Rolls-Royce Droptail: The Pinnacle of Luxury Vehicles

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 don't have vast wealth or control over a country's resources. So, I may not be the best judge of an eight-figure automobile, but I certainly didn't expect it to look like the Rolls-Royce Droptail.

During Monterey Car Week, Rolls-Royce unveiled the Droptail, potentially breaking its own record for the world's priciest car. The previous record was held by the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail, which made its debut 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 made according to individual customer specifications. Rumor has it that Jay-Z and Beyonce were among the customers. The Boat Tail was rumored to be priced at $28 million, but the Droptail is said to be even more expensive.

Rolls-Royce has not yet confirmed the price of the Droptail, but The Drive has reached out to the company for more information.

Similar to the Boat Tail, the Droptail is a unique design that shares little with other Rolls-Royce models. Only four Droptails will be produced, each tailored to the specific preferences of the owner. The design was a collaboration between Rolls-Royce and the four customers.

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

The Droptail's cabin 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. The same motif covers the entire rear deck of the Droptail. Additionally, the car comes with a custom Audemars Piguet watch that fits into the dashboard and serves as the car's clock. Rolls-Royce even crash-tested the design to ensure the watch remains secure in the event of an accident.

Contrary to its two-door appearance, 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, slightly 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 and unique vehicle, crafted almost entirely by hand. It stands out on the road and is unlike anything else. While some may argue that it is not worth $30 million or more, especially when compared to the stunning vintage cars at Pebble Beach, exclusivity is highly valued among the ultra-wealthy. Being one of only four people in the world to own this exquisite Rolls-Royce is what makes the Droptail so valuable. At the very least, it is more deserving of its price tag than the charred remains of a once beautiful Ferrari.

FutureCar Staff