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers which can be controlled from the driver’s seat, allowing Oddjob to fine-tune the ride depending on whether the motor car was laden or not.
The specific motor car used by Goldfinger is equipped with an open front and enclosed rear ‘Sedanca de Ville’ – or Town Car – body by coachbuilders Barker. Its commanding presence prompts Bond himself to remark, “She’s a beauty… Phantom III ‘37, isn’t she?” as Oddjob loads Goldfinger’s signature gold golf club and harlequin umbrella into the boot outside Stoke Park, the private sporting estate where Bond first meets them.
Goldfinger’s Phantom III wears the numberplate ‘AU 1’, a reference to the chemical symbol for gold on the periodic table of elements. While this was an obvious choice for the filmmakers, its designation has more simple origins. AU was the original British numberplate code designating that a motor car had been registered in Nottingham and AU 1 was issued in 1901 for one of the first vehicles in the area. After being used in the film, it was subsequently transferred to other Rolls-Royce motor cars, following its big-screen debut.
Prior to its role in the film, this Phantom III was originally commissioned for American-born Huttleston Rogers Broughton, who settled in England and became the first Lord Fairhaven of Anglesey Abbey. Challenging the conventions of the time, it was painted almost entirely in black, including all lamp housings, bumpers, wheel discs and even the rear-view mirror surround. It included a white coachline, which highlighted the bonnet sides and top, and the chrome radiator shutters were sandblasted for a more subdued finish. The instruments included imperial and metric measurements, as it would be used by Lord Fairhaven on roads in Britain and Continental Europe. The motor car’s signature two-tone yellow and black finish was then applied for its appearance in Goldfinger.
At 14:00 BST, on 25 October, Rolls-Royce will open a new chapter in the ‘AU 1’ Phantom story, furthering the legacy of this extraordinary motor car, and Rolls-Royce’s connection to the James Bond film franchise.
