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 water supply. Therefore, my opinion may not be qualified to judge an eight-figure automobile like the Rolls-Royce Droptail.

During Monterey Car Week, Rolls-Royce unveiled the Droptail, which is expected to break its own record for the world's priciest new car. The previous record was held by the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail, introduced at last year's Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. The Boat Tail was a bespoke project, with only three coachbuilt cars created according to customer specifications. While the official cost was never disclosed, it was rumored to be around $28 million. Autocar reports that the new Droptail is even more expensive than the Boat Tail.

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

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

While undeniably beautiful, the question remains whether the Droptail justifies a price tag of $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 produced, named "La Rose Noire," features a red-and-black color scheme inspired by the Black Baccara flower.

The Droptail's cabin retains the familiar style of a modern Rolls-Royce but includes some unique features. 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 covers the entire rear deck of the Droptail. Additionally, the car comes with a bespoke Audemars Piguet watch that serves as the dashboard 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 rating is slightly lower at 620 lb-ft.

The Rolls-Royce Droptail is an impressive creation, crafted almost entirely by hand and unlike any other car on the road. Some may argue that it is not worth $30 million, especially when compared to the stunning vintage vehicles showcased at Pebble Beach. However, in the world of the ultra-wealthy, where everything is accessible, exclusivity holds great value. Owning one of only four Droptails in existence is what makes it so valuable. At the very least, it is more deserving of its price tag than the charred remains of a Ferrari.

FutureCar Staff