The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, is currently displaying one of the rarest and most extravagant vehicles in its collection: the 1989 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit Emperor State Landaulet. Nicknamed the "Chariot of Dreams," this singular creation was commissioned by the Silver Lady Trust and built by the revived Hooper & Company, coachbuilders historically favored by British royalty. The vehicle now resides in the Ron Sturgeon Collection as a symbol of opulence, vision, and automotive artistry.
This news matters because it highlights the preservation and public accessibility of a unique piece of automotive history that represents the pinnacle of bespoke coachbuilding. The vehicle's existence demonstrates how commissioned, one-off creations push the boundaries of automotive design and luxury, serving as rolling testaments to craftsmanship that is increasingly rare in modern mass-produced automotive markets. For enthusiasts and historians, such vehicles provide tangible connections to specialized manufacturing techniques and design philosophies that defined an era of automotive excess and personalization.
Constructed on a stretched Silver Spirit chassis, this one-off Hooper creation features a body painted in Mason's Black and Royal Claret. The extended rear cabin includes new coach-built doors, panoramic window glass, and a removable roof panel with a folding landaulet top designed in the spirit of ceremonial parade cars. The vehicle features "By Appointment" tread plates and the ability to lock doors open for public showcases, emphasizing its ceremonial origins.
Inside, the car contains a luxurious velour-trimmed "conversation pit" appointed with cedar-dyed burled walnut, a hidden refrigerator in the trunk, and an array of entertainment technology that was cutting-edge in 1989. Amenities include a Philips LCD television, CD player, radio, Toshiba computer and printer, plus sets of crystal flutes and tumblers. "This car is so over-the-top, it's hard to believe it's real until you see it in person," said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. "It was designed to be a rolling spectacle—and it still is. From the custom woodwork to the ceremonial roof to the fact that Kid Rock once owned it, it's unlike anything else in the collection."
Completed in 1991, the Emperor toured Europe and made appearances at major auto shows in Australia before being preserved in Hooper's corporate collection until 2010. With just over 13,000 miles and all original accessories intact, it remains a landmark of modern bespoke coachbuilding. The vehicle's preservation in near-original condition is significant for automotive historians and collectors, as it maintains the integrity of its period-specific technologies and craftsmanship.
The implications of this display extend beyond mere exhibition. For the automotive industry, vehicles like the Chariot of Dreams serve as benchmarks for luxury and customization that continue to influence high-end manufacturers. For museums and cultural institutions, such acquisitions enhance educational value by showcasing engineering, design, and social history through automotive artifacts. For the public, access to such rare vehicles democratizes appreciation for automotive art that would otherwise remain in private collections.
The Chariot of Dreams is one of hundreds of exceptional vehicles on display at the museum, with new additions showcased throughout the year. Visitors can plan their visit at https://www.dfwmuseum.com to experience this and other vehicles from the collection. Additional information about the museum's history and previous iterations can be found at https://www.dfwelitetoymuseum.com.
