The 1989 Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit Emperor State Landaulet, nicknamed the Chariot of Dreams, stands as one of the rarest and most extravagant vehicles currently displayed at the DFW Car & Toy Museum. This singular creation was commissioned by the Silver Lady Trust and constructed by the revived Hooper & Company, coachbuilders historically favored by British royalty. It now resides within the Ron Sturgeon Collection, serving as a definitive symbol of opulence, vision, and automotive artistry.
Built 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 tradition of ceremonial parade cars. The vehicle is equipped with "By Appointment" tread plates and doors that can be locked open for public display, emphasizing its role as a spectacle.
The interior presents a luxurious velour-trimmed "conversation pit," richly appointed with cedar-dyed burled walnut and a hidden refrigerator in the trunk. It incorporates an array of entertainment technology that was considered cutting-edge in 1989, including a Philips LCD television, CD player, radio, and a Toshiba computer and printer, complemented by sets of crystal flutes and tumblers.
Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, noted the vehicle's extraordinary nature, stating it was designed to be a rolling spectacle that remains unparalleled in his collection, from its custom woodwork and ceremonial roof to its history of ownership, which once included musician Kid Rock. Completed in 1991, the Emperor toured Europe and appeared 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 represents a landmark achievement in modern bespoke coachbuilding.
For business and technology leaders, the Chariot of Dreams exemplifies the extreme potential of bespoke manufacturing and brand legacy. Its existence highlights a niche market where craftsmanship, exclusivity, and technological integration—even from a past era—command enduring value and fascination. The vehicle's preservation and display underscore the growing cultural and economic significance of automotive art as a tangible asset class and a draw for experiential venues.
The DFW Car and Toy Museum, now located in North Fort Worth at a 150,000-square-foot facility, showcases this and hundreds of other exceptional vehicles. Visitors can plan their visit through the museum's website at https://www.dfwmuseum.com. The museum offers free parking and admission, with hours of operation Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
