One of the oldest nameplates on the market, the Phantom Coupe Series was launched in 2007, when Rolls-Royce->ke74 introduced the Drophead model at the Detroit Auto Show.->ke222 The standard Coupe version followed in 2008, at the Geneva Motor Show.->ke228 Sharing nearly every body panel, the same chassis, and the same engines, the Coupe and Drophead Coupe received only mild updates in 2016, but remained two of the most coveted luxury vehicles->ke505 thanks to its commanding appearance, opulent interior, exclusive features, and infinite customization possibilities. After nearly ten years on the market, the seventh-generation Phantom will be retired at the end of 2016.

But, before the current Phantom->ke1283 makes way for an eighth-generation model built on a brand-new aluminum architecture, Rolls-Royce is launching one final special edition.->ke2041 Dubbed the Zenith Collection, it is limited to only 50 units and includes both the Phantom Coupe and Phantom Drophead Coupe.

Rolls-Royce described the Zenith Collection as a "true collectors' piece" whose value "will never be eroded by proliferation." The limited-edition models stand out by means of unique interiors and a wide range of luxurious features. Find out more about it in our review below.

Continue reading to learn more about the Rolls-Royce Phantom Zenith Collection.

2016 Rolls-Royce Phantom Zenith Collection

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Rolls-Royce Phantom Zenith Collection
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What makes the Rolls-Royce Phantom Zenith Collection special

As with most Bespoke-crafted models, the Zenith Collection's exterior is only defined by special colors. In this case, the paint scheme is inspired by classic Rolls-Royce models. Both the Madeira Red and Jubilee Silver models pay tribute to the 1930s Phantom II, while the Midnight Blue and Arctic White drop-top version is inspired by a rare Phantom II Continental. All cars feature a new glass clear coat for enhanced mirror-like shine. Also, all 50 units sport thin white tire walls for a vintage look.

Inside is where the Zenith Collection boasts several limited-edition features compared to the regular two-door Phantom. Upon opening the doors, owners will be greeted by detailed, laser-etched maps on the armrest cappings. These features depict the locations of the global debut of the concepts that preceded each production model: Villa D’Este for the 100EX that inspired the Phantom Drophead Coupe and Lake Geneva for the 101EX, which previewed the Phantom Coupe.

More unique details have been crafted into the dashboard drawer, which contains a removable, polished aluminum case that is laser engraved with the car’s identification number, surrounded with a beautiful application of Best English Blacking -- a technique most commonly associated with fine gun-making. Inside, sits a small piece of the Phantom assembly line in Goodwood, completed with the co-ordinates of the exact part of the factory from where the metal was extracted. No other Rolls-Royce was offered with a similar feature until now. Pretty cool, huh?

Moving over to the speedometer, it is fitted in a brushed steel case and received Blood-Orange dial tips, a reference to Rolls-Royce's aviation-inspired motif. The cupholders are machined from aluminium, while several dashboard details have book-matched metal foiling. Both the Phantom Coupe and Phantom Drophead Coupe come with lighter leather colors for the front seats and darker themes for the rear compartment. Naturally, Rolls-Royce used its finest leather for the Zenith Collection. Finally, the Starlight Headliner, a design that made its debut on Phantom Coupe, was given a subtle Bespoke treatment with individually hand-woven stars clustered to the front and faded to the rear.

As impressive as that is, Rolls-Royce didn't stop here and went on to customize the trunk as well. A glass shelf was integrated into the rear section of the tailgate and can be deployed and transformed into some sort of bench to serve champagne from. On the flipside, there's not much trunk space left with most of it occupied by a champagne fridge large enough to hold two bottles and eight glasses. Not that it matters much, as Rolls-Royce owners likely don't haul too much stuff around anyway.

The Zenith Collection's laundry list of fancy features is rounded off by a special Bespoke version of Rolls-Royce's Picnic Hamper. Unlike the one available with other models, the Zenith Collection accessory will be personalized further to match the materials and color palette selected by each customer.

Although some Bespoke models have received mild output updates recently, the Zenith Collection uses the standard drivetrain found in the Phantom Coupe and Drophead models. Both get their juice from the tried-and-true 6.75-liter V-12 rated at 453 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque. All that oomph travels to the wheels through a ZF, eight-speed automatic transmission, enabling the two-door to hit 60 mph from a standing start in 5.7 seconds. The coupe's top speed sits at 155 mph, while the convertible reaches 149 mph, both impressive figures for vehicles that tip the scales at more than 5,500 pounds.

Pricing information is still a mystery and it's likely to remain like that, but it's safe to assume that each example from the Zenith Collection costs in excess of $650,000. Only 50 units will be built and Rolls-Royce says that the special-edition is already sold out.

Rolls Royce Phantom

The Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe was launched in 2007 as a spiritual successor to the Corniche V, discontinued in 2002. It was developed on a modified platform of the four-door Phantom, which in turn is based on the BMW 7 Series', and its styling was heavily based on the 100EX concept car. Like most Rolls-Royces of the era, it combined aluminum technology and hand-crafted materials, being one of the most luxurious models on the market. Priced from $533,000, it is Rolls-Royce's most expensive model as of 2016, not including the custom Bespoke versions. The Phantom Coupe followed in 2008 and shares nearly all of its components with the Drophead models, including the 6.75-liter V-12 engine, the chassis, and the exterior design.

Read our full review on the Rolls Royce Phantom here.