Rolls-Royce Ghost Elegance debuts with diamond paint at Geneva
Rolls-Royce presented the Ghost Elegance at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, featuring a paint finish made with 1,000 crushed diamonds and bespoke interior detailing.
Rolls-Royce used the 2017 Geneva Motor Show to reveal the Ghost Elegance, a one-off version of its long-wheelbase saloon finished with a paint containing 1,000 crushed diamonds. The car was developed through the marque’s Bespoke division and presented as a showcase of the company’s ability to deliver ultra-exclusive personalisation for its clients.
The headline feature is the Diamond Stardust paint, which required two months of development. Rolls-Royce’s team crushed genuine diamonds to a fine powder, then suspended the particles in a new lacquer. This was applied to the Ghost’s bodywork and protected by a further layer of clear coat, which itself needed a full day of hand-finishing to achieve the required gloss and depth. The result is a subtle glitter effect visible under light, intended to set the car apart even among other Rolls-Royces.
Further bespoke details include Mugello Red and Black pinstripes running along the body, with hand-painted accents on the 21-inch wheels to match. The interior specification is split between chauffeur and rear passenger areas: the front features black leather with Mugello Red stitching and Tudor Oak veneer, while the rear seats are trimmed in Selby Grey leather with additional Mugello Red highlights. All elements were individually specified for the show car, underlining the scope of the Bespoke programme.
Development and process
According to Rolls-Royce, the process of integrating diamond dust into automotive paint presented challenges in maintaining the reflective quality of the stones while ensuring a flawless finish. The diamonds were sourced and processed to a consistent size before being mixed into the paint. The company stated that the resulting finish is both durable and unique, with each car’s appearance depending on the way the diamond particles catch the light.
Position in the Rolls-Royce range
The Ghost Elegance is based on the long-wheelbase Ghost, which sits below the Phantom in the Rolls-Royce line-up. While the standard Ghost already offers extensive customisation, the Bespoke division’s work on the Elegance highlights the lengths to which the marque will go for individual clients. The model’s unveiling at Geneva placed it alongside other high-profile launches, but the Ghost Elegance’s diamond paint ensured it stood out even in a crowded field of luxury and performance debuts.
For more on Rolls-Royce’s approach to modern luxury saloons, see Rolls-Royce Ghost Sets New Standard for Marque’s Modern Era. For a look at the history of the Geneva Motor Show itself, visit Geneva Motor Show Posters Chart Changing Automotive Tastes, 1924–2011.
