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Phantom Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé
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Rolls-Royce has used the Phantom name on full-sized luxury cars and limousines since 1925, making it the longest used car model nameplate in automotive history. In the 20th century, the Rolls-Royce Phantom was a very low volume, hand-built limousine, which in its first four generations was custom coachbuilt to the customer's requests, and sometimes extravagant desires. Whilst automobile manufacturing over time became more mechanised and prolific, and vehicles from other manufacturers could be built in greater numbers and at lower prices, the Phantoms remained hand-built, and production of individual cars only began once the order was placed. The use of the name "Phantom" is a long tradition of naming Rolls-Royce models after ghosts or spirits.
Perfect, thanks. Karma for you!!!
Bruce
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Article from Winding Road 
Full set of high res press pictures >> https://www.germancarforum.com/threads/rolls-royce-picture-thread.8330/#post-132403
Full set of high res press pictures >> https://www.germancarforum.com/threads/rolls-royce-picture-thread.8330/#post-132403
SDNR
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Re: Rolls Royce Drophead convertible
Hmmm, I see what you mean Marcus.
This new car definitely has a different, more modern, feel about it than older Rolls-Royces. But you can see the quality of the materials and finish even in the photos.
Something seems to have been lost with this interior design ....it lacks the warmth of the older cars in my opinion. Maybe it just looks a little austere for the typical Rolls-Royce interior.
No doubt there will be many options to personalize the interior.
2000 Rolls-Royce Corniche
The new bench seat is much like the seating arrangement in the current Bentleys. I still think the old Azure had a much better interior than the new one.
Don't get me wrong though, this new Phantom Drophead is an incredible car ....really special. I can't wait to see one on the street some time.
Hmmm, I see what you mean Marcus.
This new car definitely has a different, more modern, feel about it than older Rolls-Royces. But you can see the quality of the materials and finish even in the photos.
Something seems to have been lost with this interior design ....it lacks the warmth of the older cars in my opinion. Maybe it just looks a little austere for the typical Rolls-Royce interior.
No doubt there will be many options to personalize the interior.2000 Rolls-Royce Corniche
The new bench seat is much like the seating arrangement in the current Bentleys. I still think the old Azure had a much better interior than the new one.
Don't get me wrong though, this new Phantom Drophead is an incredible car ....really special. I can't wait to see one on the street some time.
FasterHigherBetter
Precision Tuner
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It's my favorite modern Rolls Royce, but they can't beat the Azure. It's cheaper and have a better interior and exterior design. If I had $400000 I would buy the Bentley, but if I'll have $800000...
Sayyaaf
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Re: Rolls Royce Drophead convertible
It is always a pleasure to read your comments Rob. I dunno sometimes I got such mixed feelings about a car and usually all things get clearer after reading a couple of your posts. BTW there are some new concepts that am waiting for you to comment on (Jaguar C-XF for example) ...
Hmmm, I see what you mean Marcus.
This new car definitely has a different, more modern, feel about it than older Rolls-Royces. But you can see the quality of the materials and finish even in the photos.
Something seems to have been lost with this interior design ....it lacks the warmth of the older cars in my opinion. Maybe it just looks a little austere for the typical Rolls-Royce interior.
2000 Rolls-Royce Corniche
The new bench seat is much like the seating arrangement in the current Bentleys. I still think the old Azure had a much better interior than the new one.
Don't get me wrong though, this new Phantom Drophead is an incredible car ....really special. I can't wait to see one on the street some time.
It is always a pleasure to read your comments Rob. I dunno sometimes I got such mixed feelings about a car and usually all things get clearer after reading a couple of your posts. BTW there are some new concepts that am waiting for you to comment on (Jaguar C-XF for example) ...
MJaaFY, thank you very much for the compliments .....I always enjoy conversing with you.
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Re: Rolls Royce Drophead convertible
I agree, that old-world charm has been lost in the new design it`s way more moder, almost "cold" compared to the older design. That "coldness" gives it it`s modern flavor though. The older design is full of details, color also plays a key role here with the warmth-factor but the new design couldn`t steer away from it`s moderness. Rolls intended this, the designers knew what thay were doing here. To me this whole car is outstanding! I can`t say I`m a fan of the lack of detail in the interior design (save the dash) but the rest even the wheels will set this car apart from any other on the road. Indeed this machine is fit for a king.
I agree, that old-world charm has been lost in the new design it`s way more moder, almost "cold" compared to the older design. That "coldness" gives it it`s modern flavor though. The older design is full of details, color also plays a key role here with the warmth-factor but the new design couldn`t steer away from it`s moderness. Rolls intended this, the designers knew what thay were doing here. To me this whole car is outstanding! I can`t say I`m a fan of the lack of detail in the interior design (save the dash) but the rest even the wheels will set this car apart from any other on the road. Indeed this machine is fit for a king.
SDNR
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Re: Rolls Royce Drophead convertible
08.01.2007.
Ian Robertson, Chairman and Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Press-Conference
Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us this morning.
It was four years ago that we pulled the covers from the Phantom, in this hall, and began a new chapter in the 102 year history of Rolls-Royce. And so we felt it was appropriate that we should celebrate the beginning of the second phase of our business development, by unveiling our new convertible model here too….but you will have to wait a few more minutes to see that.
First of all I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the Phantom since its launch four years ago. This car marked a new beginning for the company – an all new, full-sized limousine, positioned at almost twice the price of the outgoing Silver Seraph. We really were entering unknown territory. The upper stratosphere of the car market, above $300,000, was populated exclusively by rarified supercars selling a few hundred each year at best.
You could say that Phantom has rewritten the rules, because it has been something of a sales phenomenon, in relative terms, and become the best-selling car in the world priced over $200,000. In the process we have re-established and repositioned Rolls-Royce in its rightful place at the top of the automotive tree, with sales growth every year since launch.
Last year customers in over 50 countries bought Phantoms and we have seen our dealer network expand from below 60 when we began, to 79 by the end of the first quarter this year. At the same time we have seen the average age of Rolls-Royce buyers reduce by roughly 10 years and the average annual mileage more than double as new owners become addicted to the unique driving experience.
So last year we saw our sales reach a new record level, at just over 800 – the highest number of Rolls-Royces sold for 16 years, in the days of the Silver Spur. Within this, we saw that the extended wheelbase model accounted for around 20 per cent of our volume – much higher than we had anticipated – and in the markets where it was introduced first, specifically Asia Pacific and the Middle East, it accounted for around a third of all sales.
America remained our strongest market overall, by a substantial margin, and the UK stayed in second place. Asia Pacific was our fastest growing region with the China market growing at 60 per cent, making it our third largest in the world, and Japan still performing very strongly. China also saw the sale of our most expensive Phantom ever – a special coachbuilt model costing over $2 million. And our best performing dealers were once again spread across the world with a cross-continent tie for the top spot. Tokyo and Beverly Hills recorded the highest sales followed, respectively, by London, Dubai and New York.
This excellent worldwide performance has placed us in a strong business position, making a healthy positive contribution the BMW Group. We have now established a solid foundation for the company and completed phase one of the rejuvenation of Rolls-Royce. Phase two will see us adding to the Phantom family, with the new convertible and perhaps others in the future.
Phase three will come around the turn of the decade with an all-new model to sit alongside the Phantom range. It will be slightly smaller than Phantom – although still a large car – and priced slightly below it, in the range $250,000 to $350,000. Preparations for this new model and the expansion of our business have already begun at Goodwood and the construction crews arrived last month.
So an exciting period of continued growth lies ahead – which begins right now with the new convertible.
Convertibles have always been a key part of the Rolls-Royce model line-up. From the very early days of the Silver Ghost and Phantom Dropheads and later the Silver Cloud and the Corniche. There has always been something glamorous and romantic about a convertible Rolls-Royce. Where most of the sedans have an air of formality, the convertibles were more casual – a little more relaxed. It was always part of our plan to have a convertible model in our line-up and you will remember that we showed the experimental car 100EX at Geneva motor show in 2004 – our centenary year. The reaction to that car at Geneva and other shows – and as it toured the world – was extraordinary and we later announced that we would build a production model inspired by it. As you will see, we have tried to stay as close as possible to the design of 100EX – keeping in particular some of the special features that caught the attention like the teak decking at the rear and the brushed steel bonnet.
Under the skin it is technically very similar to the Phantom, sharing the same superb engine and running gear. Using the Phantom’s light-weight aluminium spaceframe chassis as a start point was a huge advantage – for the simple reason that it is incredibly stiff. It is always a challenge to eliminate body vibrations in a convertible – but I can tell you that after driving the prototypes on all kinds of different surfaces, I have not detected any. This chassis is responsible for all the best things about the Rolls-Royce driving experience – its silence, its magic carpet ride, its freedom from vibration.
Like the Phantom this car offers effortless performance - the sprint to 60 mph takes just 5.7 seconds….and because it is 225 mm or nine inches shorter than the Phantom is even more nimble and responsive. This is a car for owner to drive and enjoy – a very special experience for a handful of lucky individuals. We set out to create the quintessential open air driving experience and you will be the judges of whether or not we have been successful.
And what about the name. We wanted one which would make it very clear that this car was part of the Phantom family and yet would also be appropriate for the kind of car that it is….and at the same time would resonate with the history of the company. And so ladies and gentleman, you have heard enough from me, let me present to you….the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé.
08.01.2007.
Ian Robertson, Chairman and Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Press-Conference
Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us this morning.
It was four years ago that we pulled the covers from the Phantom, in this hall, and began a new chapter in the 102 year history of Rolls-Royce. And so we felt it was appropriate that we should celebrate the beginning of the second phase of our business development, by unveiling our new convertible model here too….but you will have to wait a few more minutes to see that.
First of all I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the Phantom since its launch four years ago. This car marked a new beginning for the company – an all new, full-sized limousine, positioned at almost twice the price of the outgoing Silver Seraph. We really were entering unknown territory. The upper stratosphere of the car market, above $300,000, was populated exclusively by rarified supercars selling a few hundred each year at best.
You could say that Phantom has rewritten the rules, because it has been something of a sales phenomenon, in relative terms, and become the best-selling car in the world priced over $200,000. In the process we have re-established and repositioned Rolls-Royce in its rightful place at the top of the automotive tree, with sales growth every year since launch.
Last year customers in over 50 countries bought Phantoms and we have seen our dealer network expand from below 60 when we began, to 79 by the end of the first quarter this year. At the same time we have seen the average age of Rolls-Royce buyers reduce by roughly 10 years and the average annual mileage more than double as new owners become addicted to the unique driving experience.
So last year we saw our sales reach a new record level, at just over 800 – the highest number of Rolls-Royces sold for 16 years, in the days of the Silver Spur. Within this, we saw that the extended wheelbase model accounted for around 20 per cent of our volume – much higher than we had anticipated – and in the markets where it was introduced first, specifically Asia Pacific and the Middle East, it accounted for around a third of all sales.
America remained our strongest market overall, by a substantial margin, and the UK stayed in second place. Asia Pacific was our fastest growing region with the China market growing at 60 per cent, making it our third largest in the world, and Japan still performing very strongly. China also saw the sale of our most expensive Phantom ever – a special coachbuilt model costing over $2 million. And our best performing dealers were once again spread across the world with a cross-continent tie for the top spot. Tokyo and Beverly Hills recorded the highest sales followed, respectively, by London, Dubai and New York.
This excellent worldwide performance has placed us in a strong business position, making a healthy positive contribution the BMW Group. We have now established a solid foundation for the company and completed phase one of the rejuvenation of Rolls-Royce. Phase two will see us adding to the Phantom family, with the new convertible and perhaps others in the future.
Phase three will come around the turn of the decade with an all-new model to sit alongside the Phantom range. It will be slightly smaller than Phantom – although still a large car – and priced slightly below it, in the range $250,000 to $350,000. Preparations for this new model and the expansion of our business have already begun at Goodwood and the construction crews arrived last month.
So an exciting period of continued growth lies ahead – which begins right now with the new convertible.
Convertibles have always been a key part of the Rolls-Royce model line-up. From the very early days of the Silver Ghost and Phantom Dropheads and later the Silver Cloud and the Corniche. There has always been something glamorous and romantic about a convertible Rolls-Royce. Where most of the sedans have an air of formality, the convertibles were more casual – a little more relaxed. It was always part of our plan to have a convertible model in our line-up and you will remember that we showed the experimental car 100EX at Geneva motor show in 2004 – our centenary year. The reaction to that car at Geneva and other shows – and as it toured the world – was extraordinary and we later announced that we would build a production model inspired by it. As you will see, we have tried to stay as close as possible to the design of 100EX – keeping in particular some of the special features that caught the attention like the teak decking at the rear and the brushed steel bonnet.
Under the skin it is technically very similar to the Phantom, sharing the same superb engine and running gear. Using the Phantom’s light-weight aluminium spaceframe chassis as a start point was a huge advantage – for the simple reason that it is incredibly stiff. It is always a challenge to eliminate body vibrations in a convertible – but I can tell you that after driving the prototypes on all kinds of different surfaces, I have not detected any. This chassis is responsible for all the best things about the Rolls-Royce driving experience – its silence, its magic carpet ride, its freedom from vibration.
Like the Phantom this car offers effortless performance - the sprint to 60 mph takes just 5.7 seconds….and because it is 225 mm or nine inches shorter than the Phantom is even more nimble and responsive. This is a car for owner to drive and enjoy – a very special experience for a handful of lucky individuals. We set out to create the quintessential open air driving experience and you will be the judges of whether or not we have been successful.
And what about the name. We wanted one which would make it very clear that this car was part of the Phantom family and yet would also be appropriate for the kind of car that it is….and at the same time would resonate with the history of the company. And so ladies and gentleman, you have heard enough from me, let me present to you….the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé.
Mr. M
Tire Trailblazer
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iget the feeling you are talking about, but ti all falls down to 2 things
1- the ambaience can easily be reduced 90% to the clever lighting, red inserts, creme leather, beige shadows, and reddish carpets sued in the old corniche, the effect of these is great and decadent
2-as for the general design of the interior, it is true some brittish decadence has been lost, like the long swooping curves behind the doors, offering a "special" seating position, btu keeping in mind that is to reinforce structural integrity to keep a rolls ride in a company that didn't have the ability to engineer a car for it's time, until now.
another aspect is the switchhgear, the old corniche defiantly showed everything, whatever little there was, again keeping in mind the tech limits of rolls at that time, wheras drum roll brakes were still a go in 1992 or something as specified above. as for the PDC, well it takes littl pride in tech, well it has ominously hidden eevrything, up to the kitchen sink (which it now has) in a thousand popping folding compartments.
i have argued for this point in the past, in MM vs RR, whereas too much relaince on apaprent tech loses the pure luxury and decadence appeal of such a car and prints upon it a ti me stamp.
i am still all for such a point, the corniche managed to escape it's consequences, because what it offered was already too little by any standrds, and contributed well to that feel of brittish eccentricity. this feel has been slightly hiddena nd toned ddown, contributing more to the classicism and extratemporal appeal of such a car, but lowering 1% brittishness.
i have to agree at the end that this car has lost say 10% of that general brittish quirquiness and eccentricty at the expense of a more cohesive, more current, more stately, more tech (but hideen), and surely although it may be seen as blasphemy, cost reduction.
those little details some will alment, we are all byproducts of the lacks of RR in manufacturing, but even in the acks, they were brilliant andmanaged to turn a lack of understanding in torsional rigidty and chassis flex, into a magnificient swooping curve that cozied up and wrapped around rear occupents.
the spaces for such lacks have been daramaticallu cut short by the BMW ownership, but stay sure that RR is true to itself, anf whever something will come at lack, it will get the most decadent of solutions
1- the ambaience can easily be reduced 90% to the clever lighting, red inserts, creme leather, beige shadows, and reddish carpets sued in the old corniche, the effect of these is great and decadent
2-as for the general design of the interior, it is true some brittish decadence has been lost, like the long swooping curves behind the doors, offering a "special" seating position, btu keeping in mind that is to reinforce structural integrity to keep a rolls ride in a company that didn't have the ability to engineer a car for it's time, until now.
another aspect is the switchhgear, the old corniche defiantly showed everything, whatever little there was, again keeping in mind the tech limits of rolls at that time, wheras drum roll brakes were still a go in 1992 or something as specified above. as for the PDC, well it takes littl pride in tech, well it has ominously hidden eevrything, up to the kitchen sink (which it now has) in a thousand popping folding compartments.
i have argued for this point in the past, in MM vs RR, whereas too much relaince on apaprent tech loses the pure luxury and decadence appeal of such a car and prints upon it a ti me stamp.
i am still all for such a point, the corniche managed to escape it's consequences, because what it offered was already too little by any standrds, and contributed well to that feel of brittish eccentricity. this feel has been slightly hiddena nd toned ddown, contributing more to the classicism and extratemporal appeal of such a car, but lowering 1% brittishness.
i have to agree at the end that this car has lost say 10% of that general brittish quirquiness and eccentricty at the expense of a more cohesive, more current, more stately, more tech (but hideen), and surely although it may be seen as blasphemy, cost reduction.
those little details some will alment, we are all byproducts of the lacks of RR in manufacturing, but even in the acks, they were brilliant andmanaged to turn a lack of understanding in torsional rigidty and chassis flex, into a magnificient swooping curve that cozied up and wrapped around rear occupents.
the spaces for such lacks have been daramaticallu cut short by the BMW ownership, but stay sure that RR is true to itself, anf whever something will come at lack, it will get the most decadent of solutions
SDNR
Kraftwagen König
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Much of what you said is true ...but don't assume Rolls-Royce has had an aversion to new technology ....they have always embraced new technology in their vehicles ....but there have been some curious idiosyncrasies.
I understand precisely what you are saying ...but, without wanting to sound too arrogant, I am capable of looking beyond the colour scheme ...I am very analytical about such matters. The ambiance of the new car is greatly different from most post-war Rolls-Royces. Its character has more in common with the open-top Rolls-Royce Coupés of the 1920s.
i never talked about aversion to new tech, i talked about inability of introducing it in many cases due to cost, or lack of engineering skills.
i fall short in anceint rolls history, i would love tor esearch 1920's rolls amongst others, but for now i have a more pressing history term paper, i willl take your word for it now
i fall short in anceint rolls history, i would love tor esearch 1920's rolls amongst others, but for now i have a more pressing history term paper, i willl take your word for it now
SDNR
Kraftwagen König
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Well back in the 1920s, Rolls-Royce Coupés were quite sporty and more youthful than the classic Rolls-Royces from the 1950s etc.i fall short in anceint rolls history, i would love tor esearch 1920's rolls amongst others, but for now i have a more pressing history term paper, i willl take your word for it now
With this Boattail Silver Ghost from 1924 ...we can clearly see where the designers got the inspiration for the nautical theme of the Phantom DHC.
EnI
Piston Pioneer
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Mind that RR nowdays when being under BMW umbrella depends on the tech introduced in top-end BMW models: eg. Z8 alu space frame & 7er chassis & electronics. It's the same case with Bentley (using VAG's top tech), as it is with Maybach (depends on Mercedes-Benz tech).
So, RR Phantom (and PDC, and future PC) is based on E65/6 7er tech, while the new baby Rolls (Silver *******, Corniche cabrio, possible Camargue coupe) will be based on a new BMW large platform (F01/2 7er etc) , also incorporating new tech from F01/2.
That will be possible as baby Rolls line will be positioned as more youthful, modern & even futuristic interpretation of Rolls-Royce.
BMW have a very clear vision what to do with RR in the future (unlike MB with Maybach). One of the main points is that the brand will stay highly exclusive, and will not compete with Bentley (lower prices & higher sales).
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Rolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited is a British luxury automobile
maker and a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW AG since 2003 - as
the exclusive manufacturer of Rolls-Royce-branded motor cars.
The company is headquartered in Goodwood, West Sussex, England,
United Kingdom. BMW AG has no direct relationship with
Rolls-Royce-branded vehicles produced before 2003, other than
having briefly supplied components and engines. From 1906 to
2003, cars were manufactured and marketed under the Rolls-Royce
brand by Rolls-Royce Motors. The Bentley Motors Limited
subsidiary of Volkswagen AG is its direct successor.
Official website: Rolls-Royce
Official website: Rolls-Royce
