Gold-infused Rolls-Royce Phantoms delivered to The 13 hotel in Macao
The 13 in Macao has taken delivery of bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantoms featuring gold elements and extensive customisation, marking the completion of the marque’s largest single commission.
The 13 hotel in Macao has received its first gold-infused Rolls-Royce Phantoms, part of a 30-car order placed by Hong Kong businessman Stephen Hung. The delivery follows Rolls-Royce’s largest single commission, reportedly valued at $20 million, with all cars built to Extended Wheelbase specification and tailored to the hotel’s opulent brief.
Gold Detailing and Bespoke Features
Each Phantom features bodywork finished with ten layers of paint, including a 40-micron layer containing 23.75 carat gold particles. The gold detailing extends to the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot, front grille, and Rolls-Royce badging, all plated in gold. Bespoke tread plates read “PHANTOM Specially Commissioned by Stephen Hung”, and a gold plaque inside marks the date and location of the car’s delivery to The 13.
Custom Features for The 13 Order
The interior specification draws inspiration from the hotel’s design. The black and white seat upholstery references the chequered floor of The 13’s entrance hall. The starlight headliner has been hand-woven with gold thread to depict the Macau constellation as it appeared on the night construction began on the hotel. A clock by jeweller Graff completes the bespoke interior.
Rolls-Royce developed new equipment and processes to achieve the level of finish required for this commission. Each car reportedly uses 250 percent more paint than a standard Phantom, with the gold layer alone requiring specialist application to ensure even coverage and durability. The 13’s Phantoms are believed to be the most expensive ever commissioned by a private client.
Record-Setting Commission
The 30-car order for The 13 stands as the largest single commission in Rolls-Royce history. The bespoke Phantoms will be used to transport guests of the hotel, which itself was developed at a reported cost of over $1 billion. The project highlights the extent of personalisation Rolls-Royce offers its clients, with each Phantom tailored to reflect the identity of both the hotel and its owner.
Background: The 13 Hotel and Its Vision
Located in Macao, The 13 hotel was conceived as one of the most luxurious hotels in the region. Stephen Hung, a Hong Kong real estate entrepreneur, invested heavily in the project, aiming to create a venue known for its extravagance and exclusivity. The hotel’s design and amenities are meant to attract high-profile guests seeking a unique and lavish experience. The addition of a fleet of bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantoms aligns with this vision, providing guests with a level of luxury transportation that matches the opulence of the hotel itself.
Technical and Design Innovations
To fulfil the requirements of this extraordinary order, Rolls-Royce engineers and craftspeople had to develop new methods and equipment. The application of gold to both exterior and interior components required precise techniques to ensure the quality and durability expected from the marque. The ten-layer paint process, including the gold-infused layer, is far more complex than the standard procedure for a Phantom. The starlight headliner, featuring gold thread woven to display the Macau constellation, is another example of the detailed craftsmanship involved in the commission.
Significance for Rolls-Royce and The 13
This commission not only set a record for the largest single order in Rolls-Royce’s history but also demonstrated the brand’s ability to deliver highly personalised vehicles for discerning clients. The collaboration between Rolls-Royce and The 13 hotel reflects the demand for bespoke luxury in the hospitality sector, particularly in regions like Macao where high-end tourism is a key part of the economy. The unique features of the Phantoms, from their gold accents to the interior details inspired by the hotel, serve as a symbol of the lengths to which brands will go to meet the expectations of their most exclusive clients.
