Phantom’s Gallery features 100 individual columns, milled from a single billet of black-anodised and hand-polished aluminium
Hundreds of illuminated perforations form swirling, twisting patterns in the door linings
Spirit of Ecstasy is personalised with a significant date and location of the owner’s choosing
Production limited to just 20 examples, all already allocated to clients around the world
Hand-painted Tempus Champagne Chest accompanies Collection
“The events of the past year have caused many people, not least our clients, to re-evaluate their sense of, and relationship with Time. At a moment in history when so much in life seems ephemeral, our patrons are seeking solace in the unique timelessness, longevity and permanence offered by a Rolls-Royce motor car.
It is thus the perfect moment for Phantom Tempus Collection – a magnificent incarnation of our pinnacle product, inspired by a mysterious celestial phenomenon and Time, which Albert Einstein, one of the greatest minds in human history, defined as a persistent illusion.
As we all know, Time never stands still, waits for no one. Hence, we manage it, guard it, account for it, weigh and measure it to its smallest fraction. With Phantom Tempus, we have created a space in which those strictures no longer apply – as illustrated by the deliberate absence of a clock. Rolls-Royce clients are not bound by Time; the outside world with all its pressures and demands are forgotten.
Phantom Tempus is a motor car for those who shape the world as they seek their own place in the universe. They understand that whatever our individual gifts, talents and opportunities, we’re all given Time – and it is up to us to make the most of every moment.” Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Rolls-Royce Phantom, the marque’s pinnacle product, which resides at the apex of the luxury world, has today become the subject of an exclusive and rare collection, the Phantom Tempus Collection. This arresting new iteration of Phantom is inspired by Time – how it passes, and how it can be made seemingly to stand still. The Collection is strictly limited to just 20 examples, all of which have already been allocated to clients.
The design of the Phantom Tempus Collection encompasses various aesthetic and intellectual themes relating to time and the cosmos. A key component is a rare astronomical phenomenon, the pulsar, unknown until 1967 and found only in the deepest reaches of space (the nearest yet discovered is 280 light years, or 1,680 trillion miles, from Earth). These very dense, white-hot stars emit electromagnetic radiation in extremely regular pulses, making them some of the most accurate clocks in the universe.
In Phantom Tempus, this remarkable force of nature is rendered as a centrepiece in a Bespoke Starlight Headliner consisting of fibre-optic lighting and intricate Bespoke embroidery, creating the unique and beautiful Pulsar Headliner.
Another aspect of time – the illusion of its standing still – is captured in the ‘Frozen Flow of Time’ Gallery. This unique artwork is housed in the fascia from which the clock is deliberately omitted to signify patrons’ freedom from time and its limitations. A single billet of aluminium is milled to form 100 individually contoured columns, representing the 100-million-year period of a rotational spin of a pulsar star. Each column is black-anodised and hand-polished to reflect the light. As the eye travels along it, the whole structure, though entirely solid, appears to ripple and flex.
A description of the Gallery can be found on an engraved plaque in the glove compartment, together with a quotation from Albert Einstein, “The distinction between past, present, and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion“.
A swirling, twisting pattern of stars is presented on the interior of the doors. Created by hundreds of illuminated perforations, additional perforations in contrasting leather add a greater depth and detail to the effect, providing an atmospheric aura even when not illuminated.
The exterior of the Phantom Tempus Collection is presented in a new Bespoke paint finish, Kairos Blue, created to embody the darkness and mystery of space. The paint incorporates jewel-like blue mica flakes, which glitter and glint as they catch the light, representing the stars. This effect is highlighted by black exterior detailing.
Gracing the bonnet of Phantom Tempus is the Spirit of Ecstasy, now in her 110th year, personalised with a unique date and location of particular significance to the client. A marriage, the birth of a child or even a major business success, can be engraved as a timeless reminder on the base of the iconic figurine.
As a finishing flourish, a unique accessory has been developed to accompany the Collection. Based on the widely acclaimed Rolls-Royce Champagne Chest, the Tempus Champagne Chest incorporates a distinctive element of the Collection. A pulsar artwork is hand-painted onto the table, below which, the perfectly appointed chest houses thermal flasks for chilling both champagne and caviar, four hand-blown crystal champagne flutes arranged to evoke the cylinders of a V12 engine and a fine mother-of-pearl caviar spoon.
In response to continuing travel restrictions and limitations on face-to-face interactions in dealerships, Rolls-Royce has created a Virtual Reality presentation for Phantom Tempus, accessible via the Google Cardboard app. Providing patrons with a fully immersive, 360° walkaround of the Collection’s interior and exterior, clients are able to relish Phantom Tempus’ extraordinary presence at a time to suit them, wherever they are in the world.
Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, concludes, “Phantom is our pinnacle product, so producing a Collection Car is always a supremely important moment for us and our clients. With Phantom Tempus, our sources of inspiration are on appropriately grand scale: time, deep space, and a theoretical physicist who changed the way we see the universe and our place within it. That all 20 cars have already been reserved indicates that these are themes that truly resonate with our patrons around the world.”
The Swiss Manufacture, creator of peerless exemplars of Haute Horlogerie, will collaborate with Aston Martin on upcoming limited-edition timepieces
Both brands craft exquisite products for a discerning clientele and are appreciated by those in the know
The first timepiece borne from the collaboration between Girard-Perregaux and Aston Martin will be released in 2021
Girard-Perregaux branding will feature on the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula OneTM Team car and team uniform
Girard-Perregaux has been announced as Official Watch Partner of luxury British automotive manufacturer Aston Martin.
The Swiss Manufacture is one of the oldest names in watchmaking, known for making peerless exemplars of Haute Horlogerie. The two brands will collaborate on upcoming limited-edition timepieces.
In the relentless pursuit of speed, time is the overriding concern. The race against the clock has captivated fans of motorsport for more than 100 years while the measurement of time has challenged watchmakers throughout history. The similarities between both domains are clear to see.
Both Aston Martin and Girard-Perregaux were founded by visionaries with an innate passion. Aston Martin was founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford while Girard-Perregaux can trace its origins to 1791, when Jean-François Bautte, aged just 19, produced his first watch. But most notably, it was a love story which led to the birth of one of the greatest names in watchmaking when Constant Girard married Marie Perregaux in 1854.
The now-legendary Aston Martin DBR1 (1956), a car made for competitive racing, was a precursor for some of the marque’s most well-known heritage ‘DB’ road cars. It was styled in-house by a highly talented designer, Frank Feeley, and represents what is unquestionably his ‘finest hour’ – indeed the shape of the DBR1 remains one of the most beautiful and graceful of all time. Moreover, the design incorporates a key functional attribute – the side air vent – which debuted on this car and remains a key functional and visual characteristic of Aston Martin’s road-going sports cars to this day. This functional element has become a key aesthetic detail that imbues the marque’s models with their distinctive personality. In fact, one glance at an Aston Martin car immediately reveals the identity of its maker.
Similarly, when Girard-Perregaux released its now-famous Tourbillon ‘With Three Gold Bridges’ in 1867, it transformed three functional components, often hidden from view, into attractive aesthetic features. Indeed, with the advent of this watch, the once invisible was deliberately made visible. Throughout its 230-year history, the Swiss Manufacture has demonstrated its creativity, often playing with different shapes. Indeed, it is this mindset that inspired the brand’s slogan ‘Shaping the now for those in the know.’
While both organisations have amassed a wealth of skills and traditions, they continue to look ahead. Indeed, it is this progressive mindset which sees both firms embrace continuous improvement and pursue superior performance.
Tobias Moers, Chief Executive of Aston Martin Lagonda remarks: “The real beauty of partnerships such as this one is that, although we share very similar core values, the two brands can learn a great deal from one another. Girard-Perregaux is a prolific innovator in the use of materials and new technology. We both create highly desirable luxury products that are beautifully designed, deliver a powerful performance and exhibit flawless execution.”
Otmar Szafnauer, Aston Martin Cognizant Formula OneTM Team Chief Executive Officer and Team Principal, says: “We at Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™️ Team are thrilled to be announcing a partnership with Girard-Perregaux today. Aston Martin and Girard-Perregaux share so many brand touchpoints – a rich history, a glorious heritage, and a relentless devotion to the pursuit of premium quality combined with high technology. On the racetrack, time, too, is of the essence. Formula One™️ and Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™️ Team in particular will prove themselves to be respectively a fantastic promotional platform and a brilliant marketing partner for Girard-Perregaux, whose timepieces lead the way in terms of quality and desirability.”
Patrick Pruniaux, Girard-Perregaux’s Chief Executive Officer, adds: “2021 is an important year for both Girard-Perregaux and Aston Martin. We are celebrating an astonishing 230 years of watchmaking, whilst Aston Martin celebrates its return to Formula 1 as a works team for the first time in over 60 years. We have much to celebrate so uniting our worlds to create something special is the perfect way to acknowledge and appreciate these milestones.”
Girard-Perregaux branding will feature on the Aston Martin Cognizant Formula OneTM Team cars at the start of the 2021 F1 season in Bahrain while the first timepiece to be borne from the collaboration between Aston Martin and Girard-Perregaux will be revealed later this year.
About Aston Martin: Aston Martin Lagonda is a luxury automotive group focused on the creation of exclusive cars and SUVs. The iconic Aston Martin brand fuses the latest technology, exceptional hand craftsmanship and timeless design to produce models including the Vantage, DB11, DBS Superleggera and the new SUV, DBX. Based in Gaydon, England, Aston Martin Lagonda designs, creates and exports cars which are sold in 51 countries around the world.
Lagonda was founded in 1899 and Aston Martin in 1913. The two brands came together in 1947 when both were purchased by the late Sir David Brown.
About Aston Martin Cognizant Formula OneTM Team After more than 60 years away from Formula One, Aston Martin returns to Grand Prix racing in 2021. With one of the most iconic emblems in the world emblazoned above the garages and a team of over 450 passionate men and women at its heart, this is a team with both a rich heritage and a fresh perspective – bringing new energy to the sport with a determination to shake up the order and compete at the sharp end.
A growing family, where like-minded people from all walks of life are encouraged to be a part of our journey and given a platform to thrive, our mission is to use the global platform of motorsport to engage a new wave of fans – showcasing the technology and innovation which live at our core while representing the values that resonate with the changing world in which we live.
The new age of Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team begins here.
About Girard-Perregaux: Founded in 1791, Girard-Perregaux is one of the oldest fine watchmaking manufactures still in operation and is appreciated by those in the know. This year the company celebrates its 230th anniversary, a fitting testament to the brand’s watchmaking expertise. Indeed, the firm’s history is dotted with exceptional creations that skilfully blend aesthetics and functionality. These models include the iconic Laureato, born in 1975, as well as the legendary Tourbillon ‘With Three Gold Bridges,’ a watch that made the invisible visible, transforming bridges from just a technical element to an integral part of the timepiece – a first in watchmaking. Girard-Perregaux’s place at the vanguard of horological innovation is confirmed by over one hundred recorded patents together with numerous prizes and distinctions. It remains one of the few watchmakers to retain Manufacture status for over two centuries by mastering all the required horological skills in-house and making watches infused with a notable degree of authenticity. While Girard-Perregaux respects its heritage, it continues to look ahead, embracing new technologies, state of the art materials, and fresh takes on iconic shapes.
Girard-Perregaux is part of the Kering Group, a world leader in luxury apparel.
The new C41 has been unveiled by the Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN team in Warsaw
The partnership between Alfa Romeo and Sauber Motorsport goes far beyond racing
A spectacular ceremony in the impressive setting of the Grand Theatre, in Poland’s capital city, saw the attendance of a limited number of senior team personnel – with media, fans and employees being invited to watch virtually in respect of the local Covid regulations.
Team drivers, Kimi Räikkönen and Antonio Giovinazzi, and reserve driver, Robert Kubica, entered the stage with the C41, in a striking new livery.
Designed by the Alfa Romeo Centro Stile, it now features the now traditional red and white colours of the team. The car, designed under the coordination of Technical Director, Jan Monchaux, represents an evolution of the C39 that competed in the 2020 season. Owing to the restrictions imposed by the regulations, the car carries over many of the components of its predecessor, while still striking with its renewed appearance, in particular in regard to the nose cone, an area on which the team chose to focus its development. Under the bodywork, a new Ferrari engine lies in wait, ready to roar in less than a week, when the team embarks on a new season with the shakedown of the C41 in Barcelona on Friday.
The Alfa Romeo logo is flanked by the Quadrifoglio – four-leaf clover – traditionally associated with Alfa Romeo racing, and the logo of Autodelta, the brand’s legendary racing team. These logos adorn the bodywork, contributing to the creation of one of the standout cars on the grid – a classic design that embodies the passion and tradition of the marques it represents.
Alfa Romeo is once again working alongside Sauber Motorsport for the 2021 Formula One World Championship. The partnership between two of the most recognised brands in motorsport started in 2018, when Alfa Romeo joined the team as title sponsor. In the three years of operative collaboration, the team has achieved important results and with its long-lasting spirit of competitiveness, Alfa Romeo will rise to the challenge once more.
The Alfa Romeo and Sauber Group partnership extends beyond racing. The collaboration, both technical and commercial, allows Sauber Engineering’s technical expertise to be transferred to Alfa Romeo road car production. In particular, the Giulia GTA project benefits from this long-standing partnership which leverages the priceless technical know-how of the Sauber AG Engineering and Aerodynamics divisions. Alfa Romeo entrusted Sauber Engineering with the production of most of the carbon components in the GTA and GTAm, especially those with an aerodynamic impact.
Frédéric Vasseur, Team Principal Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN and CEO Sauber Motorsport AG:“The launch of a new car is always an emotional moment, the culmination of months of effort from everyone back at the factory and the start of a new adventure. I think the philosophy upon which the team is based remains the same – we have to do a better job tomorrow than we are doing today. We finished last season in P8, so we have to target a better result in 2021. To do so, we have to keep improving in each department, trackside and back at HQ. Every team on the grid has very high expectations right now: all the teams expect to do a good job in the winter and to be in a good position for the first race, but soon it will be the time for everyone to show their cards.”
Jan Monchaux, Technical Director Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN: “The C41 is the result of a very unusual situation in Formula One, in which the regulations have made us unable to develop an entire new car for this year. For this reason, our 2021 car shares a lot of common parts with the C39, with the exception of those which the regulations forced us to change – such as the floor – and the nosecone, in which we invested our two development tokens. This means we will know the car much better than usual when we get to testing, but it’s still going to be crucial to make the most of those three days to verify that reality matches our expectations and to get to know the new tyres. We are ready for the new season and we can’t wait to see our new car on track.”
CUPRA celebrates its third anniversary with business update, new models and partnerships
Wayne Griffiths: “In 2021 we aim to double last year’s sales volume”
‘Born’ confirmed as the name for CUPRA’s first all-electric model, due in 2021
World premiere of the Formentor VZ5 – the ultimate expression of performance thanks for a five-cylinder engine
CUPRA is charging into a new era of transformation that perfectly combines electrification and performance, starting with plug-in hybrid variants of existing models and continues with its first ever all-electric model, the CUPRA Born.
CUPRA President Wayne Griffiths kicked off the event by stating: “CUPRA has surprised everyone in these three years and has even continued to grow during the pandemic. These great results make us optimistic to push harder in 2021; this year we’re looking to double the sales volume of 2020 and reach a mix of 10 per cent of the company’s total volume.”
Since its creation in 2018, CUPRA has exceeded all expectations by selling 65,000 units and growing at a double-digit rate. Following the launch of a new product range, CUPRA has accelerated its growth and in January 2021 became the fastest growing brand as well as achieved its second consecutive monthly sales record.
This success was driven by the introduction the Formentor, the first vehicle designed by CUPRA, for CUPRA. Today the line-up was expanded with a new five-cylinder petrol engine, the CUPRA Formentor VZ5, a limited edition model with 390PS of which 7,000 units will be produced (all left hand drive).
Following its world premiere, Executive Vice-President for Research and Development Dr. Werner Tietz said: “The CUPRA Formentor VZ5 is the ultimate expression of combustion performance for car enthusiasts. With the VZ5 we achieved something that many people thought we couldn’t do. This car is our crown jewel and one of the best examples of the bridge between the racetrack and the road, a feat that our drivers Mattias Ekström and Jordi Gené have helped us to create.”
Electrification will be the key to CUPRA’s growth in 2021. During the press conference it was confirmed that the production model of CUPRA’s first all-electric model would be CUPRA Born. The name comes from the fashionable Barcelona district that inspired its creation and is set to continue the company’s transformation.
Wayne Griffiths continued, “The CUPRA Born will be a game-changer in the electric market with its stimulating design and instantaneous performance. This vehicle will contribute to reducing global CO2 emissions and meeting European targets. With this car we intend to contribute to the electrification of Spain and the world through its emotional sportiness, and we want the next generation of young challengers to be part of this transformation. That’s why this vehicle will also be offered under subscription contracts, with a monthly fee that will include the use of the vehicle and other related services.”
To respond to the demands of the new generation of drivers and to ensure a more efficient and sustainable sales model for the brand, CUPRA will introduce a new distribution strategy, reinforcing the retailer network’s online presence.
Additionally, the brand will increase its high street visibility by opening a City Garage Store in Munich (second half of 2021), alongside those already in Mexico City, Hamburg and Barcelona.
With its 310 miles (500km) of range and contemporary design, the CUPRA Born will go into production at the Zwickau plant in Germany starting in the second half of the year.
As part of the company’s third anniversary celebrations, CUPRA was joined ambassadors Marc ter Stegen (football) and Fernando Belasteguín (padel), race drivers Mattias Ekström, Jordi Gené and Mikel Azcona, and Game of Thrones executive co-producer, Vince Gerardis. During the press conference, CUPRA announced new partnerships with Wilson (to create a new padel racquet), De Antonio Yachts (to design the D28 De Antonio CUPRA) and a new TV production (named ‘RPM’, set in the year 2101).
CUPRA is an unconventional challenger brand based on stimulating style and contemporary performance that inspires the world from Barcelona with progressive cars and experiences. Launched in 2018 as a stand-alone brand, CUPRA has its own corporate headquarters and a racing car workshop in Martorell (Barcelona), in addition to a network of specialized points of sale around the world.
In 2020, the brand maintained its upward trend with an 11% growth and 27,400 vehicles sold, thanks to the strong performance of the CUPRA Ateca and the CUPRA Leon as well as the market entry of the CUPRA Formentor, the first model uniquely designed and developed for the brand. In 2021, CUPRA aims to prove that electrification and sportiness are a perfect match with the launch of the plug-in hybrid versions of the CUPRA Formentor and its first 100% electric model, the CUPRA el-Born.
CUPRA will participate this year in the off-road electric SUV’s competition Extreme E. Additionally, it is also FC Barcelona’s official automotive and mobility partner and World Padel Tour’s premium sponsor. The CUPRA Tribe is made up of a team of ambassadors who share the brand values, such as the German goalkeeper Marc ter Stegen, the Swedish driver Mattias Ekström and five of the best padel players in the world, among others.
Classic Car Auctions first sale of 2021 is taking place on Friday 26th March.
The catalogue of cars is already shaping up with some superb examples including this elegant 1978 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II with just 94,200 miles at 43 years. This ‘flying lady’ is classically presented in Highland Green with Parchment Hide and Suede Green carpets piped in Parchment, Burr Walnut facings and a Charcoal roll-top – simply terrific example offering a great route into Rolls-Royce ownership.
Continuing with the excellent rapidly growing lot list is the most aspirational saloon car of the period, a 1967 Jaguar 3.4 S-Type. It is beautifully finished in Silver Blue with markedly patinated light grey leather and a manual/overdrive gearbox. With a previous owner for 30 years, this car comes with a large history file.
Gary Dunne, CCA’s Sales Manager commented “We are delighted with the growing lot list that we have consigned for our first sale of 2021! Even though the sale is taking place online, our expert team are still able to hear, touch and see all the magnificent cars as they arrive at our storage facility, which creates a virtual showroom of choice for all our buyers. We hope to be able to offer pre-sale viewings by appointment prior to the auction day.”
Also offered in the auction is a splendid example of Ford’s 2nd-Generation, light-duty, pickup truck. This 1955 Ford F100 Pickup is looking awesome in Turquoise Blue with a bespoke interior in turquoise, white and chrome with beige velour. Classic Car Auctions are delighted to confirm this fantastic, left-hand drive example for their first sale of 2021.
This super rare 1972 Fiat 500L is presented in an unusual colour of Gloss Black with a smart black interior. This left-hand drive example is on offer from a private collection and is supplied to the sale with a fresh MOT until January 27th, 2022.
Gary continued “We can’t wait for a weekend of online celebrations of classic cars as we have teamed up with our sister company, Silverstone Auctions, to host our forthcoming sales of consecutive days with over 200 cars in one location.”
Classic Car Auctions are now preparing for their first online auction of the year. To talk to classic car specialist about your car, contact the team on 01926 640888 or complete their Value My Classic form here.
Forthcoming Auctions Friday 26th March – The Spring Live Online Auction Friday 11th – Sunday 13th June – The Practical Classics Classic Car And Restoration Show Saturday 25th September – The Autumn Sale Saturday 11th December – The December Sale
About Classic Car Auctions (CCA) Classic Car Auctions (CCA) is a specialist auction house for the sale of ‘Everyman’ classic cars; offering enthusiasts the opportunity to buy an impressive selection of iconic classic cars from across the eras.
Created in 2015 by the highly respected team from Silverstone Auctions and now an established business itself; we have a consistent sales rate of over 75% for the last three years and have proudly sold over £15,000,000 worth of cars during the same period.
The majority of our sales are held at our home from home, The Warwickshire Event Centre, Leamington Spa. Here our sales average a total of £1.5 million, with hundreds of dedicated buyers attending the one-day sale of approximately 150 cars each time. We are also established at the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show which is held annually at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham, where we have been the official auction partner for the last three years.
At CCA our aim is to make buying and selling a classic car as easy and as straight-forward as possible. Our dedicated team of knowledgeable classic car specialists will provide sellers with honest and realistic estimates, combined with worldwide marketing and well-presented sale days which will help your car achieve a great price. We offer buyers a fantastic selection of affordable classic cars presented with extensive information and detailed condition reports along with low buyer’s fees.
If you’d like to know more about buying or selling a classic car with Classic Car Auctions, call us today on 01926 640888 or email enquiries@classiccarauctions.co.uk.
