O n 4 May 115 years ago, the Honourable Charles Rolls and Sir Henry Royce met for the first time at the Midland Hotel in Manchester, United Kingdom, resulting in what would become one of the most influential luxury brands in history: Rolls-Royce. To mark this momentous meeting, Rolls-Royce and Sotheby’s, whose combined history represents nearly four centuries of luxury, held a celebration in Sotheby’s newly expanded New York headquarters on this special date.
Guests were first greeted by a Phantom parked outside Sotheby’s, followed by an exclusive five-course dinner in one of our new double-height galleries, whose walls are lined with works from our Contemporary Art Evening Auction.
Sotheby’s and Rolls-Royce partnership culminated with the announcement of a one-of-a-kind 2020 Phantom to be offered this fall in an online-only auction on Sothebys.com, and delivered though one of Rolls-Royce Motor Car’s 44 retail partners in the Americas.
An initial sketch revealed a stunning bespoke Phantom, customized to celebrate the house’s 115th anniversary. Details include an inspired red color combination and original hand-crafted leather work.
“While Roll-Royce motor cars have a history of crossing the block at RM Sotheby’s, tonight we are looking to the future of the brand,” said Martin Fritsches, President and CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Americas. “The eight generation Phantom will carry the longest running name in luxury motoring into a new era. Built on the ‘architecture of luxury,’ this new Phantom commission offers one special owner the chance to enjoy a motor car that is bound to be a classic over the next 115 years.”
Stay tuned as more details are revealed about this one-of-a-kind and historic automobile to be sold this autumn with Sotheby’s.
