Rolls-Royce Unveils Phantom Hummingbird with First Abalone Shell Marquetry

The Phantom Hummingbird, a Private Commission from the Private Office Dubai, was revealed by Rolls-Royce's Bespoke division as a gift for a client's wife. This unique vehicle showcases a two-tone exterior in Wildberry and White Sands, complemented by a hand-painted White Sands Coachline and a hummingbird motif. Inside, iridescent abalone shells are used for marquetry, featuring hummingbird designs on the picnic tables of the rear seats. The rear Waterfall section incorporates mother-of-pearl in a botanical design, combined with Ash Burr veneer and Silver Birch, all accented with Creme Light leather and detailing in Moccasin and Tan. Phil Fabre de la Grange emphasized the challenges of using abalone shell, which required a nine-month development with 53 laser-cut pieces for each hummingbird. This commission underscores ongoing discussions about modern craftsmanship.