Rolls-Royce Phantom Arabesque

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars expands the language of contemporary craftsmanship with the Phantom Arabesque, the first car in the brand's history to feature a fully laser-engraved bonnet. This is a one-of-one commission curated in Dubai by Rolls-Royce Private Office Dubai, one of five invitation-only hubs dedicated to customers in major global luxury destinations.

Based on Phantom Extended, this creation pays homage to the architectural heritage of the Middle East, reinterpreting the geometries of the mashrabiya, the iconic perforated wooden grid typical of traditional houses, palaces and courtyards of the region. A decorative and functional element, the mashrabiya guarantees privacy and promotes natural ventilation, representing one of the most recognizable aesthetic languages of the area.

Laser-engraved bonnet: five years of development

The laser-engraved bonnet is the result of a five-year development programme, led by the company's Exterior Surface Centre. The technique, now patented, is inspired by Italian sgraffito, an artistic practice that reveals layers of color underneath by precisely removing the upper surface.

The process involves an initial painting in a darker shade, then sealed with several layers of clearcoat, on top of which a lighter top layer is applied. The mashrabiya geometric pattern is then engraved at a depth of between 145 and 190 microns, revealing the underlying color. The result is a three-dimensional, textured surface, which reacts to light by creating subtle visual variations thanks to the laser's modulation of speed and intensity.

Each engraved area is finally finished by hand by sanding, to obtain a uniform sculptural effect. By integrating the pattern directly into the paint, and not applying it on top of it, the process guarantees high levels of refinement and durability.

Exterior design: tailor-made elegance

Phantom Arabesque comes in a two-tone Bespoke finish, with main bodywork in Diamond Black and contrasting Silver upper surfaces. The same Silver hue is echoed in the hand-painted Short Coachline, embellished with a mashrabiya pattern. The exterior is completed by the illuminated Pantheon grille with Dark Chrome frame, the Spirit of Ecstasy statuette illuminated from below and partially polished 22-inch alloy wheels.

Interior: balance and precision

Inside, the protagonist is the Gallery panel that runs through the entire dashboard. Here there is a work of Bespoke marqueterie in Blackwood and Black Bolivar, which takes up the Masharabiya geometries, accompanied by an off-center clock in coordinated dark shades. The cabin is finished in Selby Grey and Black leather, with black piping and carpets. The front and rear headrests are decorated with contrasting black embroidered mashrabiya motifs. The Starlight Doors are embellished with Selby Grey piping and black stitching. The illuminated entrance sills display a section of the motif engraved on the bonnet, completing this exclusive commission. Phantom Arabesque was delivered to the Middle Eastern client who commissioned it, becoming part of his private collection.