Rolls-Royce Droptail: The Pinnacle of Luxury

author: FutureCar Staff    

This may come as a surprise, but I am not the target audience for what is likely the most expensive new car in the world. I do not possess great wealth or control over a country's resources. Therefore, my perspective may not be suited to judge an eight-figure automobile like the Rolls-Royce Droptail.

During Monterey Car Week, Rolls-Royce unveiled the Droptail, most likely breaking its own record for the world's priciest new car. The previous record-holder was the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail, which premiered at last year's Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. The official cost of the Boat Tail was never disclosed, as it was a custom project with only three coachbuilt cars made according to individual customer specifications. Rumor has it that Jay-Z and Beyonce were among the customers. It was speculated that the Boat Tail commanded a price of $28 million. While the exact cost of the new Droptail has not been officially announced, Autocar reports that it is even more expensive than the Boat Tail.

The Drive has reached out to Rolls-Royce for confirmation of the pricing and will update the story accordingly.

Similar to the Boat Tail, the new Droptail is a coachbuilt design that shares very little with other Rolls-Royce models. Only four Droptails will be produced, each customized to the owner's preferences. The design was a collaboration between Rolls-Royce and the four customers.

Although it is undeniably a beautiful car, is it worth $30 million? According to the automaker, the long hood, custom rear deck, and low-slung shoulder line pay homage to roadsters from the 1920s. The first Droptail to be created, named "La Rose Noire," features a crimson exterior and a red-and-black color scheme inspired by the Black Baccara flower.

The cabin of the Droptail will be familiar to those who have seen a modern Rolls-Royce, but it does have some unique elements. The center armrest is new, and the dashboard trim is adorned with a red/black geometric pattern reminiscent of the opening credits of Casino Royale. The same motif can be found on the entire rear deck of the Droptail. Additionally, the Droptail comes with a bespoke Audemars Piguet watch that fits into the dashboard, serving as the car's clock. To ensure safety, Rolls-Royce conducted crash tests to ensure that the watch does not become a projectile in the event of an accident.

Contrary to its two-door design, the Droptail is not based on the new electric Rolls-Royce Spectre. Instead, La Rose Noire is equipped with a familiar 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12 engine that produces 593 horsepower, 30 more than the Phantom. However, the torque is rated at 620 lb-ft, which is 44 lb-ft less than the Phantom.

The Rolls-Royce Droptail is an impressive creation, crafted almost entirely by hand and unlike anything else on the road. Some may argue that it is not worth $30 million or more, especially when compared to the stunning vintage vehicles showcased at Pebble Beach. However, in the world of the ultra-wealthy, where everyone has everything, exclusivity is highly valued. Being one of only four individuals in the world to own this exquisite Rolls-Royce is what makes the Droptail so valuable. At the very least, it is likely more deserving of its price tag than the charred remains of a once magnificent Ferrari.

FutureCar Staff