Every parent says his or her child is special. Coincidentally, every OEM says each of its cars are special. But, as we all know, some are just a bit more special than others.
Many a car company touts the virtues of its diverse product line. Oh sure, there’s three trim levels, eight paint choices, and in some cases a wide selection of knick-knacks, so you can call the car your very own. Chrome plated plastic mirrors or vinyl stripes, just check the box.
Inside Rolls-Royce Wraith at the SLS Hotel
Is this about satisfying the consumer, making a sale, or both? Long ago, most of the OEMs realized that it isn’t necessary to offer everything under the sun. Furthermore, it doesn’t make good financial sense on the part of the car company.
So, are all of those millions of cars on the road truly special? Can you get exactly what you want, or only what they serve up? Maybe in the future rapid prototyping will become rapid manufacturing, but we aren’t there yet.
Inside Rolls-Royce colors unlimited
Rolls-Royce Motorcars is one of a few remaining manufacturers that embrace the notion that the customer has the right to decide upon whatever he or she wants, and that means anything.
The luxury brand does this by leveraging its talented team of craftsmen. Be it leather, or wood, or even the fiber optics in the headliner, these are created in a large part by individuals. This isn’t an overnight operation. In fact, it does take a considerable amount of time to fabricate one-off specialty items. However, quality often takes time, and this is no exception.
Inside Rolls-Royce marquetry
The Inside Rolls-Royce touring exhibit is here at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, California to show the just what it takes to think differently, and create a customer-centric product.
As an example, the company is creating exclusive designs in the marquetry that fit the style of the owner. The thin veneers of wood, along with other materials, are painstakingly cut and assembled by hand. The resulting woodwork is nothing short of magnificent.
Inside Rolls-Royce Starlight Headliner
Similarly, the Starlight Headliner can have any pattern or design that a customer has in mind, from replicating the stars in the sky, images, or graphics.
Even the paint options are unlimited. If you bring in a sample of lipstick, nail polish, flower, ribbon, or a rubber ducky, Rolls-Royce can match those colors in paint. Of course, the Bespoke team is happy to work with the client, ensuring that the end result is tasteful and beautiful.
Reconfiguring any aspect of the vehicle to suit is also well within the capabilities of the Bespoke team led by Lars Klawitter. As an example, on-hand is one of the 20 limited-edition Extended Wheel Base Phantoms showcasing the creative design talents in this department.
Inside Rolls-Royce EWB Phantom
The eye-catching body of this massive car simply radiates, long before anyone steps a foot inside. The multiple coats used in the paint process, far in excess of what are normally found on a Rolls-Royce, is absolutely dazzling even in moderate sunlight.
The wheels normally found on the Phantom are replaced in favor of these custom 9-spoke wheels, which provide a better sense of weight and balance in the design of the extraordinarily long motorcar.
Marc Mielau, General Manager of Marketing for Rolls-Royce, points out that the passenger area in the rear of this EWB model is modified from a standard fair Phantom (if there is such a thing) to become a “Suite”. The tooling on the leather is not typical, nor is the usage of space.
The Bespoke department has also crafted the door panels to provide clever pockets and cases for the man or woman on the go. These include dedicated spaces for watches, cufflinks, cosmetics, jewelry, and more.
Even the seating is out of the ordinary. The spacious rear passenger seat provided by the bench is set aside in favor of two immaculate, leather lounge chairs with retractable foot rests. The end result is a different type of an environment than one would normally find.
And really, that is the whole point of this exhibit. There is no normal when it comes to Rolls-Royce. It all boils down to what can be imagined. Now, isn’t that what being special is all about?
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