Rolls-Royce celebrates 120 years at the 2024 Festival of Speed

Tucked away in the corner of Laundry Green, there are four cars on display which Rolls-Royce describe as “contemporary expressions.” Firstly, the latest Cullinan making its UK public debut. The Cullinan was initially launched in 2018 and this year we saw the reveal of the updated Cullinan Series II.

The signature Spirit of Ecstasy is featured inside the car for the first time, secure inside a new clock cabinet which houses both an analogue clock and the figurine lit up to create a reflection effect. The new Cullinan also has Place Perforation – as a demonstration of craftmanship, artworks created through tiny perforations in the leather is available as an option. There’s new textiles, too, with the Duality Twill, a rayon fabric made from bamboo.

Part of the Supercar run on the Hill is the Spectre, an all-electric super coupé that made its dynamic debut at Goodwood one year ago. The one here with us has the stylish-sounding two-tone Peony Pearl and Black Diamond finish, with 23-inch wheels on the outside and almost 5,000 illuminated ‘stars’ adorning the interior cabin for a celestial look inside.

Next, to the Phantom, a “beautifully commissioned” modern interpretation of the model finished in a teal and black design inspired by the French Riviera, as if there was anything more evocative of glamour. Inside the cabin, you’re able to have the design of your choosing behind the pane of glass.

And finally, the Ghost, fittingly named as it is a blank canvas; customers can commission their model entirely to their desired specifications. Rolls-Royce describe this was a “study in reduction, minimalism, and simplicity.”

2024 marks the 120^th anniversary of the meeting of Charles Rolls and Henry Royce. To mark the occasion, each of the one-of-one Phantom, Ghost, and Spectre models feature a soundwave design on the centre console, to convey a quote from both founding men.

Boris Weletzky, Regional Director for Rolls-Royce said: “We are delighted to unveil a highly Bespoke collection of motor cars, which have been created especially for the occasion and exemplify the talent, creativity and ingenuity of our artisans, designers and engineers at Rolls-Royce.”

The 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed is underway, and you can watch every moment of the action on our live stream right here on GRR!

Photography by Nick Wilkinson