One of the main reasons why I’m such a big fan of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer has to do with its wood-grain side panels. We know the model is coming back around the end of the decade, but we wouldn’t hold our breath for the wood finish to make a return as well. Meanwhile, another car playing in a significantly different league has received a woody treatment. Meet the Rolls-Royce Wraith Regatta, representing the work of American experiential designer Eddie Sotto who used to be the Senior Vice President of Concept Design for Walt Disney Imagineering.
The artist took his inspiration from classic wooden motor yachts when he designed the special Wraith featuring mahogany planking on the hood, roof, and on the rear section. It costs more than $1 million and customers can pick from a variety of wood-paint combos to further personalize the high-end coupe.
Sotto is not a big fan of current customized Rolls-Royces, calling them “more garish than graceful” and fitted with “giant wheels and gold and bright colors.” He goes on to specify the Phantom II Boat Tail with its combination of lacquered wood planks and steel “absolutely captivated my imagination,” so the wooden Wraith is trying to rekindle the magic.
There’s more to the Regatta than its special exterior, as the interior cabin was also the subject of a few changes and it carries over the body’s nautical theme. As such, the Wraith comes with a wooden finish on the door panels and dashboard, along with brass-trimmed vents and nautical-brass inlays. Sky’s the limit as far as customizations are concerned, and all of the work will be done by California-based Aria Group which is known for some interesting concepts such as the Kia GT4 Stinger and Mazda Furai.
If money is no object, you can buy a matching business jet also designed by Eddie Sotto. Dubbed “Skyacht One,” it’s based on the Embraer Lineage 1000E and costs a hefty $83 million. You can check out a gallery with the fancy plane by clicking here.
Source: bbc.com
Gallery: Rolls-Royce Wraith Regatta