Amber Roads to Luxury: Nick Rhodes’ Latest Bespoke Creation for Rolls-Royce

Nick Rhodes is part of the Bespoke design team at the iconic car manufacturer Rolls-Royce and is the chief designer responsible for the creation of the Bespoke Rolls-Royce motor car, inspired by amber and the historic trade routes connecting the Baltic and the Mediterranean Sea. Amber, essentially a fossil, has a tangible link with ancient life on Earth, capturing a sense of timelessness, simplicity, and enduring beauty – qualities that also embody a Bespoke Rolls-Royce. The textures, colours, and warmth of amber are reflected in this Bespoke creation. Raj Gill had the pleasure of interviewing Nick Rhodes, who shared the inspiration behind this unique motor car.

RG: Nick, when did you start working with Rolls-Royce, and what is your title?
NR: I joined Rolls-Royce in 2021; I am a Bespoke designer.

RG: Could you give us a brief overview of your work experience before joining Rolls-Royce?
NR: I have always been passionate about automotive design, specialising in the field of Bespoke commissions.

RG: Following in the footsteps of Nicholas Grimshaw and Norman Foster couldn’t have been easy. How did you plan to build on their innovations for the brand?
NR: As designers, we constantly strive to push the boundaries of automotive luxury.

RG: How does one go about creating the ultimate Rolls-Royce?
NR: It requires time, continuous improvement, and an ongoing conversation with the client.

RG: Please explain what “Ghost Amber Roads” is. What makes it special at Rolls-Royce?
NR: Ghost Amber Roads is a limited collection of unique and highly Bespoke motor cars, celebrating the “gold of the North.”

RG: Why were only 12 of them made?
NR: It’s a highly exclusive collection, with only a select number produced.

RG: Tell us about the name – why “Ghost Amber Roads”?
NR: These motor cars feature amber on the fascia and are limited to the European region, close to the historic Amber Road routes.

RG: Could you describe the kind of client you had in mind for this car?
NR: Given the story and history behind the Amber Roads, I imagine the owner of one of these commissions would appreciate the story and enjoy driving along the Amber Road routes.

RG: Rolls-Royce motor cars are among the most expensive in the world. How does it feel to shoulder such a responsibility?
NR: Rolls-Royce is synonymous with Bespoke, and our talented designers and artisans work closely with clients to exceed their expectations.

RG: You’re part of the team responsible for bringing Rolls-Royce into the present century. How do you achieve that while retaining the classic elements of the brand?
NR: By blending traditional techniques with modern technology.

RG: What has been your biggest challenge at Rolls-Royce?
NR: Balancing the bigger picture with the meticulous attention to detail that goes into each car.

RG: And your highlight?
NR: Seeing Ghost Amber Roads come to life. I’ve worked on this from the very start of my time at Rolls-Royce, and it’s incredible to see this remarkable motor car realised.

RG: Finally, what’s next for Nick Rhodes?
NR: I’ve been privileged to help bring to life the Phantom Goldfinger, a collector’s piece and one of the Bespoke Collective’s greatest creative journeys. The elegant, whimsical features that reference the film’s most memorable moments are a stunning example of how Bespoke adds a new chapter to an existing story.