The Connection Between Rolls-Royce and Art Deco

Rolls-Royce's special edition "Art Deco Collection" has made its highly anticipated debut in Japan. With only 40 units produced worldwide, Japan will receive a total of three vehicles: two Ghosts and one Phantom.

Art Deco, known as a design movement that gained popularity primarily in Europe and America from around 1920 to 1940, is characterized by its linear, geometric, and patterned motifs, contrasting with the organic, curvilinear designs of Art Nouveau that flourished in the late 19th century. While iconic examples like the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center are widely recognized, Art Deco's influence extended beyond jewelry to industrial products such as architecture, automobiles, and aircraft, a significant departure from previous artistic movements.

Naturally, Rolls-Royce was significantly influenced by this era. The flowing lines of the brand's iconic mascot, the Spirit of Ecstasy, foreshadowed Art Deco, and the Phantoms produced in the 1920s and 1930s can be considered the pinnacle of Rolls-Royce design in the 20th century. Art Deco inspired individuals with the ambition and conviction to go beyond mere imitation, bringing new dynamism and direction to design.



This tradition continues to be inherited by present-day Rolls-Royce models. The Spirit of Ecstasy, the Parthenon grille, the circular air vents, and the tire diameter that occupies half the vehicle's height are prime examples. Tracing their roots reveals a strong reflection of the design demands of the era and its clientele.

The two limited edition models, the Ghost and Phantom, showcased here, embody the history of Rolls-Royce by incorporating Art Deco style in their exterior and interior. The iconic illuminated mascot gleams on the front grille, while a single hand-painted coachline accentuates the side body. The luxurious piano black wood interior features Art Deco-inspired marquetry. Behind these meticulous details lies the indispensable work of Rolls-Royce's bespoke program,Skilled Craftsmen, whose expertise must not be overlooked. At the launch event, Craig Bowyer, the company's Interior Trim Planner, demonstrated marquetry craftsmanship.



"Only Rolls-Royce's bespoke program, with its highly skilled craftsmanship, can offer the personalization required to create truly unique automobiles," stated Mr. Watarai, President of Cornes Motors, the venue for this announcement. These two models of the "Art Deco Collection," truly works of art on wheels, represent a world that only Rolls-Royce can achieve, distinct from any other brand.

The prices in Japan are 54,528,700 yen for the "Phantom SWB Art Deco" and 33,977,600 yen for the "Ghost SWB Art Deco." The third Ghost introduced to Japan, the "Ghost EWB Art Deco," has already been sold.

Rolls-Royce Phantom SWB Art Deco
Body: Length 5,842 x Width 1,990 x Height 1,638 mm
Wheelbase: 3,570 mm
Minimum Turning Radius: 6.9 meters
Trunk Capacity: 460 liters
Weight: 2,560 kg
Engine: 6,749cc V12 48-valve
Max Output: 388 kW (460 ps) / 5,350 rpm
Max Torque: 720 Nm / 3,500 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Drivetrain: FR
Suspension (Front/Rear): Double wishbone / Multi-link
Tires (Front/Rear): 255/50R21 106W / 285/45R21
Brakes (Front/Rear): Ventilated discs / Ventilated discs
Top Speed: 240 km/h (with limiter)
0-100 km/h Acceleration: 5.9 seconds
Fuel Economy (European Combined): 14.8 L/100 km (approx. 6.76 km/L)
CO2 Emissions: 347 g/km
Price: 54,528,700 yen

Rolls-Royce Ghost Art Deco
Body: Length 5,399 x Width 1,948 x Height 1,550 mm
Wheelbase: 3,295 mm
Tread (Front/Rear): 1,622 / 1,660 mm
Minimum Turning Radius: 6.7 meters
Trunk Capacity: 490 liters
Weight: 2,450 kg
Engine: 6,592cc V12 DOHC Twin-Turbo 48-valve
Compression Ratio: 10.0 : 1
Bore x Stroke: 88.3 x 89.0 mm
Max Output: 420 kW (570 ps) / 5,250 rpm
Max Torque: 780 Nm / 1,500 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Drivetrain: FR
Suspension (Front/Rear): Double wishbone / Multi-link
Tires (Front/Rear): 255/50 R19 103Y / 255/50 R19 103Y
Brakes (Front/Rear): Ventilated discs / Ventilated discs
Top Speed: 250 km/h (with limiter)
0-100 km/h Acceleration: 4.9 seconds
Fuel Economy (European Combined): 13.6 L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 317 g/km
Fuel Tank Capacity: 82.5 L
Price: 33,977,600 yen