Registration Number: XXI 37
Chassis Number: SCA2068058UH07002
Engine Number: 60583963
| Estimate: | £120,000 - £150,000 |
| Hammer price: | £100,000 |
This Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé is the second of this model ever to be produced, of only 3,000 to be made in Goodwood. The first car off the production line was sold for $2,000,000 at auction in Florida and XXI37 was used for the press launch. In 2015, the Phantom Drophead was the most expensive Rolls-Royce model, retailing at $533,000. Three Drophead Coupés were used in the 2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony, with British Pop Stars Jessie J, Tinie Tempah and Taio Cruz all singing from them.
‘This is a truly unique car and one that exudes top-notch pedigree. Just seeing one is a real occasion, and that's before you get behind the wheel.’ Car Magazine.
Luxury and driving experience are obviously paramount in the design of the Phantom Drophead. It is a prime example of how BMW managed to rejuvenate the Rolls-Royce brand post-acquisition. It started out life in 2004 as an experimental display model called 100EX, built to celebrate Rolls-Royce’s centenary. The clamour from enthusiasts to put the car into production was so strong that the first Drophead, remarkably similar to the 100EX, appeared in 2007. It made a triumphant appearance at the Detroit Motor Show and was much heralded by the automotive press. Among its unique features It has its own dedicated lightweight aluminium space frame, exclusive to the Drophead model, which accommodates the convertible design and provide extra stiffness.
Inspired by the beautiful Riva luxury boats, the car has a yacht-like appearance with a teak tonneau roof cover and door caps. Front opening coach doors make it easy to access the rear seat and can be opened and closed at the press of a button.Luggage is housed within a picnic boot, a split tail compartment that opens in two parts giving easy access to the of space. The tailgate also provides a comfortable seating platform for two adults when lowered. Careful engineering of the folding soft-top roof means that it stows in a small space, and the luggage compartment remains unaffected regardless of whether the roof is up or down. The fabric hood is the largest of any modern convertible car and its acoustic insulation is exemplary. Five layers of material lined with cashmere ensure that the cabin remains a serene space, even at speed. The scale of the car is matched by the massive 21 inch wheel rims.
Rolls-Royce set out to make a car curated to the individuality of each driver, with thousands of options available for each build. Indeed, XXI37 features some of the most expensive ones, which is befitting for a press launch car. The car is finished in a beautiful combination of Admiral Blue metallic with a brushed steel bonnet. This bonnet is machine finished at the factory to give a uniform grain, before undergoing extensive hand polishing to achieve a perfect sheen. At the rear, the teak decking is treated by Rolls-Royce with a carefully blended mix of oils. This preserves a natural finish and a long-lasting lustre that is as beautiful as it is hardy. The interior is finished with a beautiful rosewood veneer dash and cream leather upholstery. The details inside are remarkably “Rolls-Royce”, notably the engraved Phantom silver logo and stunning umbrella holders in both doors. The exterior has a fine white coach line painted with an exceptionally steady hand.
Under the bonnet is clean example of the massive 6.75 litre 435bhp V12 engine, a widely regarded extraordinary machine. The engine that has huge amounts of power and yet remains quietly dignified. Capable of 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 149 mph, the car exhibits incredibly high performance. At the same time, it is so quiet when idling that you would think the engine was switched off. The drive quality is so supreme that the experience is often referred to as the “magic carpet ride”. There is ample service history supporting the car, with only 39,000 miles driven, it has clearly been well maintained and always garaged. An original brochure and recent service records are also present with the car.
In the Phantom Drophead, Rolls-Royce have created the ultimate convertible model for luxury touring, a car that epitomises prestige. Production ceased in 2016 and the company has announced that there are no plans to make a Drophead version of the latest Phantom VIII saloon, making this the last of a vanishing breed. The sale of XX137 offers the buyer a chance to join a canon of privileged motorists.
