Rolls-Royce unveils bespoke Phantom Hummingbird with shell marquetry

Rolls-Royce has unveiled the Phantom Hummingbird, a unique Phantom Extended model created through its Private Office in Dubai. Commissioned by a client as a tribute to his wife, the vehicle features the brand’s first-ever use of abalone shell marquetry.

The interior design utilizes mother-of-pearl and abalone to replicate the iridescent feathers of a hummingbird, producing blue and green tones under light. The decorative motifs include hummingbird designs on the rear picnic tables, each composed of 53 individual pieces, and a botanical pattern in the “Waterfall” section between the rear seats, consisting of 84 pieces.

Developing the intricate inlay took over nine months due to the fragility of the abalone shell. Craftsmen tested six different methods before settling on a process involving laser-cutting the pieces, manual edge refinement, and final varnishing. The assembly of the decorative panels alone required 45 hours of manual labor. The cabin is finished with Creme Light leather, Ash Burr wood veneer, and Silver Birch accents.