British ultra-luxury carmaker Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has hand-crafted a Phantom Coupé inspired by one of the 20th century’s most iconic Arabian horses.

Named Mirage, the powerful stallion achieved worldwide fame in the 1920s and 30s as one of the strongest and fastest horses of its time.

The one-off vehicle, christened Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe Mirage is presented in the UAE and available exclusively through Abu Dhabi Motors, the sole dealer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

The unique model was conceptualised by Kadhim Al Helli, Rolls Royce brand manager at Abu Dhabi Motors before being hand-crafted by specialists at the home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England.

“The synergies between the Arabian horse and the Rolls-Royce brand are hard to ignore,” said Al Helli.

“Arabian Horses are one of the oldest equine breeds in existence, renowned for their refined physical attributes, fine temperament and strong bloodline; just as Rolls-Royce is synonymous with exquisite design, flawless performance and pioneering heritage.”

“This car celebrates those shared qualities by embodying the spirit of a true champion, Mirage, the perfect example of a Classic Arabian Horse.”

A host of delicate touches have been added to the Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupé to bring the spirit of the Arabian horse alive in the ‘Mirage Motif’ edition. The vehicle is presented in a perfectly coordinated colour combination, featuring a matte black exterior and mugello red and black interior.

The Mirage horse’s head features throughout the vehicle’s design, with a silver inlay in the passenger display panel set against elm cluster veneer and embroidery on the front and rear headrests.

The car also features a silver rope inlay in the door capping and on the front Fascia, while the Glove box is embroidered with the personalised message: “Mirage motif – one of one.”

The Bespoke Programme is a service offered to Rolls-Royce clients whereby the client may specify features of the car, in order to create their own unique model.

The Bespoke team at Goodwood, home of Rolls-Royce Motor cars, is dedicated to finding new paints, materials and engineering solutions that meet each client’s demands to ensure he receives a truly unique and exceptional car.

“The Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Bespoke Programme allows us to design, engineer and personalise cars to the individual styling and distinctive tastes of our customers,” said Al Helli.

“This is a huge strength for us in a market where exclusivity is of the utmost importance and most customers aspire to own vehicles with personalised touches. This level of Bespoke attention turns the car from a vehicle into the equivalent of a piece of art - original, inimitable and meaningful.”

The Arabian Horse on which the car has been based, Mirage, was purchased from the Sebaa tribe by HRH King Faisal of Iraq in the early years of the 20th century, and was later owned by Lady Wentworth in England and Roger Selby in the US.

Mirage was a champion in both countries, winning the Richmond Royal Show in 1926 and becoming American Champion at the National Arabian Show in Nashville in 1934. Used as a stud throughout the 20’s and 30’s, Mirage’s bloodline is still present in many modern day Arabian Horses. – TradeArabia News Service