Phantom of the Orchid: A Rolls-Royce Phantom commissioned and designed for Singapore

Singapore - To own a Rolls-Royce is no mean feat in itself. But what about the more discerning customer who desires something a little extra? Something inspired by the lush flora of our Island city-state? An over the top vehicle unlike any other, both in Singapore or abroad?

Enter, the Rolls-Royce Phantom Orchid. A one-of-one Phantom Extended Wheelbase commissioned by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Singapore, created by Rolls’ Bespoke Collective at the brand’s headquarters in Goodwood. The Phantom Orchid marks the second Singapore-special Rolls that the company has produced, preceded only by the “SG50 Bespoke Ghost” created to celebrate Singapore’s Golden Jubilee back in 2015.

“Phantom Extended, our pinnacle motor car, was chosen to be the ‘blank canvas’ for this commission,” said Michael Bryden, Lead Designer of Rolls-Royce’s Bespoke division. “The orchid is seen in many facets of Asian life, a reminder that the resilient adapt and thrive regardless of the evolving environment.”

A bespoke commission that was two years in the making, the Phantom Orchid isn’t just your bog-standard Phantom Extended Wheelbase limousine. The changes that Rolls’ Bespoke Collective have made aren’t the result of an expeditious cakewalk. To call it overkill isn’t an understatement.

The bespoke paintwork, for instance, dubbed ‘Singapore Orchid Pearl White’. It starts off with the brand’s “Arctic White” paint scheme as a base colour, but the folks at Goodwood have added a tint of violet with a smattering of fine glass particles thrown into the mix to achieve an iridescent, pearlescent sheen that appears to shift hues at certain angles.

A hand-painted smoke grey coachline spans along the bodywork of the Phantom EWB, interrupted only by a bespoke orchid motif just aft of the front arches.

On the inside, viewers would be treated to a rather unique sight that complements the resplendent exterior.

The Gallery of a Phantom, or dashboard for us commoners, consists of a glass enclosure that houses any and all manner of unique materials or art pieces. Precious gems, exotic feathers, even a sample of your favourite painting. A Rembrandt or Picasso perhaps.

In this particular instance, a hand-woven and embroiled silk panel was selected, adorned with hand-sculpted silk orchids.

Crafted by London-based award-winning artist Helen Amy Murray and her team, this unique Gallery was over 200 hours in the making, undergoing multiple design loops and physical prototypes before the final iteration was decided upon.

The end result is a stunning work of art beneath a glass facade, with the orchids appearing to bloom from within the car.

Elsewhere, the floral theme continues. Rolls-Royce Bespoke Designer, Yohan Benchetrit, has put his talents to use in other aspects of the interior. Open the massive doors and you’re greeted with illuminated treadplates adorned by yet another orchid motif. Even the rear picnic table inlays haven’t been overlooked. Orchids have been inlaid in the piano black veneer to complete the “Orchid Sanctuary” appearance of the rear cab.

Like the “regular” (if you could even call it that) Phantom Extended Wheelbase, a 6.75-litre V12 powerplant under the hood churns out 571hp and 900Nm of torque. 0-100km/h takes a languid 5.4 seconds, before topping out at 250km/h.

So the big question: How much does this bespoke Rolls cost?

Unfortunately, Rolls has been awfully tight-lipped about the exact price of this bespoke Phantom. Not for lack of trying on our part. A "standard" Rolls-Royce Phantom EWB already hovers about the S$2 million mark (S$2,128,888 to be exact, before COE and options). So this one of one bespoke commission ought to cost a pretty penny.

So, d’you fancy it? Got a couple of idle millions of dollars burning a hole in your pocket?

Well, hard luck. This bespoke commission is already spoken for. Unsurprisingly, Rolls’ has also remained tight-lipped about the customer’s identity. Better luck next time, maybe on the next Rolls commission.

PHOTOS Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Singapore and Jay Tee