This bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended is the first to use Koa wood

MANILA: The commission of the Bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended is seen to demonstrate the concept of genuine luxury.

The partnership of the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Design team and the client is indicative of the fusion of professional craftsmanship with the best materials, which leads to the development of a profoundly personal heritage.

According to auto enthusiast Jack Boyd Smith, Jr., this personal heritage is a Bespoke Phantom Extended that features an exceptional sample of a rare type of Koa Wood.

The vision of Smith was fulfilled after three years of coordination with the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective, composed of craftsmen, engineers, and designers located at the home of Rolls-Royce in England. 

The Bespoke commission demonstrates both his passion, enthusiasm, and personality for exceptional vintage motor vehicles. The extraordinary creation became part of his personal collection of over 60 distinct motor vehicles in the JBS Collection Museum.

The so-called Koa Phantom is the first Rolls-Royce Phantom that integrates Koa wood, which grows solely in Hawaii and is under the protection of the Hawaiian State and National Parks. The inspiration stemmed from Smith and the affection of his wife, Laura, for the personality and warmth of Koa Wood.

His connection to the Koa species is deeply ingrained within the heritage of his family. This is because a Koa rocking chair has been the center of attraction in their home for several years. Smith was thus determined to introduce such a warm and familiar feeling to the cabin of his Rolls-Royce commission.

The couple waited for three years for an ideal veneer since the Rolls-Royce wood specialist was able to discuss with a supplier for a highly coveted log from his personalized collection. This specimen shows a distinct depth of character that is rarely observed, with a figure in the grain forming a velvet effect.

The craftspeople of the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Woodshop have taken up to the challenge of maintaining this vibrant finish in the well-acclaimed Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended.

During the day, the exterior of the Koa Phantom reflects a deep blue. But at night, it is concealed in the darkness. The Bespoke “Packard Blue” shade complements Smith's 1934 Packard Twelve Coupe, considered to be a rare motor vehicle in his own collection.

Making a suitable fit for an 80-year-old finish was deemed as a challenging task because it also involved shipping components from vintage cars to Goodwood.

After the assessment of over 40 test panels, the formula was seen as an ideal fit.

The stylish, hand-painted coachline in Dove Grey goes around the deep, dark blue Phantom, which complements the wheel center pinstripes. The passenger door contains the initials of Mrs. Smith, “LAS,” while the door of the driver displays the customized initials, “JBS Jr.”

When the coach doors are opened, a customized treadplate shows, “Hand-built in Goodwood, England for Laura & Jack Boyd Smith, Jr.”

The Gallery, which is an unperturbed piece of glass by which clients can commission exceptional pieces of design and art, can be seen across the fascia of the Phantom.

Koa wood accentuates the Dove Grey leather interior that is paired to the Packard Twelve and counterbalanced by Navy Blue piping and highlights.

A Bespoke hand-made starlight headliner that contains 1,420 fiber-optic lights on navy-blue leather can be seen above. It serves as a representation of the night sky constellation in Cleveland, Ohio during the date Mr. Smith was born.

The Rolls-Royce monogram on the headrests can be complemented to the exterior finish. As for the rear compartment, it is embellished with a champagne fridge, along with a pair of crystal champagne flutes and decanter, inscribed with the initials of the client.

A hand-made Koa wood picnic hamper completes this distinct commission. The stainless steel, saddle leather, and Koa wood are carefully made in a procedure that takes over 500 hours to reach completion.

The interior leather and saddle leather trim is Dove Grey, paired to the interior of the exceptional Bespoke Phantom.

Stainless steel features are found on both the interior and exterior of the hamper, with plaques labeled "Laura & Jack Boyd Smith, Jr."

The hamper also has handcrafted decanters and wine glasses from the Ajka Crystal factory in Hungary, well-known for its conventional methods.

The stainless steel cutlery is hand-crafted in England. Professional craftsmen used conventional grinding and polishing procedures to create the 12-piece set, which is regarded as a tribute to the legacy of British steel. Wedgewood porcelain plates contribute to the finishing touches of the hamper.

Photos from Rolls-Royce

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