Cosmic Inspiration
The Rolls Royce Cullinan Cosmos is a one-of-one commission inspired by the drama of outer space
Created for a family fascinated by the universe, it showcases unprecedented craftsmanship, including Rolls-Royce’s first fully hand painted Starlight Headliner. Over 160 hours, an in-house artist developed a celestial design capturing the Milky Way, using more than 20 layers of acrylic paint and fine detailing techniques. The exterior, finished in shimmering Arabescato Pearl, features a hand painted twin coachline in Charles Blue and an Illuminated Spirit of Ecstasy.
Inside, Charles Blue and Grace White leather combine with Piano White veneers to evoke the stillness of deep space. A bespoke Star Cluster motif is embroidered across the interior and hand painted on the fascia, tying the theme together. Commissioned through Private Office Dubai, Cullinan Cosmos transforms every journey into a celebration of artistry and imagination, blending Rolls Royce’s tradition of bespoke excellence with a truly cosmic vision.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com
Automotive Legacy
1926 Rolls-Royce Phantom Crowned Best in Show at Hampton Court Palace
The 13th edition of the annual Concours of Elegance attracted over 15,000 visitors to the Royal Palace gardens over three days in early September to view a display of more than 70 rare and significant road and competition cars participating in the concours. The judges chose a 1926 Phantom I as Best in Show and awarded a total of 48 prizes to the immaculately prepared cars for their factory fresh appearance.
The Best in Show winner, known as ‘The Phantom of Love’, was originally created as the ultimate expression of devotion by Clarence Gasque for his beloved wife, heiress to the Woolworths fortune. It cost £6,500 when new – at a time when the average UK house price was just £500. The Rococo interior, inspired by Marie Antoinette’s sedan chair at the Victoria and Albert Museum, features authentic Aubusson tapestries, gilt decoration, and porcelain vases filled with enamel flowers that “never die” – symbolising everlasting love.
Tragically, Clarence Gasque died just 18 months after commissioning the car. It was then stored until 1952, when it was purchased by Rolls Royce collector Stanley Sears, before passing through Japanese, American and Australian collections. It is one of the most famous surviving Rolls-Royces, entirely original and presented exactly as it was intended nearly 100 years ago.
The unrivalled event spanned a century of automotive rarity, beauty and style in the royal setting of the magnificent 500 year old Tudor Grade I palace, famed as the favourite home of King Henry VIII.
Colour Transition
Bentley Motors has introduced Ombre by Mulliner, a new bespoke paint finish requiring over 56 hours of expert craftsmanship.
Created at Bentley’s Dream Factory in Crewe, this technique blends two contrasting colours seamlessly along the vehicle’s body, offering a unique effect. The first example is a Continental GT Speed, showcased at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering. This model transitions from Topaz at the front to Windsor Blue at the rear, with the fade following the rear haunch line.
Mulliner offers three curated colour blends for this technique, each chosen to ensure a smooth transition. The process demands precision, with paint technicians adjusting application to account for each colour’s behaviour, ensuring every car is distinctive. The interior mirrors the exterior fade, with bespoke hides, dragonfly accents, satin veneers, and Bentley’s rotating display. Ombre by Mulliner is now available globally through Bentley’s retailer network.
The unrivalled event spanned a century of automotive rarity, beauty and style in the royal setting of the magnificent 500 year old Tudor Grade I palace, famed as the favourite home of King Henry VIII.
Exclusive Creation
The Bugatti Programme Solitaire marks a new era in automotive exclusivity, offering one off vehicles of unparalleled artistry.
Its first creation, Brouillard, is a breathtaking coupé inspired by Ettore Bugatti’s favourite horse, celebrating both heritage and innovation. Rooted in Bugatti’s century long tradition of coachbuilding, this commission blends timeless design with the latest engineering.
Built on the pinnacle W16 platform, Brouillard delivers 1,600 PS with a carefully sculpted exterior that transitions between dark and light tones to create a striking silhouette. Inside, craftsmanship reaches new heights with custom woven tartan fabrics, green tinted carbon fibre, machined aluminium, and a glass roof that evokes a cathedral like space. Every detail carries significance, from embroidered horse motifs to a gear shifter containing a miniature sculpture of Brouillard.
Limited to two projects per year, Programme Solitaire offers unmatched exclusivity. Unveiled at Monterey Car Week, Brouillard embodies Bugatti’s legacy, celebrating a fusion of heritage, artistry and technical mastery.
