Rolls-Royce Phantom for wine lover sold at $800,000

A special Rolls-Royce Phantom has been bought at a charity auction in the United States for US$800,000 -- more than double the normal price, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd. announced recently.

The vehicle was built at Rolls-Royce headquarters in Goodwood, England, especially for the Naples Winter Wine Festival in Florida and auctioned on Feb. 5 to raise money for children's homes in America and Russia.

The Phantom was designed specifically to appeal to the tastes of wine lovers. The exterior is a rich burgundy color and the interior is fitted with the finest leather. The headliner is cashmere and all wood surfaces feature cross-banded, figured mahogany.

A "cluster of grapes" motif is used on the interior and exterior -- most notably as a sterling silver inlay on each of the mahogany-veneered door cappings.

The most intriguing custom features include a "mini-wine cellar" built into the floor of the trunk and a cigar humidor in the glove compartment. This will be the only car built to these specifications.

James Selwa, president of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars North America, was pleased by the warm reception the Phantom received.

"The real objective was to raise funds for children. While the bidders at this event are always extremely generous, they will dig even deeper when the object they are bidding for is so special," he said in an e-mail statement.

"From its color to its 'wine cellar', this Phantom is unique and only one will ever be made to these particular specifications."

Last year, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars sold almost 800 Phantoms around the world and 420 in North America, making it the world leader in the super-luxury saloon market. -- The Jakarta Post