Substance and a Light Touch

In 2004, the 100th anniversary of the brand's founding,Rolls-Royceunveiled a concept car called the “100EX.” The 100EX, a drophead coupé—that is, a two-door convertible—sparked a desire for a production version. In response, the company presented the production model, the “Phantom Drophead Coupé,” at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, making it the second model from the new Rolls-Royce era.

While based on the Phantom saloon, all of its body panels were newly designed, giving the Phantom Drophead Coupé a distinct personality. Its dimensions were also reduced, with the overall length and height shortened by 220mm and 75mm respectively, enhancing its more personal feel.

A distinctive feature is the adoption of rear-hinged “coach doors,” which facilitate entry and exit for both front and rear passengers. Simultaneously, by allowing for a one-piece A-pillar construction, the body's rigidity, which tends to decrease with open-top designs, could be enhanced.

The rear hood cover made of teak and the brushed-finish bonnet are also unique touches. The trunk, which opens to reveal a bench-like seat, adds a playful design element. In contrast to the gravitas of the sedan, the Phantom Drophead Coupé, with its light and airy atmosphere, showcases a new facet of Rolls-Royce's allure.

Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé

Body | Length 5605 × Width 1990 × Height 1580mm
Engine | 6.75-liter V12
Max Output | 338kW [460ps] / 5350rpm
Max Torque | 720Nm [73.5kgm] / 3500rpm
Drivetrain | FR
Transmission | 6-speed automatic
Price | ¥53,235,000
(As of May 26, 2008)

BRAND HISTORY
Henry Royce and Charles Rolls first met in 1904. Royce Ltd., which was involved in motors and other businesses in the UK, had prototyped automobiles as a new venture. Hearing of this, Rolls visited to test drive one of the cars. Impressed by its quality, Rolls offered to sell the cars Royce was producing, marking the beginning of Rolls-Royce.

The company cemented its reputation as a luxury car brand with the "40/50HP Series," which began production in 1906. This model, equipped with a six-cylinder engine, later became known as the "Silver Ghost." Its smooth and quiet engine, exceptional reliability, and the fine craftsmanship using high-quality materials earned it significant support from the upper echelons of society. It was also during this era that the "Spirit of Ecstasy," Rolls-Royce's iconic mascot, was born.

The company continued its progress, introducing the "Phantom" in 1929 and acquiring the British marque Bentley in 1931. Although it focused on aircraft engines during World War II, automobile production resumed in 1947. Rolls-Royce created legendary models such as the Phantom series, "Silver Cloud," and "Silver Shadow." However, the company faced bankruptcy in 1971 due to the struggles of its aircraft engine division. The aircraft engine division was spun off, and the remaining automotive division was temporarily placed under government control. In 1980, it became a subsidiary of Vickers plc.

Further turmoil ensued in the late 1990s with a bidding war between Volkswagen (VW) and BMW. In the end, the factories and the Bentley brand went to VW, while BMW acquired only the Rolls-Royce name. Then, in 2003, with the Phantom, developed under the new management, Rolls-Royce embarked on a new chapter in its history.