Glenn and Gigi Moss are the embodiment of enduring love. Spending just a short time with them, one immediately senses the deep affection they share, a bond as strong today as it was when they first met as teenagers in 1976 – Gigi at 17, and Glenn at 15. Their youthful romance blossomed into a lifetime partnership, marked by children, grandchildren, and a thriving third-generation auto dealership in Riverside, California. As their 40th wedding anniversary approached, Glenn knew he wanted to celebrate this incredible milestone in a truly extraordinary way.
Glenn and Gigi Moss smiling warmly together
A Milestone Marked in Automotive Majesty
Rolls-Royce, a marque synonymous with ultimate luxury, rarely shares stories of its clientele. In fact, this occasion marks a unique instance where Rolls-Royce themselves facilitated an introduction between a journalist and their customers, Glenn and Gigi. This speaks volumes about the exceptional nature of their story and the gifts Glenn chose to commemorate their four decades of marriage.
What makes Glenn and Gigi even more remarkable is that they defy the stereotypical image of a Rolls-Royce owner. The Phantom, Glenn’s chosen model, begins at a staggering $500,000, escalating rapidly with bespoke options. The limited-edition Phantom Tempus he acquired likely surpassed $750,000. Purchasing a Phantom, especially a rare Collection car, is uncommon for a first-time Rolls-Royce buyer. Glenn, a successful car dealer, had never even been a passenger in a Rolls-Royce until recently, let alone considered owning one. He’s not from royalty or a celebrity; he’s a down-to-earth businessman who appreciates quality and recognizes the significance of a truly special gift.
Glenn Moss standing next to a Rolls-Royce Phantom Tempus, showcasing its grand scale
From Test Drive to Anniversary Dream Car
The journey to Rolls-Royce ownership began unexpectedly for Glenn and Gigi. A partnership between Rolls-Royce and American Express provided them with a day-long experience in a Rolls-Royce Dawn convertible. This brief encounter opened Glenn’s eyes to an entirely new realm of automotive excellence. “This is a different world,” Glenn reflected, acknowledging his extensive experience with various car brands through his dealerships. While he valued brands like Honda, Toyota, and Chrysler, the Rolls-Royce experience was unparalleled.
Years later, the memory of that Dawn lingered. As their 40th anniversary approached, Glenn decided to acquire a Phantom as Gigi’s 40th Wedding Anniversary Gift, despite never having even test-driven one. His confidence in the brand was absolute. Kellyn Dixon, his Rolls-Royce salesperson, was astonished by his purchase of such a high-value vehicle sight unseen. Glenn simply stated, “I didn’t need to.”
Gigi explained, “He’s been in the car business his whole life, and individual cars don’t mean anything to him, except for the ones that do.” This Rolls-Royce Phantom was clearly one of those exceptional cars, a meaningful 40th wedding anniversary gift symbolizing their remarkable journey together.
Glenn and Gigi Moss in front of their matching Rolls-Royce cars, Dawn and Phantom
A Surprise Dawn for Her: A First Car to Cherish
While Glenn orchestrated the Phantom purchase, Gigi, surprisingly, had never been particularly attached to cars. As a kindergarten teacher accustomed to dealer-plated vehicles that could be sold at any moment, personal car ownership was a foreign concept. “I get it Monday, it can be sold on Thursday,” she recounted. Even before the dealerships, her cars were hand-me-downs.
Therefore, the Hellrot red Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge Glenn surprised her with held profound significance. It was Gigi’s very first brand new car, a truly personal and luxurious 40th wedding anniversary gift. “For the first time, I’ve picked out my own car,” Gigi exclaimed, her enthusiasm palpable. “These are the first cars I’ve gotten excited about. They’re our cars.”
The surprise Dawn was revealed during what Gigi believed was a routine grocery shopping trip. Instead, Glenn steered towards the Rolls-Royce dealership, announcing, “I’m going to buy you a car.” Despite initial hesitation, Gigi embraced the gesture, recognizing the immense love and thoughtfulness behind this extraordinary 40th wedding anniversary gift.
Phantom Tempus: A Cosmic Masterpiece, Personalized
Rolls-Royce Collection cars, like the Phantom Tempus, are conceived entirely by the company’s in-house design team, making them exceptionally special. Inspired by time, space, and Albert Einstein, the Phantom Tempus is a rolling work of art. Einstein’s quote about time being a “stubbornly persistent illusion” is inscribed in the glovebox, setting the philosophical tone.
The interior roofliner is an awe-inspiring display of embroidered and painted pulsars, complemented by a Starlight Headliner enhanced with thousands of additional fiber optic cables in the doors, creating a celestial ambiance. The dashboard features a sculpture of 100 columns, representing the pulsar star’s 100-million-year rotation period. Notably, the Phantom Tempus omits an analog clock, encouraging occupants to transcend the constraints of time.
Adding an incredibly personal touch to this already exceptional 40th wedding anniversary gift, Glenn had the date and coordinates of their first meeting engraved beneath the Spirit of Ecstasy on the Phantom’s bonnet.
Close-up of the Rolls-Royce Phantom Tempus interior, showcasing the starlight headliner and detailed craftsmanship
Dawn’s Personal Touch: Celebrating 40 Years
Not to be overshadowed, Gigi’s Dawn also received a unique personalization. Her Spirit of Ecstasy, crafted from carbon fiber, bears the engraved date and coordinates of their wedding 40 years prior. This detail transformed their cars into a matched set, a testament to their shared journey.
Glenn further customized his Phantom, making it uniquely his. Despite Rolls-Royce Collection cars having strict modification guidelines, Glenn’s vision prevailed. He altered the exterior color to a shimmering Alpine White, the coachline, interior hues, and other elements. After numerous discussions, the design team conceded, allowing Glenn to create his perfect 40th wedding anniversary gift.
Finally experiencing his Phantom, Glenn described it as “absolutely the most amazing vehicle I’ve ever driven,” echoing his Dawn experience of “floating on a cloud.” Reflecting on Gigi and their extraordinary cars, Glenn concluded with simple yet profound words: “my true thoughts are how lucky I really am.” Their Rolls-Royce cars are not just vehicles; they are enduring symbols of a 40-year love story, making them the ultimate 40th wedding anniversary gift.
