The Rolls-Royce nameplate is in and of itself a superlative. Even more so, special editions or “Bespoke” models will regularly appear and catch the attention of the media, writes Ryan de Villiers.
This carbon creation was the lovechild of South African artist Alastair Gibson. Gibson is recognised as a masterful artist who specialises in creating pieces out of carbon fibre. Having also spent 14 years in Formula One, 4 of which as Lead Mechanic for the Benetton F1 Team and 10 years as race team Chief Mechanic for the BAR and Honda Grand Prix Teams, he combines his motorsport engineering experience as well as his love for the natural world to create his signature Carbon Fibre Sculptures. Gibson recycles F1 car parts which he sources from Grand Prix teams and then repurposes them in his sculptures.
Built-in a sterile landscape known as the “Clean Room” in Goodwood, the home of Rolls-Royce, this particular Phantom underwent extensive alterations to result in what may be the most eccentric and distinctive Bespoke Phantom produced to date. Living up to its title, the specially designed Phantom consists of 150 layers of carbon fibre that have been compressed and mixed with resin to create a single solid billet. Driving home the truly outrageous carbon fibre integration, the Spirit of Ecstasy that sits at the forefront of the vehicle has also been made out of carbon fibre.
The exterior of the car is drenched in carbon fibre elements and the same goes for the interior. The white seats are lined with striking orange stitching andThe Gallery, the upper part of the Phantom’s dashboard, hosts an impressive design element. The Veil gallery features a sharp, angular, and dark work of art that is housed behind a protective layer of glass.
A source of inspiration for most of the car and especially the Gallery’s art was the 118 Wally Power. The Wally Power is a 35-metre long luxury motor yacht that can reach speeds of up to 110 km/h or 60 nautical knots. The luxury yacht has a similar sleek, angular and dark exterior to the Carbon Veil Phantom. The build of the car was commissioned by Rolls-Royce Bespoke brought to life by Gibson.
Words: Ryan de Villiers
