Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd. has recently introduced its latest addition to the exclusive coachbuilt series, the Rolls-Royce Droptail. Taking inspiration from the sleek and high-speed sailing yachts of the 1930s, this roadster showcases a unique design that exudes luxury and sophistication. The Droptail is a two-seater vehicle equipped with a removable hardtop, made from carbon fiber and featuring electrochromic glass that can adjust the amount of light entering the cabin at the touch of a button. While the specific pricing has not been disclosed, experts estimate that it will exceed $30 million. Previous coachbuilt models from Rolls-Royce have commanded prices upwards of $28 million, emphasizing their unparalleled craftsmanship and exclusivity.
The exterior of the Rolls-Royce Droptail boasts a low-slung and sleek profile, reminiscent of a modern high-tech luxury yacht. The design features clean lines from the front to the rear, interrupted only by the door handles, the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament, and the RR monogram. The door handles are ingeniously integrated with a hidden lock mechanism and discreetly incorporate an indicator lamp. Unlike a traditional convertible, where the top is stored in a rear compartment and automatically raised or lowered, the Droptail requires manual lowering of the top onto the vehicle. This marks the first modern roadster-style vehicle from Rolls-Royce, paying homage to their earlier roadsters such as the Silver Ghost "Sluggard" and the Silver Ghost Piccadilly.
Measuring 5.3 meters in length and 2 meters in width, the Droptail shares the same powertrain as the Rolls-Royce Ghost, featuring a twin-turbocharged 6.75-liter V-12 engine. It is built on a newly designed monocoque frame crafted from a combination of aluminum, steel, and carbon fiber. Although the weight has not been officially confirmed by the company, this meticulously crafted vehicle ensures a captivating performance.
Breaking from tradition, the Rolls-Royce Droptail introduces a unique design element to its iconic Pantheon-style grille. Instead of the traditional straight and vertical vanes, the vanes on the Droptail grille bend towards the top of the radiator, creating what Rolls-Royce refers to as a "templebrow" overhang. The front of the car features deep-set horizontal daytime running lights, while the back showcases an air diffuser finished with a semi-transparent lacquer over raw carbon fiber, tilted down for added visual appeal.
Compared to Rolls-Royce's other models, such as the electric Spectre, the interior of the Droptail adopts a more minimalist approach. The curved shawl-style wooden dashboard features three primary buttons, providing quick access to functions such as hazard lights. The majority of the car's controls are located in the center console for convenience. The cabin is adorned with intricate parquetry, where over 1,600 hand-finished and hand-placed wood pieces create a truly bespoke atmosphere.
The Rolls-Royce Droptail is part of the automaker's coachbuilt series, allowing discerning customers to personalize their vehicles with unique functionalities and designs. This program not only caters to the growing sales volume but also maintains the brand's aura of exclusivity. In 2021, Rolls-Royce achieved record-breaking sales of 6,021 vehicles, marking the first time in its 118-year history that the brand surpassed the 6,000 unit mark in a single year.
The Droptail follows the success of the previous coachbuilt models, starting with the Sweptail in 2017, a stunning two-door coupé featuring a sleek and tapering design with a full-length glass roof. This was followed by the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail in 2021, an open-air four-seater that emulates the look of a J Class yacht's deck. The Boat Tail required meticulous planning and construction, incorporating 1,813 new components and even featuring a deck-style umbrella on its back.
Only four Droptail cars will be produced, with the first one named the "Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail." This exclusive model showcases an integrated Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept timepiece within the dashboard. The unveiling of the Droptail took place at a private event held on August 19th in Carmel, California, further emphasizing the exclusivity and grandeur of this remarkable vehicle.