Red-letter era marked by Rolls Royce

A centenary edition of the Rolls-Royce Phantom limousine will carry chrome badges with red lettering, the style the company used in its first 25 years, from 1904 to 1930. After 1930, the chrome badges came with black lettering.

Only 35 centenary Phantom models will be built, each one identified by special birthday treadplates in the door sills and a chassis plate mounted on the B-pillar.

Unique, too, is the car's livery of dark curzon exterior, meteor silver wheels and smoke grey leather interior, a combination lifted from 100EX, the soft-top concept car unveiled at the Geneva motor show in March.

Inside, the Phantom's woodwork includes mahogany veneer with a distinctive silver inlay, while the RR insignia appears in the centre of all four door cappings. Both the front and rear sides of each picnic table in the backrests of the front seats are also mahogany veneer.

A couple of other special touches help to complete the one-off Phantom: the instruments have an anodised finish, and the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot on the bonnet is made of solid sterling silver.