Luxury Lifestyle

Rolls-Royce takes inspiration from world's fastest bird for new bespoke design

Eileen Falkenberg-Hull
Nov 27, 2019, 10:06 am

The Rolls-Royce embroidery team embroidered a photo-realistic falcon in a new Wraith.

Photo courtesy of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

A new bespoke Rolls-Royce Wraith is inspired by the fastest bird in the world, the Peregrine Falcon. The creation of Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective, the vehicle features a number of design nods to the bird and unique detailing that cannot be found on any other vehicle in the world.

The Wraith is a two-door hardtop coupe that was first introduced in 2013. This model features a Bala Blue and Andalusian White exterior with an Arctic White coachline that was painted by hand using a fine squirrel hair paintbrush. A wing motif features on the coachline.

Rolls-Royce design embroidery roof The falcon was made to look realistic rather than like a cartoon or imagined drawing.Photo courtesy of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Nearly 250,000 stitches make up the photo-realistic embroidered bird on the Wraith's headliner. It took the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Design Team, craftspeople, and engineers over one month to develop.

Josh Liles Rolls-Royce design embroidery Josh Liles, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Bespoke Embroidery Specialist is highly skilled at interpreting clients' wishes and translating them into embroidery.Photo courtesy of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

"The design required hours of observation of a Peregrine Falcon – we needed to understand the musculature, the movement, the shading of the feathers," said Josh Liles, Bespoke Engineering Specialist, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. "We wanted the bird to adopt an alert and predatory stance. We created multiple iterations of the embroidery – the direction, length and spacing of the stitch can have a great impact on the final image. We purposefully shaped the beak and angled the eye to create a sense of aggression."

Rolls-Royce bespoke Wraith Peregrine Falcon The car features a two-tone paint job and a custom coachline.Photo courtesy of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

He continued, "The Falcon embroidery became a labour of love. Technically, it is exceptionally difficult to embroider this density of stitches onto leather. Embroidery puts stress and tension on leather causing a physical wave in the material, which naturally, is unacceptable in a Rolls-Royce."

Rolls-Royce bespoke Wraith Peregrine Falcon embroidery The falcon theme carries over to the interior.Photo courtesy of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Specialized embroidery can also be found between the rear seats. A Bespoke Rolls-Royce clock in Baby Blue, with guilloché inspired detailing features on the inside.

Rolls-Royce bespoke Wraith Peregrine Falcon Blue accents dominate the interior alongside traditional leathers and wood appointments.Photo courtesy of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

The car's connection to sky and flight continues throughout the vehicle with blue and wing accents alongside the typical Rolls-Royce finery. The Charles Blue leather on the interior accents the exterior paint job.

The Rolls-Royce Wraith starts at $320,500 but bespoke models sell for tens of thousands of dollars more.

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Concept Cars

Lexus debuts lunar mobility concept vehicle

Lexus designers submitted their ideas for lunar mobility to Document Journal magazine.

Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

To infinity and beyond! Okay, maybe not all the way to infinity. Lexus has contributed a sketch of a concept vehicle for the journey to the moon. The sketch has been selected to appear in Document Journal's issue No. 15.

The issue of the art and fashion magazine centers around The Lunar Design Portfolio. It seeks to answer the questions, "How shall we live? What will we wear? What will we drive?"

The European Advanced Design Studio for Toyota and Lexus, ED2, is dedicated to developing advanced concept proposals and was selected to take on the task of conceptualizing lunar mobility.

Design characteristics were harvested from the recent LF-30 Future Concept vehicle. To get to the finish line, ED2 created seven concepts from five different designers, together depicting a full lineup of space vehicles.

"When Document Journal approached us about the Lunar Design Portfolio, our team was working on the LF-30 Concept, which represents the "Lexus Electrified" futuristic vision for Lexus. The design team was already looking beyond near-term production and ahead to how advanced technology will change the way we interact with vehicles," said Ian Cartabiano, President of ED2. "The lunar project came at the right time, half way through the LF-30 development. It gave the team a chance to dream further out, and then apply some of the design language from the LF-30 interior to their lunar proposals."

One of the concepts presented to Document Journal made it to print. Zero Gravity is a single rider vehicle that evolves the LF-30's "Lexus Electrified" vision to incorporate Magnetic Levitation technology.

According to a release, "The design reinterprets the signature Lexus spindle grille and uses the motorcycle-style of driving to employ the new concept of Tazuna (which mean "reins" in Japanese): the fundamental human-centered philosophy. Inspired by how a single rein can be used to achieve mutual understanding between horse and rider, the steering control provides active driving enjoyment created by the direct communication between human and machine."

See all the concepts below with descriptions by Lexus.

Lexus Cosmos, by Jean-Baptiste Henry

Lexus Cosmos, by Jean-Baptiste Henry

Photo courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

A transportation concept designed for both space and the lunar surface, the Lexus Cosmos features a fully sculpted glass shape that functions as a massive observatory to not only enjoy the view, but also explore the low gravity phenomenon. With a rear cockpit that emphasizes the driving feel and a front portion dedicated to contemplation, the idea was to create a new luxury and exclusive experience for the future.

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Barrett-Jackson 2020

Cars owned by Simon Cowell, Dean Martin, Johnny Cash cross the block in Scottsdale

Simon Cowell's 1977 Ford Bronco is one of a number of celebrity-owned vehicles up for auction this week.

Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson

The annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction is underway this week with a number of cars owned by celebrity car collectors crossing the block. "America's Got Talent" judge Simon Cowell, NFL Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway, Blink 182s drummer Travis Barker, author Clive Cussler, and a host of sports stars are among those putting their vehicles up for sale.

Travis Barker's 1967 Cadillac Eldorado Custom Coupe "El Conquistador"

Travis Barker's 1967 Cadillac Eldorado Custom Coupe "El Conquistador"

Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson

The model in Lot #725 at the 2004 Grand National Roadster Show where it won Best of Class. Barker received the '67 Eldorado as a gift for his 30th birthday on the MTV series "Meet the Barkers". The car has been extensively customized by Celebrity Kustoms to include a chopped roof line, static suspension drop; shaved door handles; modified gas door; trunk emblems; and fresh front and rear bumpers and door poppers. The car still gets its power from a 429ci V8 engine that is mated to a three-speed automatic transmission. It has a paint job by Gene Winfield.

Before coming to the auction, El Conquistador was exhibited at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles.

Status: SOLD for $35,200.

Dean Martin's 1980 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible

Dean Martin's 1980 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible

Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson

Rolls-Royce of Beverly Hills sold Dean Martin this Corniche on February 11, 1981. He wasn't the car's only famous owner. The Georgian Silver-painted car was also owned by actor Dennis Farina until he died in 2013. In addition to the car, the winner of Lot #1599 gets a warranty in Dean Martin's name, original registration to Dean Martin and Dean Martin-customized California plates: "Dinos RR."

Status: SOLD for $110,000

Simon Cowell's 2009 Bentley Azure Convertible

Simon Cowell's 2009 Bentley Azure Convertible

Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson

The second-generation Bentley Azure lasted only four model years (2006-2009) and Cowell got one of the last ones off the line. The triple-black convertible is powered by a 6.75-liter V8 engine that is paired with an automatic transmission. The auction listing for Lot #1301.2 says that the single-owner vehicle comes with a clean CARFAX report and just 4,625 miles on the odometer.

Status: SOLD for $123,200

1949 Studebaker M5 Truck "Grateful Dead"

1949 Studebaker M5 Truck "Grateful Dead"

Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson

If you swung by the Dead's studio in Novato, California or their party house in Olympia back in the day, chances are you saw this 1949 truck. Being sold as Lot #1619, the model was once owned by Owsley Stanley. It's powered by an eight-cylinder engine that is paired with a four-speed manual transmission.

Status: SOLD for $29,700

Evan Longoria's 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Custom Coupe

Evan Longoria Chevrolet Camaro

Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson

Third baseman Evan Longoria's Chevy is Lot #819. It's powered by a 750-horsepower Whipple-supercharged LS V8 engine. The powertrain is completed with a T56 Magnum six-speed manual transmission. It has a narrowed 9-inch rear end, 3.50 gears and Detroit Locker differential. There is a Hotchkis suspension in the front front with a Heidts 4-link at the back. Its custom wheels fit 12-inch wide rear tires. The car's cabin has Vintage Air and all new upholstery.

Status: SOLD for $52,800

John Elway's 1992 Dodge Viper RT/10 Roadster

John Elway's 1992 Dodge Viper RT/10 Roadster

Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson

Lot #1025 belongs to legendary NFL quarterback John Elway. He purchased this 1992 Dodge Viper in 1991 (it's VIN 45). It has 7,935 actual miles on its 400-horsepower, 8.0-liter V10 engine. Its paint job is Viper Red and it has a six-speed manual transmission. Until its sale, the Viper had been stored in the showroom of Elway's dealership in Greeley, Colorado.

Status: SOLD for $88,000

Travis Barker's 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer Custom SUV

Travis Barker's 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer Custom SUV

Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson

Barker collects big classic cars, but he also has a soft spot for hardy SUVs, as exhibited by this custom Chevy K5 Blazer in Lot #791.1. The model has a new LS3 V8 engine and four-speed automatic transmission under the hood. The lifted SUV has Bilstein shocks and Black Rock wheels. It's shoed with Nitto Trail Grappler 35x12.50 tires and the exterior has a Gunmetal Gray paint job. At the front are 7-inch Vision VX series headlights. Inside are black leathers seats, air conditioning, Dakota Digital gauges, and a custom aftermarket sound system. The Blazer only has had 1,962 miles put on it since it was restored

Status: SOLD for $93,500

Billy "The Kid" Wagner's 1968 Ford Mustang Eleanor Tribute Edition

Billy "The Kid" Wagner's 1968 Ford Mustang Eleanor Tribute Edition

Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson

Seven-time MLB All-Star pitcher Billy "The Kid" Wagner is selling his licensed and registered Eleanor Tribute Edition Mustang as Lot #1098. It was commissioned by Wagner in 2005 is designed to look like the vehicle from the 2000 film "Gone in 60 Seconds". It only has 1,300 miles on the odometer since its transformation.

Status: SOLD for $148,500

Howard Hughes' 1954 Chrysler New Yorker

Howard Hughes' 1954 Chrysler New Yorker

Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson

Former Houston, Texas resident Howard Hughes was the owner of the car in Lot #1434. The Chrysler New Yorker was owned and customized by Howard Hughes, a notorious germaphobe, to include an elaborate air purification system in the trunk of the car to ensure there was always clean air in the cab. According to Barrett-Jackson, the filtration system far exceeded the cost of the car at the time it was built. With just 1,685 original miles, the car remains in near-showroom-new condition.

Status: SOLD for $126,500

Simon Cowell's 1977 Ford Bronco Custom SUV

Simon Cowell's 1977 Ford Bronco Custom SUV

Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson

New Bronco or old Bronco, the market is ripe for them. Lot #1025.3 will likely prove to not be an exception. Cowell's 1977 Bronco gets its power from a 340-horsepower Ford Racing 302ci V8 crate engine that is paired with a C4 automatic transmission. The under-hood components have been upgraded to include Holley Avenger 4-barrel carburetor, Edelbrock intake manifold, electric distributor, and aluminum radiator. It has a set of ceramic headers and 2.5-inch MagnaFlow exhaust system. The lifted Bronco sits on James Duff springs and has Wilwood brakes. Like Cowell's Bentley Azure, the Bronco has a triple-black paint job. It rides on XD series wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A tires. Cowell weather-proofed the inside of the Bronco with LINE-X coated floors. There's a Pioneer head unit and custom stereo along with leather seats and a leather-wrapped roll bar inside.

Status: SOLD for $86,900

Madison Bumgarner's 2018 Ford Shelby GT350 Custom Coupe

Madison Bumgarner's 2018 Ford Shelby GT350 Custom Coupe

Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson

There is no reserve for Lot #1438, a 2018 Ford Shelby GT350 that was custom-built for four-time All Star, three-time World Series Champion and World Series MVP pitcher Madison Bumgarner, now of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The car gets its power form a 5.2-liter V8 Voodoo engine and Whipple supercharger. The rear-wheel drive car has a six-speed manual transmission and a McLeod 1500 clutch with an aluminum flywheel. It also comes equipped with Stainless Works headers and a specially fabricated Borla Type S exhaust. The model features a 15 percent window tint, which hides much fo its Nappa leather interior, black trim, and carbon-fiber accents. It rides on 20-inch wheels in the front and 21s in the back. It has less than 450 actual miles on the odometer.

Status: SOLD for $88,000

Travis Barker's 1960 Cadillac Coupe De Ville Custom Hardtop

Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson

Donning a light cream paint job, a 3-inch chopped roof, air-ride suspension, and shaved door handles, Barker's Cadillac Coupe De Ville is a head turner. Lot #791.2 is powered by a 454ci V8 engine that is paired with a 700R4 automatic transmission. The Cadillac's interior features light cream leather and custom hideaway Dakota Digital gauges. Despite being 60 years old, the model only has 34,152 original miles on it.

Status: SOLD for $61,600

Johnny Cash's 2001 Lincoln Town Car Cartier L

Johnny Cash's 2001 Lincoln Town Car Cartier L

Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson

This Lincoln was produced for Johnny and June in 2001. Today it's being sold as Lot #431. Under its hood is a 4.6-liter V8 engine with a four-speed automatic transmission. Its exterior is black and interior is finished gray. Despite the Cashes having Nashville roots, the Michigan-made Town Car has traveled the world. It was passed onto Cash's neighbors in Jamaica after June died and the new owners had the model shipped to Germany. This Town Car has 28,609 actual miles.

Status: Available

Clive Cussler's 1960 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible

Clive Cussler's 1960 Pontiac Bonneville Convertible

Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson

After stints on display in Colorado and Minnesota, author Clive Cussler's Bonneville is Lot #560.2 in Scottsdale. The car gets its power from a 389ci V8 engine with a four-barrel carburetor paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. The 60-year old car has a host of upgrades including power windows, power steering, power seats, power brakes and a power convertible top. It has been restored and features a maroon paint job and unique Pontiac tri-color interior. There are just 36,393 original miles on the odometer.

Status: SOLD for $47,300

Chris Jacobs' 1968 Plymouth GTX Custom Coupe

Chris Jacobs' 1968 Plymouth GTX Custom Coupe

Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson

The car in Lot #3000 was acquired by MotorTrend's Chris Jacobs in 2004. Its custom paint scheme was designed by Chip Foose, and applied by Foose and Mitch Lanzini. The 392ci crate HEMI was provided by Year One and swapped out by "Graveyard Carz". The engine is paired with the car's original TorqueFlite 727 automatic transmission and shifted with a B&M racing shifter. There are custom airbrushed flames by Mike Lavalle on the underside of the hood. It rides on Foose wheels and wears Toyo Proxes R888 tires.

All of the hammer price of the sale of this model goes to the C4 Foundation, which provides support and services to Navy Seals and their families.

Status: SOLD for $300,000

Travis Barker's 1941 Cadillac Series 62 Deluxe Convertible

Travis Barker's 1941 Cadillac Series 62 Deluxe Convertible

Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson

The Lancaster Gray beauty in Lot #791 is powered by its original, nearly 80-year old 346ci 5.7-liter V8 engine. The engine is paired with a three-speed manual transmission. It has a red leather interior and its original red carpeting is intact. There are gray custom floor mats.

Status: SOLD for $52,800

2020 Toyota Supra Mariano Rivera's Launch Edition

2020 Toyota Supra Mariano Rivera's Launch Edition

Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson

Lot #1076 is former New York Yankee pitcher Mariano Rivera's 2020 Toyota Supra. Toyota crafted this vehicle specially for Rivera. It has an Absolute Zero paint job and a red leather interior. The pitcher, who wore 42 on his jersey, received number 42 of 1500 Launch Edition Supras off the assembly line. This particular model has launch control, an active rear sport differential, and active exhaust. It rides on 19-inch Matte Black forged aluminum wheels wrapped in Michele Pilot Super Sport tires. It has just 739 actual miles.

Status: SOLD for $110,000

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