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With the Rolls-Royce Wraith being phased out and set to be replaced by the all-electric Spectre, Rolls-Royce has decided to prepare one final hurrah for its line of V12-powered coupes, the Wraith Black Arrow. Only 12 examples will be built.



The car pays homage to Thunderbolt, an eight-wheeled land speed record car powered by two Rolls-Royce V12s. In 1938, Thunderbolt reached 357.497mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. To this day, Thunderbolt remains the fastest V12 powered car ever.

Rolls-Royce says that Thunderbolt's bright aluminum body reflected the glaring Utah sun's rays so much that it couldn't be picked up by timing equipment, which led the driver to paint a massive black arrow and with a yellow circle on the side of the car, inspiring the name and design of this limited-production Wraith.



According to Rolls-Royce, the Black Arrow's snazzy gradient paint finish - with the Celebration Silver front end blending into the Black Diamond rear - took 18 months to perfect. It’s accented by bright yellow trim in the front bumper and adorning the wheels. Yellow also appears on struts visible through the grille and on the base of the Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament above.

Being a Rolls-Royce, the interior too is spectacular. The exterior colour scheme continues, with yellow leather gracing the seats, steering wheel, and dashboard. The headrests are embroidered with a stylized arrow, while the analog clock set into the dashboard proudly displays Thunderbolt's top speed. The coach doors feature a dark wood finish consisting of over 320 layered pieces designed to emulate the rough surface of the Salt Flats, while a depiction of the Thunderbolt's V-12 is etched into aluminum and set behind glass on the dashboard. A small aluminum model of the Thunderbolt also resides under a pane of glass in the center console.





Modern Rolls-Royces are known for their starry headliners, and Rolls-Royce went the extra mile even there, stitching 2117 fiber-optic lights into the ceiling, the most Rolls-Royce has ever fitted to one headliner. The "stars" are arranged to mimic the constellations as they would have looked on the date in 1938 when the Thunderbolt set its record.



A plaque can also be seen on the engine cover, noting that this is the last V12 powered Rolls-Royce coupe. While only 12 units will be built, all 12 have, as is usually with cars like these, already been spoken for. No official price was announced, but it can be understood that it would’ve cost prospective owners a hefty premium over the Wraith’s base price of $343,350.



Source: Car and Driver