Cars & Autos | Monday 28 March, 2016 5:33 am |

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is globally recognised as the most elite motor car brand, with a rich history dating back to the early 1900’s. Combining state-of-the-art technology and engineering with timeless contemporary design, the ultra-luxury marque is renowned for providing luxury connoisseurs with the pinnacle of automotive excellence through its unique selection of vehicles. 

One feature that has captivated Rolls-Royce’s discerning customers more than any, is the Starlight Headliner, a unique, alluring addition to the roof of a Rolls-Royce motor car. First introduced in 2007 on the Phantom Coupe, the inimitable feature was designed to resemble stars in a clear night sky, giving passengers an awe-inspiring experience whilst travelling in their ultra-luxury vehicle. 

To create the illusion of stars, specialists at the leather-shop in the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England, hand-perforate the leather on the roof of the ceiling, before delicately threading fibre-optic stars through their dedicated holes. 

With the ability to accommodate 1600 ‘stars’, Rolls-Royce customers have the luxury of personalising the starlight headliner to feature whatever their heart desires – whether this is the initials of a loved one, a family insignia, a preferred star constellation or simply the Rolls-Royce emblem - the possibilities are endless. The network of fibres that lay beneath the surface are carefully gathered and positioned in a discreet way, ensuring the final product is as seamless as it is beautiful.

As well as being a tasteful addition to the world’s most luxurious motor car, the brightness of the stars can be altered to reflect the mood of the elite passenger. Whether they require sufficient light for reading, relaxing or creating a romantic environment, the Starlight Headliner can be used to cater to their needs. 

This feature is best represented by its use in the one-of-a-kind Bespoke Phantom ‘Celestial’ car created in 2013. This masterpiece celebrates a seminal moment in Rolls-Royce’s recent history under the stewardship of the BMW Group: the handover of the first Phantom to its owner at midnight on 1st of January 2003. Upon entering the car, passengers are welcomed by the constellation of stars exactly as they were placed at midnight on that historic evening represented by over a thousand fibre optic lights hand-woven into the Celestial Phantom’s headlining. 

The Bespoke Suhail collection, a unique collection conceptualised by Abu Dhabi Motors, the sole authorised dealership of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, is another example of how each vehicle tells its own tale. Inspired by Ibn al Haitham, an Iconic Arab astronomer, the collection features a Starlight Headliner which depicts the Suhail Star constellation, which was discovered by Ibn al Haitham.

The Home of Rolls-Royce has had many Bespoke requests from customers to personalise the Starlight Headliner to their desires, including the constellations of their star signs or the constellations on a specific night that holds emotional value to them, such as the birth date of a loved one or wedding.

An enchanting feature, the Starlight Headliner is another example of the lengths the ultra-luxury marque’s Bespoke Programme can go to, to cater to its discerning clientele’s requests, and displays the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into creating the world’s best motor car.