Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd. has introduced its latest creation in the exclusive coachbuilt series, known as the Rolls-Royce Droptail.
Taking inspiration from the sleek and fast sailing yachts of the 1930s, this two-seater roadster features a removable hardtop constructed from carbon fiber and electrochromic glass. The glass allows passengers to control the amount of light entering the cabin with a simple touch of a button. While specific pricing details have not been disclosed, estimates suggest the Droptail will command a price tag exceeding million. It’s worth noting that previous coachbuilt Rolls-Royce vehicles, though less intricate, were priced at over $28 million, as confirmed by a company spokesperson.
The Droptail boasts a low-slung, streamlined exterior design reminiscent of a high-tech luxury yacht. Clean lines dominate the vehicle’s profile, with only subtle interruptions from the door handles, the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament, and the RR monogram. The door handles incorporate a discreet lock mechanism and a subtly integrated indicator lamp. Unlike convertibles, where the top is stored in a rear compartment and can be raised or lowered automatically, the Droptail’s top must be manually lowered onto the vehicle. This marks the first modern-era roadster-style vehicle from Rolls-Royce, with earlier examples such as the Silver Ghost “Sluggard” from 1912 and the Silver Ghost Piccadilly from 1925.
Measuring 5.3 meters (17.3 feet) in length and 2 meters (6.5 feet) in width, the Droptail houses the same twin-turbocharged 6.75-liter V-12 engine and performance specifications found in the Rolls-Royce Ghost. The vehicle features a newly constructed monocoque frame made from a combination of aluminum, steel, and carbon fiber. Although the exact weight remains undisclosed, Rolls-Royce has maintained a tradition of prioritizing materials and engineering for optimal performance.
Breaking from tradition, which typically features the Rolls-Royce Pantheon-style grille with straight vertical vanes, the Droptail showcases vanes that curve toward the top of the radiator, creating a distinctive “templebrow” overhang, as described in the company’s press statement. The front of the car features deep-set horizontal daytime running lights, while the rear air diffuser is finished with a semi-transparent lacquer over raw carbon fiber, tilted downward.
Compared to other Rolls-Royce models like the electric Spectre, the Droptail’s interior adopts a minimalist approach, with just three primary buttons on the elegantly curved wooden dashboard, complemented by a matching champagne chest. These buttons handle quick tasks like engaging hazard lights, while the majority of the car’s controls are conveniently located in the center console. The cabin showcases exquisite parquetry, with over 1,600 hand-finished and hand-placed wood pieces adorning the interior over a meticulous two-year period.
The Droptail is the third installment in Rolls-Royce’s coachbuilt series, offering wealthy customers the opportunity to design a one-of-a-kind vehicle with specialized features tailored to their preferences. This exclusive program helps Rolls-Royce strike a balance between increasing sales volumes and preserving its reputation for extreme exclusivity. In 2021, Rolls-Royce achieved a historic milestone by selling 6,021 vehicles, an 8% increase over the previous year, marking the first time in the company’s 118-year history that annual sales exceeded 6,000 units.
The coachbuilt series commenced with the introduction of the Sweptail in 2017, a two-door coupé featuring a distinctive tapering silhouette and a full-length glass roof. In 2021, Rolls-Royce unveiled the Boat Tail, an open-air four-seater with a rear design inspired by the deck of a J Class yacht. This model, reminiscent of a trend from the 1920s when Rolls-Royce incorporated boat-like hulls into its car chassis, required four years of planning and construction, incorporating 1,813 new components and a wide deck-style umbrella at the rear.
Rolls-Royce plans to produce a limited run of four Droptail vehicles, with the first one named the “Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail.” This inaugural model includes an integrated Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept timepiece on the dashboard and was revealed during a private event in Carmel, California, on August 19th.
