Rolls-Royce Droptail: The Pinnacle of Luxury Cars

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 vast wealth or control over a country's resources. Therefore, my opinion may not be the most suitable for judging an eight-figure automobile. However, the Rolls-Royce Droptail has exceeded my expectations in terms of its appearance.

During Monterey Car Week, Rolls-Royce unveiled the Droptail, which is likely to surpass its own record for the world's priciest new car. The previous record was held by the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail, which made its debut at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este last year. The official cost of the Boat Tail was never disclosed, as only three custom-built cars were created based on individual customer specifications. It is rumored that Jay-Z and Beyonce were among the customers. At the time, the Boat Tail was estimated to be worth $28 million. Although the exact cost of the new Droptail has not been revealed, 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 this story with more information.

Similar to its predecessor, the Droptail is a custom-built design that shares little resemblance to other Rolls-Royce models. Only four units will be produced, each tailored to the specific preferences of its owner. The design was a collaboration between Rolls-Royce and the four customers.

Despite its hefty price tag, the Droptail is undeniably beautiful. Its long hood, custom rear deck, and low-slung shoulder line pay homage to roadsters from the 1920s, according to the automaker. The first of the four units, named "La Rose Noire," features a striking 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 a new addition, and the dashboard trim is adorned with a red-and-black geometric pattern reminiscent of the opening credits of Casino Royale. The same motif covers the entire rear deck of the Droptail. Additionally, the car 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 that 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 familiar 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12 engine that produces 593 horsepower, which is 30 more than the Phantom. However, the torque is slightly lower at 620 lb-ft, 44 lb-ft less than the Phantom.

The Rolls-Royce Droptail is an extraordinary 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 cars showcased at Pebble Beach. However, in the world of the super-rich, where everything is attainable, exclusivity reigns supreme. Therefore, being one of only four individuals in the world to own this exquisite Rolls-Royce makes the Droptail incredibly valuable. At the very least, it is more deserving of its price tag than the charred remains of a once-magnificent Ferrari.

FutureCar Staff