Rich in Subtlety

Written by Nicolas Bates

Rolls-Royce has been an automobile manufacturer for just under 112 years. However, it was not nearly that long before they were viewed as a creator of “fine” automobiles. It is true though, that only the richest people in the world can afford to buy, drive and maintain a Rolls-Royce. Yet, that hasn’t stopped the company from gaining a worldwide reputation amongst the “lesser-than-rich” general population as being one of the most coveted cars on the planet. Their Phantom—first produced in 1925—has continued production until present and still embodies much of what was part of the initial design.

The Phantom Drophead Coupe shares much of its styling from the Rolls-Royce 100EX; unveiled in 2004 as a concept car. Like the 100EX, the Phantom Drophead is strongly influenced by the style of the 1930s J Class racing yachts and devotes every inch of itself to smooth, flowing lines. The first thing one may notice about this car is its sheer size and girth. It is only 2 inches shorter than a full-size Chevrolet Suburban and actually weighs more. It is also extremely wide at 78 inches. Once your eyes stray away from what seems to be an endless hood, your eyes may focus upon the headlights, which, for all intents and purposes, are phenomenal—yet, they look as if they belong in the Pixar film Cars.

The interior of the Phantom Drophead strives to do what Rolls-Royce strives to do with all their automobiles: provide the best quality materials that are available. The interior comes with a wide range of options for its veneer, including 6 different colors/wood combinations as well as an optional teak deck. To make up the interior there is 10m2 of wood in 37 different parts, each made up of 29 layers of wood, foil and aluminum for strength and safety. For structural support within the interior, A-triangular A-pillars with quarter glass, as well as spring-loaded pop-up rollover hoops behind the rear seats, provide additional strength and protection for the convertible body. Features include: adjustable air suspension, power-closing doors, bi-xenon headlights, a two-piece “picnic” trunk lid, a five-layer convertible soft top, parking sensors, front and rear heated seats, power front seats, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, memory functions and multizone climate control. Electronic features includes Rolls-Royce emergency telematics, keyless ignition/entry, voice commands, Bluetooth, a navigation system and a 15-speaker Lexicon surround-sound stereo with an in-dash single-CD player, in-glovebox 6-disk CD changer.

Wet, the Phantom Dropdead weighs over 6,000 pounds; however, is still able to get up to speed quickly with its 6.7-liter 48-valve V-12. The massive 12-cylinder has an output of 453 HP and 531 lb. ft of torque. With that kind of torque, it is no wonder how the Phantom Drophead is able to reach 60 MPH from a dead stop in 5.6 seconds. The Phantom Drophead has a governed top speed of 150 MPH and is equipped with a 6-speed transmission by German company ZF, which has a final drive ratio of 3.46. Standard are 21-inch wheels (choice of three identical versions) and Goodyear run-flat tires. Mileage numbers are about what could be expected: 11 in the city and 18 on the highway. The car may be a giant, but it has the power to move it along like it weighs 3,000 lb. less.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe is definitely in a league of its own. It has a history almost as old as Rolls-Royce itself, and it continues to be improved upon. And it is true that when you buy a Rolls-Royce, you are paying for the best materials money can buy, not to mention characteristics you will find in no other automobile in the world.

For more info go to:
Rolls-RoyceMotorcars.com