For some, a Rolls-Royce is not special enough—it has to be a one-of-a-kind creation. That explains why the dog-themed Spectre Bailey, Japanese-influenced Phantom Extended Cherry Blossom, and outer space-inspired Cullinan Cosmos exist. The Rolls-Royce Phantom Arabesque is the newest addition to that list and a showcase of the Middle East’s architectural heritage.
A client from that part of the world commissioned the Arabesque through Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Private Office Dubai. From certain angles, it may appear to be just a two-tone Phantom. That’s largely true because it’s finished in a combination of Diamond Black and Silver, although it also has an illuminated Pantheon grille and Spirit of Ecstasy, plus a set of elaborate 22-inch wheels.
But a closer look at the hand-painted Short Coachline reveals a distinctive design. It may seem to be a snowflake, but it’s far from that. Think hotter weather—as in the Middle East. That geometric pattern was inspired by Arabian mashrabiya latticework, which consists of “intricately carved wooden screens that create privacy, allowing those inside to look out without being seen,” according to Rolls-Royce. “The latticework also encourages airflow, providing natural cooling for the building’s interior.”
The Arabesque’s most prominent feature is its hood, not only for its giant mashrabiya design, but also for the time and technology that went into it. The artisans at Rolls-Royce’s Exterior Surface Centre spent five years developing the laser-engraving technique (which, oddly enough, was inspired by the Italian sgraffito technique) that carved those lines. Rolls started by laying down dark paint, then covered it with multiple layers of clearcoat. Once a lighter paint was applied over, the specialists used a laser to engrave the mashrabiya pattern. By carving only 145–190 microns deep, Rolls was able to reveal the darker paint below and give the hood a three-dimensional appearance. Variations in both the velocity and intensity of the laser beam resulted in a surface that seems to change slightly as light passes over it.
Inside, the Phantom Arabesque continues the two-tone theme with Selby Grey and Black leather, as well as Starlight Doors trimmed with Selby Grey piping and Black contrast stitching. Of course, there are also more mashrabiya flourishes, from the lit-up treadplates to the embroidered headrests. The most prominent one is the Blackwood and Black Bolivar woodwork in the Gallery that spans the width of the dashboard.
The Phantom Arabesque is the latest Rolls-Royce Bespoke build that was crafted using a company-first technique but, as history has shown, it certainly won’t be the last.