Rolls-Royce is synonymous with luxury, elegance, and exclusivity. The British automaker has been crafting some of the most exquisite and bespoke vehicles in the world for over a century, catering to the needs and desires of its discerning and wealthy clientele. But even among the Rolls-Royce models, there are some that stand out as truly exceptional and unique. These are the creations of the Rolls-Royce Coachbuild division, which revives the tradition of custom-made bodies for chassis and engines.
The latest and most ambitious project from the Rolls-Royce Coachbuild division is the Droptail, a family of four one-off roadsters that combine classic and modern design elements. Each Droptail has its own distinctive character and theme, reflecting the personality and preferences of its owner. The first of these is the 2024 Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail, a stunning masterpiece inspired by the Black Baccara rose, a rare and exquisite flower that appears almost black in the shade but reveals a deep burgundy hue in the sunlight.
The La Rose Noire Droptail is more than just a car. It is a love story, a tribute to the romance and passion between a husband and wife, heads of a prominent international family. The car is the result of a four-year collaboration between Rolls-Royce, and the unnamed female client, who wanted a car that reflected her love for France and the Black Baccara rose. The car is also a testament to the artistry and skill of Rolls-Royce and its Coachbuild division, which have created a masterpiece of design, engineering, craftsmanship, and personalization.
A Dark, Daring, and Dramatic Design
The 2024 Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail is based on the Rolls-Royce Wraith platform but features a completely new bodywork that transforms it into a two-seater roadster with a removable carbon fiber roof. The luxury car measures 5.3 meters (17.4 feet) in length, 2 meters (6.6 feet) in width, and 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) in height, making it about the size of a Ford F-150. The luxury car is powered by a 6.7-liter V12 engine that delivers an impressive 593 horsepower and 620 pound-feet of torque, surpassing the standard Rolls-Royce Phantom's specifications.
The most striking feature of the La Rose Noire Droptail is its color scheme, which mimics the Black Baccara rose. The exterior is painted in a bespoke shade of black with red metallic flakes, creating a subtle sparkle that changes with the light. The interior is upholstered in burgundy leather with black accents, creating a contrast that evokes the petals of the rose. The car also features rose motifs throughout, such as on the grille, the door handles, the dashboard, and the headrests.
The La Rose Noire Droptail also boasts some unique features that set it apart from other Rolls-Royces. The car has a kinked Pantheon grille, which creates a temple brow overhang that gives the car a more aggressive look. The roof has electrochromic glass, which can be controlled by a remote or by voice command, allowing the driver to enjoy open-air motoring at the touch of a button. The roof can be stored in a compartment behind the seats when not in use.
The rear of the car is where the Droptail name comes from. The car has a raised tail section that houses a champagne chest and two crystal flutes. The chest can be accessed by opening the tailgate, which also reveals a picnic hamper and a parasol. The chest is lined with burgundy leather and features an engraved plaque with the name of the car and the client's initials. The chest also contains a bespoke watch made by Bovet 1822, a Swiss luxury watchmaker that has partnered with Rolls-Royce for this project.
