Rolls-Royce->ke74 isn't exactly the type of marquee that rolls out special edition models on the fly, but since the company has expanded its in-house Bespoke division, it seemed like a good idea to introduce a special edition range of sedans for the Chinese market.

For their first offering, Rolls-Royce is paying homage to 2012 being the Year of the Dragon.

You don't need to be a rocket scientist to cross the t's and dot the i's on why the British luxury brand has decided to roll out this special edition line. Next year, at least according to the Chinese calendar, is the Year of the Dragon, one of the most revered mythical creatures in the country. So to honor that special occasion - and butter up to the Chinese market - Rolls-Royce is gearing up for a number of Phantom->ke1283 models bearing the Year of the Dragon bespoke package.

UPDATE 11/23/11: It's only appropriate that a special edition, China-exclusive Rolls-Royce was introduced at a Chinese auto event, particularly that of the Guangzhou Auto Show. And true to Chinese lore, Rolls-Royce will only be releasing eight models of this ultra-exclusive luxury car.

UPDATE 01/29/12: For a car that costs a staggering $1.2 million, you would think that Rolls-Royce would find a difficult time finding buyers for their ultra-exclusive Phantom "Year of the Dragon" Bespoke special edition model. Think again. About as quick as you can say "Kung Hei Fat Choy!", the entire allotment of Year of the Dragon Phantoms have all been spoken, taking only two months for all the units to be spoken for. What recession, right?

Details on the Rolls-Royce Phantom "Year of the Dragon" Bespoke Collection after the jump.

2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom "Year of the Dragon" Bespoke Collection

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 Rolls-Royce Phantom "Year of the Dragon" Bespoke Collection
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

According to Rolls-Royce, the package includes a twin coachline with a gold dragon hand-painted on the side of each car. This design, which is inspired by the Forbidden City in Beijing, faces forward on either side as part of Chinese beliefs. That's not all; Rolls-Royce even dressed up the interior with plenty more dragon references, including a hand-embroidered depiction of a dragon on the headrests that come in four colors: Tan, Black, White, and Golden Sand.

There's also a dragon inlay on the passenger panel and an illuminated treadplate highlighted in LED lights bearing "Year of the Dragon 2012" on the door sills. Even the Phantom model name on the interior panels have been applied in gold while two hand-stitched cushions for the rear passengers, come with embroidered double R-R logos and piping.

Like we said, Rolls-Royce's decision to expand its Bespoke division has opened the door for the company to introduce a bevy of unique special edition models with China getting the first crack with the "Year of the Dragon" collection.