Rooftops go gold for luxury look

Car owners looking for a little extra something to draw admiring glances when they cruise down the streets might be want to consider giving their roofs a golden makeover.

Alchemist, a London-based firm, has announced it will be displaying its 24-carat gold customisation service at the MPH motor show this year.

The company said it uses a patented process with which to coat a car roof in gold leaf and each car receives a certificate of authenticity.

Jacques Blanc, owner of the company, said: "Gold-leafing vehicles isn't a new luxury.

"The Egyptians mastered the technique more than 3,000 years ago and Tutankhamun's chariot was decorated with gold leaves."

According to Alchemist, gold is not affected by oxygen moisture, air or heat and so it is "well-suited" to be used on car rooftops.

For the MPH event, the company will present the new Aston Martin DBS completely covered in 24-carat gold leaf - the Aston Martin is James Bond's car in the upcoming film, Quantum of Solace.