Rolls-Royce is known for its bespoke creations catering to the world's most discerning and affluent clients. But the British luxury automaker has taken its customization to a new level with its coachbuilder program, allowing customers to commission unique vehicles designed and crafted from scratch. The latest example of this exclusive service is the Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail, a stunning two-seater roadster that is inspired by the romance and allure of the Black Baccara rose.
What is the Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail?
The Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail is the first of four unique Droptail commissions that the marque will produce. The Droptail is a new coach-built body style that features a sleek and tapered rear end with a retractable tonneau cover that reveals a bespoke luggage compartment. The Droptail also has a distinctive front fascia, angled grille bars, and a mesh-like lower intake. The car is based on a monocoque structure made of steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber and is powered by a 6.7-liter V12 engine that delivers 593 horsepower and 620 pound-feet of torque.
The La Rose Noire Droptail was commissioned by a prominent international couple who share a passion for the Black Baccara rose, a rare, dark-hued flower that symbolizes mystery, elegance, and seduction. The car's exterior color scheme reflects this inspiration, with a deep black paint that has subtle red highlights and a dark chrome finish for the brightwork. The interior is also dominated by black, with black leather upholstery, black sycamore wood trim, and black metal accents. The wood trim features an intricate parquetry design that resembles rose petals scattered in the wind, which required 1,603 pieces of wood to be hand-finished and hand-placed over almost two years.
What are the unique features of the Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail?
The Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail is a stunning piece of automotive art and a showcase of the marque's craftsmanship and attention to detail. The car is loaded with bespoke features that reflect the personal tastes and preferences of the commissioning clients. Some of these features include:
- A one-off timepiece by Audemars Piguet, which is integrated into the dashboard but can also be removed and worn as a wristwatch. The watch is a 43mm Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date, which has a self-winding movement, a flyback chronograph, a split-seconds function, and a large date display. The watch has a black ceramic case, a black dial with red accents, and a black rubber strap.
- A matching champagne chest is stored in the luggage compartment and can be accessed by lifting the tonneau cover. The chest is made of carbon fiber and aluminum and has an illuminated interior holding four crystal flutes and two bottles of champagne from the clients' vineyard. The chest also has a built-in cooler that keeps the champagne at the optimal temperature.
- A set of bespoke speaker grilles are mounted on the doors and behind the seats. The speaker grilles are made of stainless steel and have a laser-cut pattern that mimics the shape of rose petals. The speaker grilles are also backlit with red LED lights that create a dramatic effect in low-light conditions.
How much does the Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail cost?
The Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail is not for sale, as it was created specifically for the commissioning clients who have requested to remain anonymous. However, based on previous coachbuilt projects by Rolls-Royce, such as the Sweptail and the Boat Tail, which are rumored to have cost around $13 million and $28 million, respectively, we can assume that the La Rose Noire Droptail has a similar price tag. Of course, money is no object for those who can afford such an exquisite and exclusive vehicle.
Why is the Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail important?
The Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail is more than just a luxury car: a love story, a personal statement, and a work of art. It expresses the deep and passionate partnership between the commissioning clients, who have entrusted Rolls-Royce to bring their vision to life. It is also an example of how Rolls-Royce continues to push the boundaries of luxury, design, and craftsmanship by creating bespoke vehicles that are tailored to each individual's needs and desires. The La Rose Noire Droptail is a testament to Rolls-Royce's relentless pursuit of perfection and a tribute to the Black Baccara rose that inspired it.
