2009 Rolls Royce Phantom - Matte Black
Photo courtesy of Heavy Hitters Magazine
The fame and notoriety of matte black paint jobs has reached an all time high and where it was once a style typically found amidst members of the Hot Rod and Rat Rod communities, the game has changed and so has its players. In the past few years we've seen Porsches, Ferraris and Lamborghinis drenched in the "chalk board" looking finish but now someone has finally stepped to the plate and doused a Rolls Royce Phantom in the same menacing color.
When the $450,000 vehicle first surfaced in Los Angeles, the streets were talking, the industry was in an uproar and critics had a field day. Most loved it, a few hated it, but in the end it was a bold move that has paid off in big ways. Owned by the CEO of Specialty Car Craft in Los Angeles, this infamous Phantom has been rented by celebrities such as Lindsay Lohan and Manny Pacquio but who could blame them? It's a ride built to command the attention so many demand, and in the end a vehicle which is not only memorable but also mesmerizing.
During its transformation no detail was left untouched and even the factory interior was gutted. Originally purchased with a tan interior, all of the supple leather and wood trim was removed and replaced by the experts over at Top Stitch Upholstery. From the carpets, the wood, the seatbelts all the way to the floor mats and headliner, the complete interior was reupholstered using original factory leather and a side-by-side comparison (between Steve's Phantom and a factory unit) will reveal that the new interior sports better stitching and craftsmanship than even the one straight from the factory.
While checking out the Phantom Menace we were lucky enough to have a brief conversation with the editor of Heavy Hitters Magazine - John Jarasa. He further mentions that revamp was no drop in the bucket and that the interior set the owner back a cool $15,000 while the paint job costed an additional $40,000. He also adds, "The car has become a great marketing tool for Specialty Car Craft and the in end a creation which helped put him on the map for the quality of his work as well as the outstanding customer service he provides."
Jarasa also mentions that a full feature on Steve and his car collection will be released in an upcoming issue of Heavy Hitters Magazine and if you're not too familiar with this publication then it's best explained as the only automotive lifestyle publication which caters to the rich and not so famous. It's the hottest automotive publication on the stands right now and so be on the lookout for a one on one interview with the editor himself.
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