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 am not wealthy, nor do I have control over a country's water supply. So, my opinion may not hold much weight when it comes to judging an eight-figure automobile like the Rolls-Royce Droptail.

During Monterey Car Week, Rolls-Royce unveiled the Droptail, which is expected to break the record for the world's priciest new car. The previous record was held by the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail, which debuted at last year's Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. The Boat Tail's official cost was never disclosed, as it was a custom project with only three cars built according to specific customer requirements. It was rumored to cost $28 million. While the exact price of the Droptail hasn't been revealed by Rolls-Royce, Autocar reports that it is even more expensive than the Boat Tail.

The Drive has reached out to Rolls-Royce for confirmation on the pricing and will update this story with more information.

Similar to the Boat Tail, the Droptail is a unique design that shares little resemblance to other Rolls-Royce models. Only four units will be produced, each one customized to the owner's preferences. The design of the Droptail was a collaboration between Rolls-Royce and the four customers.

The Droptail is undeniably beautiful, but is it $30 million worth of beauty? According to the automaker, the long hood, custom rear deck, and low-slung shoulder line pay homage to roadsters from the 1920s. The first of the four Droptails to be made is called "La Rose Noire" and features 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 modern Rolls-Royce models, 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. This motif also covers the entire rear deck of the Droptail. Additionally, the Droptail comes with a bespoke Audemars Piguet watch that fits into the dashboard and serves as the car's clock. Rolls-Royce even conducted crash tests to ensure the watch remains secure 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 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 vehicle, 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 cars showcased at Pebble Beach. However, in the world of the ultra-rich, where everyone has everything, exclusivity is highly valued. Being one of only four individuals to own this exquisite Rolls-Royce adds to the Droptail's value. At the very least, it is arguably more deserving of its price tag than the charred remains of a once beautiful Ferrari.

FutureCar Staff