Rolls-Royce Reveals Red Phantom for AIDS Charity Organization
Bespoke Red Phantom will benefit (RED), the global charity to end AIDS.
The House of Rolls-Royce today revealed images of a Bespoke Red Phantom, commissioned to benefit (RED), the global charity and its fight to end AIDS. First sketches of the red-themed creation were revealed by the world’s leading luxury manufacturer seven months ago at the Sotheby’s Galleries in New York City. The Bespoke Phantom will be unveiled at a gala event at the One Thousand Museum in Miami on December 4 as Sotheby’s and RM Sotheby’s launch an exclusive online auction that will run until December 13 on Sothebys.com. Proceeds from the auction will benefit (RED).
The successful bidder will have the unique opportunity to collaborate with contemporary artist Mickalene Thomas, who will create a custom wrap for the exterior of the car, based on an original work of art inspired by the Red Phantom for the collector. When the digital hammer falls, the ultimate bidder will be the proud owner of the Red Phantom, a personalized artwork by Thomas and the honor of having supported (RED) in its mission.
“It is an honor and privilege to present this one of a kind commission created at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England,” said Martin Fritsches, President and CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Americas. “Every member of our team is deeply inspired by this world-class commission and equally by the importance of the cause that it was created to support: (RED)’s fight to end AIDS.”
“We’re so grateful to Rolls-Royce for donating profits from the Red Phantom to help with the fight to end AIDS,” said Jennifer Lotito, Chief Operating Officer, (RED). “We need all forces mobilized against this pandemic which is the leading cause of death among young women. We also want to thank Mickalene Thomas for her creative genius and support of this auction to help the Global Fund eradicate AIDS.”
‘Our team is deeply inspired by this world-class commission and equally by the importance of the cause that it was created to support: (RED)’s fight to end AIDS.’
Phantom’s exterior hue features a Bespoke finish of Crystal over Magma Red. Particles of crystal captured in the final layers of finish creating a luxurious luminescence. The handcrafted Bespoke leather interior in Brilliant Arctic White is offset by bright Mugello Red highlights overseen by the colorful Mugello Red “Shooting Starlight Headliner.” Housed within a single-piece glass fascia and extending across the instrument panel, the Gallery design, “Red Regatta Sails,” is constructed of Bespoke Mugello Red leather.
(RED) was co-founded in 2006 by U2 frontman Bono to engage businesses and people in the fight against AIDS. (RED) partners with the world’s most iconic brands that contribute proceeds from (RED)-branded goods and services to the Global Fund.
To date, (RED) has generated more than $600 million for the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, to support HIV/AIDS grants in Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania and Zambia. Global Fund grants that (RED) supports have impacted over 140 million people with prevention, treatment, counseling, HIV testing and care services.