Luxury car maker Rolls-Royce has unveiled a new custom ‘Boat Tail’ four-seat retro convertible, and with it, confirmation of coachbuilding as a permanent feature in its portfolio.

Just three examples of the 2021 Rolls-Royce Boat Tail has been confirmed for production, with each car rumoured to cost an incredible £20 million (AU$37 million). However, the brand has not confirmed the pricing of the vehicle “out of respect for [the] client’s privacy.”

Reviving a name last used by Rolls-Royce in the 1920-30s, the maritime name refers to the unique rear-end design that mimics the hull of a J-class yacht.

The vehicle measures nearly 5.8m long, with a deck that splits in two at the touch of the button. Included in the rear deck are two fridges, one that has been specifically created to house champagne. There’s also space for an entire cutlery and crockery set, two collapsible carbon-fibre stools, a pair of cocktail tables and an integrated parasol that extends upwards from the deck.

The vehicle lacks a traditional folding fabric roof, and instead uses a removable one-piece hardtop. The company has supplied an emergency tonneau cover that can be used in emergencies.

Despite sharing a 6.75-litre V12 engine with the Rolls-Royce Phantom, almost everything else is custom-built, from the panels to the front and rear lights. Reportedly, 1813 unique parts were reportedly designed and produced specifically for the new car. Various existing parts (such as the Phantom’s sound system) had to be completely re-engineered to work in the Boat Tail.

Taking four years to create from a sketch to final build, the Boat Tail is the first model that Rolls-Royce new Coachbuild division has been tasked with. The company has also announced that coachbuilding will become a permanent fixture in its portfolio and will develop ultra-bespoke vehicles and individual one-off commissions.

“Historically, coachbuilding had been an integral part of the Rolls-Royce story,” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce.

“Today marks a seminal moment for the House of Rolls-Royce. We are proud to unveil Rolls-Royce Boat Tail to the world, and with it, the confirmation of coachbuilding as a permanent fixture within our future portfolio.”

Source:

Car Advice | Rolls-Royce Unveils $37 million bespoke ‘Boat Tail’ convertible

Rolls Royce | Rolls-Royce ‘Boat Tail’. A Counterpoint to Industrialised Luxury 

2 June 2021