Can't afford a real Rolls-Royce? Build this wood sculpture for your living room instead
12/06/2024 04:00 PM
The latest creation from Goodwood takes the term literally as a true work of art and comes with its own driver – but it won't take you anywhere.
British brand Rolls-Royce has released Cameo – not its answer to the online celebrity buy-a-greeting service, but a pint-sized convertible sculpture to pimp coffee tables complete with self-levelling centre caps.
As Jaguar pushes its brand upmarket, Rolls-Royce is looking to carve a smaller niche from literal smaller carvings to create a model – perhaps to take some attention away from its British rival’s rebrand – as homage to open-top versions of the real thing.
Designed for 'self-assembly', a 'series' of parts start with a body made from a solid oak chunk which combines using magnets with a piece of polished aluminium to create a classic two-tone look.
Rolls-Royce says the coming together is a 'seminal' moment – like the first Spinal Tap album – which it dubs 'marriage', suggesting many buyers of 'full-sized' (code for real) versions like to view this part during the build of their special machine.
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The aluminium top integrates the grille and windscreen, as well as the beltline surrounding the cabin, while once the wheels are fitted the self-levelling centre caps keep their 'RR' monogrammed logos perfectly horizontal.
Then the 3D-printed interior is fitted – finished in Grace White, as per the real thing – including its own flat-capped driver, who comes as standard.
With no engine – or any drivetrain to speak of – the Cameo avoids London's ULEZ (Ultra Low Emissions Zone) charges but of course is such a rare Rolls it simply cannot be road-registered.
It isn't so suited to rainy weather, anyway – or human sized-occupants.
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On the plus-side, servicing is cheap – especially for a Rolls-Royce – and the driver is not prone to awkward conversations, leaving you in peace and quiet to enjoy the timbre of the wind … or the sound of the wheels rolling across your desk.
Sadly, there's no Spirit of Ecstasy – the brand's iconic bonnet-mounted statuette – leading the way for your fantasy journey to your imaginary wealthy friends for a spot of hallucinogenic croquet.
For that, you'll need to buy the real thing (and hallucinogens).
The price of the Cameo? If you have to ask…
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