The DFW Car & Toy Museum houses 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 once favored by British royalty. It now resides in the Ron Sturgeon Collection as an enduring symbol of opulence, vision, and automotive artistry, highlighting how Texas institutions preserve and showcase unique economic artifacts.
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, with new coach built doors, panoramic window glass, and a removable roof panel with a folding landaulet top, was designed in the spirit of ceremonial parade cars. It includes "By Appointment" tread plates and the ability to lock doors open for public showcases, emphasizing its role as a rolling spectacle that draws visitors and enthusiasts to Texas.
Inside, a luxurious velour-trimmed "conversation pit" awaits, richly 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. Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, noted the vehicle's extraordinary nature, stating, "This car is so over-the-top, it's hard to believe it's real until you see it in person." He highlighted its custom woodwork, ceremonial roof, and its history of ownership by musician Kid Rock as features that make it unique within the collection, underscoring the cultural and historical value preserved in Texas museums.
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, illustrating the pinnacle of custom automotive design from the late 20th century. The Chariot of Dreams is one of hundreds of exceptional vehicles that have been on display since the museum's grand opening, with new additions showcased throughout the year. Visitors can plan their visit at https://www.dfwmuseum.com to experience this and other incredible vehicles from the Ron Sturgeon Collection. The museum, formerly known as DFW Elite Toy Museum, has a website at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com that serves as a resource for enthusiasts, contributing to Texas's reputation as a hub for automotive heritage and tourism.
This vehicle's presence in Texas underscores the state's growing role in the preservation and exhibition of high-value automotive art, which can drive tourism, support local economies, and inspire innovation in custom manufacturing. For the automotive industry, it serves as a benchmark for bespoke craftsmanship, reminding businesses of the economic potential in luxury customization and heritage conservation. Globally, such artifacts highlight the intersection of art, technology, and commerce, with Texas institutions like the DFW Car & Toy Museum playing a key part in curating these narratives for public engagement and educational impact.
