Maggiore Blue Accents Throughout

On September 1, 1937, a date that marks a significant moment in history, Sir Malcolm Campbell of Britain broke the world water speed record, held by the United States for five long years. The maximum speed achieved was 208.4 km/h, a remarkable feat accomplished with the powerboat "Bluebird K3," equipped with a "Rolls-Royce R-Type engine."

Developed to celebrate the achievements of the "Bluebird K3," this is the "Phantom Drophead Coupe Waterspeed Collection." While the first news of its development, along with concept and design sketches, was reported in February, the much-anticipated production model has now been unveiled.

As its name suggests, the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe Waterspeed Collection is based on the open-top "Phantom Drophead Coupe." It incorporates the coloring and design motifs of the "Bluebird K3," Sir Malcolm Campbell's exquisite craft, expressing a unique worldview and serving as a tribute.

The body color is finished in a specially developed "Maggiore Blue," inspired by the distinctive livery of the "Bluebird K3." The paint, applied in nine layers by skilled artisans, undergoes a special undercoating process. Utilizing advanced pearlescent lacquer that shifts in color and impression depending on the viewing angle, this finish extends not only to the body but also to the engine. This is an unprecedented instance of an engine being painted in a special color, bringing a never-before-seen spectacle to the engine bay in Rolls-Royce's history.

The exterior, painted in this special hue, is completed by Rolls-Royce's paint masters who spend a final four hours meticulously hand-painting the coachline on the body side. The wheels feature a refined 11-spoke design, perfectly coordinated to harmonize with the body color.

Interior Richly Adorned with Motifs

The deck of the "Phantom Drophead Coupe" used for the tonneau cover is crafted from traditional teak wood. The guide frame is made of brushed steel, with each part individually hammered and requiring 70 hours to complete. Of these, 10 hours are dedicated to the meticulous hand-polishing by skilled craftsmen.

To complement the Maggiore Blue exterior, the interior features a "Wind Chill Grey" color scheme with Maggiore Blue accents. The dashboard design, along with the use of "Paldao" wood and satin finishes, is also special. Furthermore, the door armrests are inlaid with hand-carved marquetry, evoking the wake left by the "Bluebird K3" as it sped across the water.

Rolls-Royce's signature power reserve gauge changes its background from yellow to blue as the accelerator is pressed and the remaining power decreases, approaching what would be the red zone on a conventional tachometer. This color scheme draws inspiration from the original powerboat, where the area near the tachometer's rev limit turned blue.

Additionally, the car includes a three-spoke steering wheel with Maggiore Blue accents, aluminum billet cupholders, a specially made clock, and hand-embroidered panels within the glove box depicting the speed records Sir Malcolm Campbell achieved on Lake Maggiore and Coniston Water.

Following an exclusive preview at the Art Deco-style Bluebird Motor Company garage, completed in 1923 in London, the "Phantom Drophead Coupe Waterspeed Collection" is scheduled for its public debut at the "Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este" on Lake Como, Italy, from May 23-25.