Rolls-Royce Recreates Goldfinger’s Gold Rolls

Images: Courtesy Rolls-Royce

The Rolls-Royce Phantom III, introduced in 1936, was the last large pre-war Rolls-Royce, succeeding the Phantom II and representing the brand's only V12 model until the 1998 Silver Seraph.

The 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III used in the movie

A 1937 Phantom III played a central role in the 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger, in which Auric Goldfinger, a bullion dealer, used it to smuggle gold out of Britain. However, in the original 1959 novel, Goldfinger used a Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost for his scheme.

With Sedanca de Ville bodywork by Barker, the Phantom III is typical of the period

In Goldfinger, Goldfinger owns a meticulously preserved black-and-yellow Phantom III (chassis Number #3BU168, Sedanca de Ville by Barker) whose powerful build was ideal for transporting large amounts of gold.

Finished in dark blue leather, the interiors of the car from 1937 have a very fine patina

The villain took his smuggling to a new level by moulding the car's body from two tons of 18-carat gold, dismantling and melting it down at his Swiss headquarters, "Auric Enterprises, A.G.”, where it was transformed back into ingots. Bearing the licence plate "AU 1"—referencing "Au," the periodic symbol for gold—the car became an icon of cinematic luxury and crime.

With the dashboard hand-finished in wood and with comprehensive instrumentation the interiors of the car from 1937 have a sumptuous look to it

17^th September 2024 marked the 60th anniversary of this 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III’s memorable appearance in Goldfinger, a landmark for Rolls-Royce's role in Bond films.

Towering over the markedly high radiator is the beautifully crafted Spirit of Ecstasy

As the last model developed under Sir Henry Royce, the Phantom III boasted a powerful V12 engine and groundbreaking features like adjustable hydraulic suspension, enabling the car to bear the weight of Goldfinger’s contraband even on steep alpine roads.

With painted steel wheel caps and whitewalls the Phantom III's detailing is elegant and classy

The Phantom III became a symbol of Bond-era opulence, gadgetry, and villainy. Its legacy continued with Rolls-Royce's recurring presence in the Bond franchise, but the Phantom III's role in Goldfinger remains unparalleled.

In the 1930s the Phantom III was a big car but the current Phantom dwarfs the pre-War car

The car’s bodywork, meticulously crafted for Goldfinger’s cross-border scheme, concealed two tons of solid gold and travelled Europe, crossing the Furka Pass into Switzerland, where it was melted and recast into bars at Goldfinger's illicit smelting plant.

Other than the colour combination there is not much else that is common to the two Phantoms set apart by 87 years

The film’s iconic scenes, including a high-stakes golf match between Bond (Sean Connery) and Goldfinger (Gert Frobe) and the thrilling Furka Pass driving sequence, are as memorable as the gadget-laden Aston Martin DB5.

Amusingly, the new Phantom also bears the registration number of AU1

After filming, the car’s famed licence plate, "AU 1," was transferred to other Rolls-Royce models, further cementing its legacy.

Amongst the many differences the Spirit of Ecstasy of the new car is gold plated

On 25^th October last, Rolls-Royce unveiled a unique, custom-designed Phantom to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the film Goldfinger, adding a new chapter to the legacy of the iconic “AU 1” licence plate.

Either gold plating or solid gold abounds everywhere, including the plaque (above left) and the golf club (above right) or the mascot (bottom left) but the scale model sculpture "speedform" is in solid gold (bottom right)

This exclusive vehicle, inspired by Bond’s world, is outfitted with bespoke gadgets that would surely impress Q himself, many of which incorporate gold details.

Interior is once again in dark blue Navy leather with Royal Walnut wood finish for the dashboard and trim

One of the standout features is a gold-plated golf club mounted on the trunk lid, a tribute to the first meeting between 007 and Auric Goldfinger on the golf course.

At the rear two fully adjustable deep seats for his lordship and lady

Inside, the picnic tables are inlaid with a 22-karat gold map of Fort Knox, symbolising the movie’s climactic heist scene. Additionally, a three-dimensional gallery in steel and gold highlights Switzerland’s Furka Pass, a pivotal setting for one of the film’s most memorable car chases.

Royal walnut burr finish abounds

Meanwhile, the 1937 Phantom III’s association with Goldfinger endures as a classic element of Bond lore, blending luxury, cunning, and British style.

The Bespoke Collective even developed a device that subtly projects the 007 logo onto the carpet of the luggage compartment floor whenever the lid is opened