For added exclusivity Rolls-Royce has unveiled a limited production edition of the Phantom Coupe at Pebble Beach. It’s called the Phantom Coupé Aviator and only 35 cars are expected to be made. This is to celebrate the life of Rolls-Royce co-founder Charles Stewart Rolls. Mr Rolls had a passion for flying, and was only the second man in Britain to have a pilot's license before his death in 1910. He pushed the boundaries of motoring and aviation industry to the limit.
The unique styling of the Phantom Coupe Aviator includes elements from the Supermarine S6B seaplane, which won the Schneider Trophy in 1931 with its famous Rolls-Royce V12 engine. The coachwork is a special paint finish called Aviator Grey with a contrasting matt bonnet. The interior follows a cockpit theme which includes an aviation-grade clock in the middle of the dash and a lower dash veneer that mimics the look of an old wooden airplane propeller. The center console has an aluminum cover with exposed bolts to match that from the Supermarine S6B seaplane.
Rolls-Royce say that no detail was overlooked in creating a truly unique atmosphere for the Aviator Collection. Embossed in the leather on the glove compartment is a quote from Mr Rolls himself:
"The power of flight is as a fresh gift from the Creator, the greatest treasure yet given to man."
In the official press release by Rolls-Royce Motor Company they say:
“Inspired by Charles Stewart Rolls and the legend of the Schneider Trophy-winning Supermarine S6B (powered by a Rolls-Royce R Type engine), Rolls-Royce Motor Cars proudly present the Phantom Coupé Aviator Collection. The collection celebrates the spirit of human endeavor that drove a very British hero and subsequently led Rolls-Royce to simultaneous world speed records on land, air and in the water”.
A strong presence of metal and wood is very reminiscent to the early flying machines and there is no doubt that this must have been a very sentimental project for Rolls-Royce Motor Company. They have not announced any pricing for the Phantom Coupe Aviator Collection at this point.
