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Rolls-Royce Celebrate 100-Year Anniversary with Phantom Centenary

Special Edition Rolls is Even More Lavishly Equipped than Regular Phantom

Compared to some items we use on a regular basis, such as glass bottles (invented about 2000 years ago) and the clock (invented between 1268 and 1360), the motorcar has only been around for 120 years or so, the result of German mechanical engineer Karl Benz who designed and built the worlds first practical automobile in 1885.

Since the first motorcars sputtered onto cobblestone and dirt roads the genre has become our predominant source of transportation. Of the early automakers, few have made it to the 100 year mark - among them Mercedes-Benz, Ford, and

Rolls-Royce, the grandest British motorcar company, is the most recent marque to join the centenarian club. (Photo: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars)

Oldsmobile (which will soon be defunct). Rolls-Royce, the grandest British motorcar company, is the most recent marque to join the centenarian club. To celebrate this rarified anniversary, Rolls-Royce will be producing a limited edition of its new Phantom sedan.

Christened "Centenary," this is the second new Rolls-Royce to be revealed in this special year. The first was a V16 powered convertible concept dubbed the 100 EX, the 100 also to celebrate

To celebrate its 100th birthday, Rolls-Royce will be producing a limited edition Phantom dubbed the Centenary. (Photo: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars)

the luxury brands age, but the Centenary at least is headed for production.

Only 35 Centenarys will be produced, each fitted with exclusive equipment. The Phantoms stately exterior is coated in a special Curzon paint scheme, the same finish as used on the 100 EX concept vehicle. The charcoal-blue body is bisected by a single crimson pinstripe that follows the beltline for the length of the car. Meteor silver-painted wheels, a polished aluminum grille, and the Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament crafted from sterling silver contrast the Phantoms dark birthday suit.

Other accents exclusive to the Phantom Centenary include historic

Only 35 of these historic milestone cars will be made, as such they are already considered by some to be priceless. (Photo: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars)

badging and trim. Around the exterior of the car, the latest rendition of the Rolls-Royce company logo has been replaced in favor of one reminiscent of the badge featured on cars between 1904 and 1930. The kick plates of each door feature a special plaque bearing the names of automakers storied creators, Charles Rolls and Henry Royce, as well as the date "May 4th, 1904" - a reminder to anyone who climbs aboard that the car being entered is among the worlds finest, and oldest.

Meanwhile, the interior features special trim consisting of Curzon-colored leather seats and doors, mahogany wood on the lower dashboard and doors, and brushed aluminum on the upper dash and door handles.

The price? If it matters, this isnt the car for you. Celebratory vehicles such as this are priceless to collectors and historians alike, and with 100 years backing this very vehicle a blank check should do the job.

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