The colour-shifting marvel, valued at $30 million, includes its very own Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept chronograph and a vintage Champagne.
Customers who invest generously in custom luxury vehicles from renowned brands anticipate unique paint layers and personalized engravings. However, those with limitless budgets for Rolls-Royce desire customized exteriors, unparalleled interiors, and an all-encompassing, elevated level of luxury.
Such customers will skip over Rolls-Royce’s premium Black Badge production range and instead turn to the Coachbuild division. This division has previously crafted the “Sweptail,” formerly the world’s most costly new car, along with the unique Boat Tail, one of only four ever made, featuring its onboard dining suite.
The most recent undertaking from Rolls-Royce’s Coachbuild division is the La Rose Noire, which marks the inception of four Droptail models with two doors and seats. Drawing inspiration from the Black Baccara rose, known as the client’s mother’s cherished flower, the exterior emulates the deep hue of this flower’s pomegranate petals, exhibiting a rich shade of red when exposed to direct sunlight and taking on an almost ebony appearance.
The colour of La Rose Noire varies according to the angle and lighting circumstances, like a flower. This captivating effect was accomplished through the innovation of surface finish experts who devised an entirely novel painting technique comprising a concealed initial coat and five successive layers of transparent polish infused with a subtly distinct shade of red. The central shades employed in this process were “True Love” red and a deeper hue known as “Mystery.”
Enhancing the “Hydroshade” bright work involves a method where it’s not painted on but rather applied using a distinct chrome electrolyte. This electrolyte is introduced during the chrome plating process and is deposited alongside stainless-steel substrates. The layer created is incredibly thin, measuring only about one micron, approximately the width of a strand of spider-web silk.
The detachable hardtop is another remarkable feature, with its sleek and unique design tailored specifically for La Rose Noire. With a simple button press, the electrochromic glass turns almost see-through, providing expansive views of the surroundings outside. The Pantheon grille veins and the lower front air intake are adorned with the “True Love” red paint, while the alloy wheels sport the deeper “Mystery” shade, enhanced by subtle glimmers of red.
Rolls-Royce asserts that the interior’s most striking aspect is the enveloping design that demanded almost two years of meticulous development for the discerning client. Showcasing an unparalleled level of intricate parquetry, this interior represents the most intricate application ever seen in a Spirit of Ecstasy-adorned vehicle. It comprises an assemblage of 1,603 wood veneer triangles, out of which 1,070 are meticulously symmetrical, set against a backdrop of Black Sycamore. Additionally, 533 asymmetrically positioned red triangles are interspersed, artfully reminiscent of scattered rose petals. This exquisite wooden motif extends seamlessly from the rear shawl panel, gracing the doors and flowing onto the fascia.
The client’s unique request included the installation of a specially commissioned Audemars Piguet 43mm Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date within the interior. However, there was a twist: the timepiece needed to be removable, and to fulfil this, an ingenious powered clasp mechanism was designed. With the press of a button, the timepiece is presented and the fascia’s aperture is then discreetly covered with an elegant titanium blank head watch that highlights a white-gold coin adorned with a rose engraving.
Beyond their penchant for luxury Swiss watches, the client also exhibited a fondness for exquisite Champagne. This preference led them to commission an exclusive vintage of Champagne de Lossy. In line with this, Rolls-Royce crafted a Champagne Chest completed with an outer lid that transforms into a Black Sycamore serving tray suited for the accompanying hand-blown crystal Champagne flutes.
The flanks showcase identical parquetry craftsmanship as seen on the dashboard. When opened, they unveil hammocks that elegantly present the client’s exclusive Champagne vintage. The thermal champagne coolers, crafted from black anodized aluminium and carbon fibre, are coated in a deep Mystery hue, assuring the champagne remains at the ideal temperature for enjoyment.
The price tag for the Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire exceeded $30 million for the client, solidifying its status as quite possibly the costliest bespoke car globally.