Rolls-Royce has lengthy indulged requests from its purchasers searching for particular design parts, be they an embroidered falcon within the headliner or a child’s footprints within the sprint trim. However just lately, the corporate has taken this effort up a notch, from a “bespoke” degree of specialness to a brand new degree: “coachbuild.” The primary product from Crewe to flex these muscle groups was the Sweptail, again in 2017, a two-door fastback that appeared very similar to the Wraith however was primarily based on the Phantom. Subsequent got here the Boat Tail, an almost roofless tapered-bodied coupe with butterfly doorways coated in Caleidolegno-wood veneer over the baggage compartment, from which a solar parasol could possibly be deployed. The story of {custom} ‘tails now continues with the Droptail, which is once more an open coupe however this time with seating for simply two.
This challenge was extra in depth than the earlier efforts. The Droptail’s structure is described as a monocoque comprised of metal, aluminum, and carbon fiber. The automotive is a few 10 inches shorter than a Ghost, and the physique is a mixture of metal (doorways, entrance fenders) and carbon fiber (rear quarter-panels, trunklid). The 6.7-liter V-12 right here bought a 30-hp bump over the usual Phantom spec to 593 horsepower, and torque is elevated to 620 pound-feet.
The primary of the 4 Droptail efforts makes its debut at The Quail throughout Automotive Week. Dubbed La Rose Noire, it takes inspiration from a kind of rose that the commissioning house owners have a specific penchant for. The Baccara Rose informs the outside colours, which seem like purple and black, however the latter has darkish purple highlights. The brightwork additionally wears a novel darkish end. The upright parts within the Rolls grille are angled, for the primary time, and the decrease air consumption options 202 particular person rectangular initiatives, a three-dimensional twist on mesh.
Inside, 1603 items of black sycamore wooden trim veneer are used to create a design that implies rose petals scattered within the wind. An (additionally custom-designed) Audemars Piguet watch is mounted into the sprint but additionally will be eliminated and worn. And there is a particular champagne storage compartment that shops (on the right temperature) champagne from the purchasers’ personal winery. Three different Droptail commissions are nonetheless to return, every with its personal particular detailing.
Unsurprisingly, there was no Monroney worth sticker caught on the window of the Droptail, and it appeared gauche to ask the worth. However in the event you’re contemplating having Rolls construct one for you, know that the earlier fee, the Boat Tail, is rumored to have value round $28 million, so we would guess the Droptail is in the identical neighborhood.
Deputy Editor, Critiques and Options
Joe Lorio has been obsessive about vehicles since his Matchbox days, and he bought his first subscription to Automotive and Driver at age 11. Joe began his profession at Car Journal below David E. Davis Jr., and his work has additionally appeared on web sites together with Amazon Autos, Autoblog, AutoTrader, Hagerty, Hemmings, KBB, and TrueCar.
