The Color of Command
Cars finished in black tend to project a distinct sense of sophistication and power — the kind of presence felt when the Batmobile rolls into view, or when a presidential motorcade passes by in a convoy of dark-finished full-size SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade.
Rolls-Royce may be known for its bright chrome and polished finishes, but it also offers a darker, rebellious alter ego in the form of the Black Badge line, which is currently celebrating its 10th anniversary. The Black Badge has embodied that same aura of sophistication and power, while helping make it more relevant to a “new generation of clients” who, according to the press release, “may never have previously considered it.”
The First Taste of Darkness
The earliest black-themed specification dates back to the 1920s. In 1928, a Rolls-Royce 20 H.P. Brewster Brougham was commissioned with the brand’s signature Spirit of Ecstasy and radiator grille finished in black — a striking departure from the polished brightwork that traditionally symbolized prestige at the time. A more intentional all-black expression followed in 1964, most notably on a Phantom V commissioned by John Lennon of The Beatles. The exterior and interior were finished in black, though the Pantheon grille and Spirit of Ecstasy remained in chrome.
In 2016, the Black Badge line officially debuted at the Geneva Motor Show with models such as the Ghost and Wraith.
Rolls-Royce, BMW's ultra-luxury arm, says Black Badge models undergo an extensive painting process to achieve their signature depth of darkness. The finish involves applying approximately 100 pounds of atomized paint to an electrostatically charged body-in-white, which is then oven-dried to ensure a rich, uniform surface. Inside, the cabin incorporates aviation-inspired design cues — reflecting founder Hon. Charles Stewart Rolls’ passion for flight — and features carbon fiber trim used less for weight savings and more for its visual impact. Additionally, Black Badge models benefit from increased power and revised chassis tuning compared with their standard counterparts.
Beyond the Shadows
However, not all Black Badge models adopt a murdered-out theme like the Range Rover SV Black. The British marque still allows customers freedom to personalize their commissions, as evidenced by the Neon Nights collection, which features vibrant finishes such as Lime Rock Green, Eagle Rock Red, and Mirabeau Blue.
Among the more notable Black Badge commissions from the series’ first decade are the Ghost Ékleipsis — inspired by a solar eclipse — and the Ghost Gamer, created for wealthy clients with a passion for video games. Rolls-Royce vowed to introduce “more expressive” interpretations of the Black Badge in its second decade — a significant step as the all-electric Spectre ushers the darker alter ego into the electric era.
There are no reviews to display.