This bespoke Rolls-Royce will blow your mind

Live out your royal fantasies with this custom cruiser

For most people, a Rolls-Royce is the ultimate in luxury motoring. From the Phantom to the Wraith, the British firm knows how to build a truly grand tourer.

But not all Rollers are created equal: meet The Chariot of Dreams, a total one-off, completely bespoke limousine made in the 1980s for an Australian charity.

Equipped with everything from a custom cabin to a convertible roof, this Rolls-Royce is the height of coachbuilt opulence – and it’s incredible.

The best news? It’s going up for auction in January at the RM Sotheby’s Scottsdale sale, and with no reserve. Here’s the story.

Silver standard

At its core, the magnificent machine is based on a 1989 Silver Spirit Mk1 – the best Rolls-Royce you could buy in the ’80s and arguably one of best cruising cars around at the time.

Plenty under the hood

An evolution of the Silver Shadow before it, the Silver Spirit carried the same engine as its predecessor: a very capable 6.75-litre V8. And, also like the Shadow, it packed GM 3-speed automatic transmission too.

Not your average Roller

Take a closer look at at this bespoke model, though, and you’ll soon see it’s a long way from the standard Silver Spirit.

Fit for an ambassador

If the flags on the front fenders aren’t a clue, this coachbuilt limo was designed to suit the tastes of the rich, famous and royal – with comfort to match.

Experienced builder

It was created by British coachbuilders Hooper & Company, a firm famous for crafting luxury custom cars for the likes of the Royal Family. 

Well-heeled wheels

Led by Canadian John Dick in the ’80s, Hooper's game was taking standard Rolls-Royce cars – if you can call them ‘standard’ – and turning them into incredible custom machines.

Only on commission

This car – known as the Emperor State Landaulet – was probably the company’s greatest creation. But who was it built for – a king or queen? An A-list celebrity? A wealthy tycoon?

Surprise buyer

No, this mind-blowing one-off was created for an Australian charity, with the idea that it could be used to promote good causes and raise money by means of competitions – including one that would offer one lucky winner a full tour of Europe in the Roller.

Tricks on tour

And that would be quite the journey, when you learn of the special tricks the Emperor State Landaulet had up its very dignified sleeves.

Extended limo

Three feet longer than a standard Silver Spirit, the black-and-claret car has custom rear doors and window glass – partly to allow for the raised roofline. Because you wouldn’t want your tiara to scratch the headlining…

Wind in your hair

In the centre of the roof is a removable panel, while the entire rear end folds back like the landaulet convertibles of old – so you can top up your sun tan and wave to your adoring fans as you cruise around.

Like Roller, like home

Inside, there’s a fully palatial level of decor, including a bespoke velour interior, offset by cedar-dyed walnut trim.

More for four

Despite its size, the Emperor State Landaulet seats just four passengers in its ‘conversation pit’ – but it does accommodate that quartet in sublime comfort.

Plenty to entertain you

If the novelty of riding in such a sumptuous car isn’t enough to keep you entertained, there’s also a Philips TV in the armrest, as well as a radio and a CD player.

Type as you ride

Need to work on the go? The crazy Roller also comes with advanced communications equipment – for 1989 – as well as a Toshiba computer and even a printer.

Drink, let someone else drive

For play time? A set of crystal champagne flutes and tumblers reside between and beneath the seats, with a refrigerator in the trunk.

Powder your nose on the go

There's even a cosmetic set, in case you needed to brush up your look before stepping out at a charity gala.

Opulence on show

After all of the conversion work, the Emperor was finished in 1991 and exhibited across Europe, before moving to Australia in time for several more motor shows.

Rolls without a role

Soon dubbed ‘The Chariot of Dreams’, things didn’t go quite according to plan for the custom charity special: with bills of more than $1m remaining largely unpaid, the custom Rolls never got to fulfil its role.

Back to where it came from

Instead, it was eventually returned to its maker, Hooper, which kept the magnificent machine it its corporate collection until 2010, when it was sold to a buyer in Switzerland for around $90,000 (£67,200).

Collection connection

From there, it was purchased by the Calumet Collection – an automotive museum based in San Diego and home to many rare and stunning automobiles.

All present and correct

Now, this absurdly opulent Rolls-Royce is set to go under the hammer once again – still in very original, very good condition, with its period accessories and less than 12,800km on the clock.

Offered without reserve

The price? Whatever you’re willing to pay: there’s no reserve for its auction at RM Sotheby’s Arizona sale on 17 and 18 January 2019 – though we imagine it will fetch more than your average family saloon.

Start as you mean to go on

Still, if you’d like a one-off custom cruiser to start the New Year, now you know where to take your wallet.

Find out more about RM Sotheby's Arizona auction here.