Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is globally recognized as the most elite motor car brand, with a rich history dating back to the early 1900’s. Combining state-of-the-art technology and engineering with timeless contemporary design, the ultra-luxury marque is renowned for providing luxury connoisseurs with the pinnacle of automotive excellence through its unique selection of vehicles.
One feature that has captivated Rolls-Royce’s discerning customers more than any, is the Starlight Headliner, a unique, alluring addition to the roof of a Rolls-Royce motor car. First introduced in 2007 on the Phantom Coupe, the inimitable feature was designed to resemble stars in a clear night sky, giving passengers an awe-inspiring experience whilst travelling in their ultra-luxury vehicle.
To create the illusion of stars, specialists at the leather-shop in the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England, hand-perforate the leather on the roof of the ceiling, before delicately threading fiber-optic stars through their dedicated holes.
With the ability to accommodate 1600 ‘stars’, Rolls-Royce customers have the luxury of personalizing the starlight headliner to feature whatever their heart desires – whether this is the initials of a loved one, a family insignia, a preferred star constellation or simply the Rolls-Royce emblem - the possibilities are endless. The network of fibers that lay beneath the surface are carefully gathered and positioned in a discreet way, ensuring the final product is as seamless as it is beautiful.
As well as being a tasteful addition to the world’s most luxurious motor car, the brightness of the stars can be altered to reflect the mood of the elite passenger. Whether they require sufficient light for reading, relaxing or creating a romantic environment, the Starlight Headliner can be used to cater to their needs.
This feature is best represented by its use in the one-of-a-kind Bespoke Phantom ‘Celestial’ car created in 2013. This masterpiece celebrates a seminal moment in Rolls-Royce’s recent history under the stewardship of the BMW Group: the handover of the first Phantom to its owner at midnight on 1st of January 2003. Upon entering the car, passengers are welcomed by the constellation of stars exactly as they were placed at midnight on that historic evening represented by over a thousand fiber optic lights hand-woven into the Celestial Phantom’s headlining. — SG
