Rolls-Royce had one of the most remarkable appearances at last year’s postponed Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, where it debuted its first Boat Tail. This bespoke design easily tops the list of the world’s most expensive new cars at $28 million.
However, how can you follow up on such a historic performance at the next Concorso? By introducing the second of three Boat Tails! The exterior of this model resembles a cigar dipped in scotch, and it comes outfitted with a walnut deck, rose gold fittings, and built-in picnic space.
Rolls-Royce will only build three Boat Tails, including the latest Coachbuild creation. You can keep production numbers far from serial numbers when they sell for close to $30 million each. Interestingly, Rolls-Royce hand-builds the aluminum body to resemble early 20th-century racing yachts. Torsten Müller-Ötvös, the CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, called the boat tail “the greatest rolls Royce ever built.”
This Boat Tail was commissioned by a businessman whose income stems from his father’s success in the pearling industry. As a result, the Boat Tail is a tribute to this family’s history and serves as a work of functional contemporary art.
The project’s unique hue was inspired by a set of four pearl shells from the client’s collection. It begins with a foundation of oyster and soft rose enhanced with white and bronze mica flakes that add a distinctive iridescent effect and slowly alter with the light. Rolls-Royce refers to it as one of the most sophisticated bespoke colors it has ever made.
The rear deck and darker hood stand out against the base paint. The hood is painted with a custom cognac-hued mixture that contains bronze and gold aluminum mica flakes and has a layer of crystal and iced matt clear lacquer on top. Meanwhile, the incredible rear deck wings are made of Royal Walnut wood veneers with inlaid rose gold pinstripes that resemble yacht decking. A matching soft top connects these front and back contrast features.
Rolls-Royce highlights:
“At the press of a button, the deck opens in a sweeping butterfly gesture to reveal an intricate and generous hosting suite. Its complex movement was inspired by cantilever concepts explored by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava.”
Each of the two divided trunk compartments contains elements for an integrated alfresco meal in the park, such as flatware and plates with accents that complement the car. The design also includes an umbrella that can be mounted on the back deck to provide shade from the sun.
The interior continues the exterior’s distinctive appearance with walnut veneers, oyster and cognac-colored leathers, mother-of-pearl accents, and other striking design elements. The centerpiece of the dashboard is a traditional clock made of mother-of-pearl, which was obtained from the client’s collection and is a priceless element also used in the analog gauges.
The Rolls-Royce Boat Tail II made its debut in March on the Italian shores of Lake Como, and it will reside in the buyer’s private auto museum collection.
