In the engine room of luxury motoring
The Luxury Report visits the home of Rolls-Royce
The Luxury Report recently had the pleasure of visiting Goodwood, the home of Rolls-Royce, to meet the team behind this iconic luxury marque, and to learn about the heritage that defines Rolls-Royce. During the fascinating tour, we were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of their latest motoring masterpieces, including the Spectre, Cullinan, Ghost and Phantom.
Rolls-Royce first established operations at Goodwood in 2003, occupying a 42-acre site in the West Sussex countryside. It lies on the south-west corner of the historic Goodwood Estate – a seat of the Duke of Richmond since 1697. The estate is also world-famous for its Festival of Speed and Revival events. It is also easily accessible for the marque’s international clientele via Heathrow and Gatwick airports as well as Farnborough private airfield, and within striking distance of the ports of Southampton and Portsmouth.
In 2003, Goodwood employed 200 people, and produced just one motor car a day. Today, over 2,500 people work on the site, and it supports a further 7,500 jobs in the wider supply chain. The product family now comprises the pinnacle product, Phantom, together with Ghost, Cullinan and the all-electric Super Coupé, Spectre. Phantom and Ghost are both available as Extended versions: the Black Badge family offers clients darker, more subversive and performance-orientated alter egos of Ghost, Cullinan and Spectre . Its continuous investment in its facilities, products and people has resulted in a series of ‘record years’ for global sales, peaking in 2023 with over 6,000 motor cars sold worldwide.
To mark the 20th anniversary of the start of production at Goodwood in 2023, Rolls-Royce commissioned the first-ever independent study into its impact on the local and national economies. Conducted by a team from the London School of Economics, the study revealed that the company’s total contribution to the UK economy since 2003 stands at over £4 billion, and now exceeds £550 million every year. The study also shows a sustainable, long-term contribution of £10 million annually through investment in increased output, sales, revenue, and employment.
A true house of luxury
When the Home of Rolls-Royce commenced operations in 2003, the marque was positioned as the world’s pre-eminent super-luxury automative manufacturer. Over the next two decades, the Rolls-Royce brand has been transformed into a house of motoring luxury – creating rare, highly personalised, luxury goods for a select, discerning clientele.
To achieve this, Rolls-Royce has continuously developed and expended its bespoke capabilities. Through the Bespoke Collective of specialist designers, engineers and craftspeople, clients have almost infinite ways to personalise their motor car. The ultimate expression of this is Coachbuild, which not only allows clients to commission the car’s exterior colour and interior features, but its physical form also.
Rolls-Royce: Free your imagination
Every Rolls-Royce begins its journey in the Exterior Surface Centre, where the signature Rolls-Royce paint finish is created. Clients can choose from a palette of 44,000 exterior colours, and if they prefer a hue that does not exist within that range, the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective can develop a new Bespoke colour that will then be reserved for the client’s exclusive use.
Rolls-Royce specialists have previously colour-matched clients’ favourite flowers, a beloved pet’s eyes, precious jewels and antique items to name only a few sources of inspiration. The Bespoke Collective has also developed unique iridescent finishes inspired by the aurora borealis, the farthest reaches of space, specific oceans and colours that capture the flora and fauna of destinations around the world which have a personal meaning to the commissioning client. Specially developed Bespoke colours often influence how clients curate their other precious possessions: for example, some clients have requested that their yachts and private jets are colour-matched to their Rolls-Royce.
For the first time ever on a series car, an alternative to leather was offered, Duality Twill. Duality Trill is a rayon fabric. Many of the processes used today combine cutting-edge precision machinery with the skilled touch and watchful eye of Rolls-Royce craftspeople.
Clients are offered near-limitless opportunities to create complex works of art using their interior as a canvas. From their initials applied to the headrests to million-stitch embroideries, embroidery depicting the surface of the moon, Bespoke embossed graphics, hand-painted artworks using leather as a canvas and even three-dimensional embroidery, the possibilities are limited only by the client’s imagination.
A haven for wildlife
Goodwood is an important refuge for a huge variety of wildlife, with its huge site including more than 400,000 trees, shrubs and plants, both wild and cultivated. In 2022, Rolls Royce enhanced its Wildlife Garden, a small secluded area just inside the main gates that supports a wide variety of plants, insects, birds and animals native to the South of England. The rejuvenation, carried out in partnership with Chichester District Council and the South Downs National Park Trust, reflected changes in conservation thinking and practice since the Wildlife Garden was established as part of the original site development.
The Wildlife Garden is now one of the 60 sites in seven corridors that, together, form the Strategic Wildlife Corridor. This pioneering rewilding initiative, managed by Chichester District Council, connects the South Downs National Park to the unique habitats of Chichester and Pagham Harbours.
Not just about driving perfection
Alongside producing iconic motor vehicles, Rolls-Royce also offers a range of exquisite accessories, designed to surprise and delight.
Like every Rolls-Royce motor car, each of these items is crafted using only the finest materials and a blend of traditional and modern techniques. Timeless, beautiful and built to the same uncompromising standards of excellence as the marque’s motor cars, these accessories make wonderful gifts for family, friends and business associates – or as a treat for oneself. Here is just a taste of what’s on offer:
Champagne Chest
Crafted from fine wood, natural-grain black leather and polished aluminium, the Champagne Chest opens at the touch of a button to reveal everything required to serve Champagne and caviar for four at the perfect temperature. Each Champagne flute is hand-blown crystal with a polished aluminium base, and the caviar spoons are crafted from Mother of Pearl, ensuring delicate flavours are not impaired. The retractable serving tray includes a Spirit of Ecstasy inlaid in stainless steel. Clients can commission their Champagne Chest to be crafted with the same wood and leather as their motor car, ensuring the two are elegantly matched.
Spirit of Ecstasy Cufflinks
The world’s most famous and desirable mascot, the Spirit of Ecstasy has graced Rolls-Royce motor cars for more than 113 years. In these cufflinks she is crafted in 925 Sterling Silver with a choice of Rhodium-Plated or Dark Ruthenium finish.
Pet Accessories
Dog Collar and Lead & Pet Seat Mat
This beautiful matching collar and lead set is made from the finest natural-grain leather, as used in Rolls-Royce interiors, with contrast stitching and finished with a polished metal Spirit of Ecstasy charm. Available for lounge and individual rear seats, the Pet Seat Mat is crafted from soft lambswool, matching the celebrated Rolls-Royce carpets and Rolls-Royce leather with personalised embroidery.
Hosting Service
Designed exclusively for Cullinan, the Hosting Service fits securely and seamlessly into the boot of the motor car, allowing occupants to have an al fresco experience, wherever the adventure takes them. The set includes monogrammed glassware for eight, along with American walnut chopping boards, cooking utensils and monogrammed stainless steel snack bowls. Aperitifs can be mixed in highball crystal glasses using the stowed zester, jigger, ice tongs and American walnut muddler. A hidden compartment contains linen napkins. Paring knives, stainless steel drinking straws and a pepper grinder complete the set.
Further information – rolls-roycemotorcars.com