Rolls-Royce Spectre Lunaflair is inspired by the lunar halo

30th September 2024

Russell Campbell

Rolls-Royce Bespoke Design has unveiled the Spectre Lunaflair – a Rolls-Royce Bespoke commission built for a "significant client from the United States" sporting rainbow effect holographic paint.

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The hand-built EV takes its name from the optical phenomenon of a lunar halo, a colourful circle of light around the moon caused by moonlight passing through ice crystals in high-altitude cirrus clouds, like a doughnut-shaped rainbow.

As you can imagine, replicating the effect took a fair amount of trial and error, with Rolls-Royce playing with everything from paint chemistry to application timings and base coats extensively to achieve the desired effect.

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Rolls achieved the final look by applying seven layers of lacquer, including a special pearlescent coat with fine flakes of magnesium fluoride and aluminium. The combination creates a deep metallic effect under low light, bursting into rainbow technicolour in the sunshine. Or so we're told as, as a complete one-off, we're unlikely to get to see it in person.

Complementing the Spectre Lunaflair's dramatic coachwork is a Navy Blue, White, and Peony Pink bespoke interior that mirrors the colour spectrum of a lunar halo.

The Phantom Syntopia (another one-off with a dark iridescent Liquid Noir finish infused with colour-shifting, mirror-like pigment) partially inspired the Spectre Lunaflair concept.

Martina Starke, Head of Bespoke Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: “We are constantly astounded by the diversity of ideas that inform our clients’ Bespoke concepts, which frequently draw inspiration from materials, finishes and themes they see in other commissions.

“Spectre Lunaflair is the perfect example of this, exploring the ethereal beauty of a lunar halo and sparked by the client after witnessing a paint finish on another Bespoke motor car. This symbiotic relationship and cross-pollination of ideas is fostering a ‘virtuous circle’ of innovation and creativity, which is incredibly important to our team of Bespoke designers, as we focus on delivering unparalleled value to those who entrust us with their vision.”