Automakers typically commemorate land speed records, but Rolls-Royce’s latest Phantom Drophead Coupe takes a different, more watery approach.
Commemorating the water speed records set in 1939 by Sir Malcolm Campbell, the Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe Waterspeed Collection features a handful of exclusive and bespoke design and engineering tweaks. Inspired by Campbell’s boat, the Bluebird K3, the Phantom Drophead Coupe is finished in in Maggiore Blue with a special finish. Rolls-Royce says it used nine layers of paint before hand-sanding it, followed by the application of unique powdered lacquer.
“This very special motor car serves to pay perfect homage to my grandfather’s remarkable acts of British daring and endeavor,” said Donald Wales, Sir Malcolm Campbell’s grandson. “The extraordinary attention to detail and commitment to engineering excellence so evident in these motor cars perfectly echoes the lengths my grandfather and his colleagues went to in their pursuit of the water speed records.”
Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe Waterspeed Collection
Handout, Rolls-Royce
True to Wales’ words, the attention to detail on the Phantom Drophead Coupe Waterspeed Collection is absolutely remarkable. Accenting the paintwork is a hand-painted ‘coachline’ accent, as well as polished 11-spoke wheels with hints of blue. Under the hood is the company’s massive 6.75-litre V12, good for 453 horsepower and 531 lb.-ft. of torque. Naturally, certain engine components are also finished in blue.
The unique touches continue inside with a Windchill Grey leather interior with Maggiore Blue accents on the steering wheel and dashboard. Various pieces of hand-engraved trim and subtle throwbacks to Campbell’s Bluebird K3 boat can be found throughout the cabin, finished off with Abachi wood trim and armrests that, incidentally, take eight hours to complete.
In the U.K., the standard Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe carries a £253,000 price tag, but expect to pay a touch more for the Waterspeed Collection: £450,000, to be exact.
