Rolls-Royce has revealed Project Nightingale, a striking fully electric two-seat roadster that blends classic Art Deco inspiration with cutting-edge EV technology. Limited to just 100 examples, the hand-built open-top grand tourer will be crafted at the marque’s Goodwood facility, with first customer deliveries set for 2028.
Project Nightingale is the first model in Rolls-Royce’s new Coachbuild Collection, a bespoke ultra-exclusive program created for clients seeking highly personalized vehicles and curated luxury experiences. Named after “Le Rossignol” — French for nightingale — the project draws inspiration from the French Riviera, where Sir Henry Royce once spent winters.
A Modern EV Inspired by the Glamour of the 1920s
Project Nightingale channels the elegance of the Streamline Moderne era while embracing a distinctly contemporary identity. Its proportions are dramatic: at 5.76 meters long, it matches the length of the flagship Rolls-Royce Phantom, yet it is configured as a sleek two-seat convertible.
The design also references rare Rolls-Royce experimental “EX” models from the late 1920s, especially the 16EX and 17EX prototypes. Those cars were built to push speed boundaries at a time when luxury and performance were being redefined. Project Nightingale adopts their spirit through a long bonnet, low-slung cabin, flowing rear deck and sculpted surfaces that appear carved from a single block.
Three core design principles shaped the car:
– Upright front graphics flowing into a graceful rear silhouette
– A seamless central fuselage line from nose to tail
– Sculptural “flying wing” body forms that add visual tension
Rather than relying on excessive ornamentation, Rolls-Royce focused on clean, uninterrupted surfaces and monolithic beauty.
Fully Electric Platform Unlocks a New Design Language
Project Nightingale’s all-electric architecture allows for a radically cleaner exterior design. Without the need for large air intakes or exhaust packaging, Rolls-Royce designers were able to create expansive smooth bodywork and a more dramatic front fascia.
A near one-meter-wide Pantheon grille dominates the front end, framed in polished stainless steel and featuring 24 deep-set vanes. The iconic Spirit of Ecstasy sits subtly recessed into the grille’s upper section, flowing naturally into the bonnet.
Slim vertical LED lighting elements at the front and rear emphasize the car’s width and sophistication, while polished metal detailing runs the full length of the body. Massive 24-inch wheels — the largest ever fitted to a Rolls-Royce — add presence while referencing yacht propellers through their directional spoke design.
At the rear, the design remains clean and theatrical. A sideways-opening “Piano Boot” adds a dramatic touch, while an integrated carbon-fiber Aero Afterdeck diffuser improves stability at speed without disrupting the car’s elegant silhouette.
Silent Open-Top Luxury at a New Level
The electric drivetrain is central to Project Nightingale’s character. Rolls-Royce says the near-silent powertrain creates an exceptionally serene open-air driving experience, allowing occupants to hear the surrounding world with unusual clarity.
That sense of calm extends to the soft-top roof, which uses a bespoke sound-deadening blend of cashmere, fabric and advanced composites. Whether the roof is raised or lowered, the goal is to deliver a cocoon-like experience with minimal wind and road noise.
The company compares the sensation of driving the prototype to sailing: quiet, smooth and deeply immersive.
Interior Designed Around Light, Sound and Craftsmanship
Inside, Project Nightingale introduces the “Starlight Breeze” interior suite — a signature ambient lighting system made up of 10,500 illuminated points. Inspired by the soundwave patterns of birdsong, the lighting wraps around the cabin and creates a unique cocoon-like atmosphere for driver and passenger.
A sculptural “Horseshoe” structure behind the seats frames the occupants, while Rolls-Royce’s signature craftsmanship is evident throughout the cabin. Leather saddle-inspired detailing, open-pore wood trim and jewelry-like metal controls elevate the interior’s sense of occasion.
A motorized center armrest reveals the Spirit of Ecstasy rotary controller and hidden storage compartments, while discreet luggage space behind the seats reinforces the grand touring brief.
Only 100 Units Planned, Deliveries Start in 2028
Each of the 100 Project Nightingale cars will be individually commissioned, with clients given access to exclusive Rolls-Royce events and bespoke design consultations over several years.
For Rolls-Royce, Project Nightingale is more than just a luxury EV. It is a statement of how electric power can enhance the brand’s defining traits: silence, effortless performance and uncompromising craftsmanship.
With its blend of heritage-inspired styling, modern electric engineering and extreme exclusivity, Project Nightingale sets a new benchmark for ultra-luxury electric motoring.
