The Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead has been awarded five stars by Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson in his weekly newspaper column.
Commenting on the model in his Sunday Times piece, Clarkson suggested that the design of the car makes it seem like it is something from the future.
"Everything, from the unpainted bonnet to the backwards-opening suicide doors to the rattan carpets and … even the teak Sunseeker-style decking on the back, makes it look as fresh and as futuristic as tomorrow morning’s papers," he said.
Clarkson went on to say that the car is built "to arrive" – a conclusion he came to having received a positive reception after taking the vehicle to a recent party.
In October, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announced that it was going to develop its Goodwood headquarters and manufacturing facility.
One of the reasons cited for this necessary growth was to deal with "unprecedented customer demand" for its Phantom family of cars.
Fans of the ultra-luxurious Rolls-Royce brand may have their appetites whetted by new pictures of the convertible Phantom, which was unveiled yesterday at the manufacturer’s Spanish dealership.
Named the Phantom Drophead Coupe, the car is a two-door model with four seats and a number of unique features, such as a stainless steel bonnet and yacht-inspired teak decking.
Each of the models is individually crafted, while the preview images show the Phantom in a high-shine ultra blue colour.
Meanwhile, the Guardian, in a list of the top ten luxury cars, previous placed the Phantom at number one.
It noted the size of the car as part of its luxurious appeal, while also saying Rolls-Royce had regained its place as the world’s "finest car" maker.
Car buyers looking for a classic Rolls-Royce may now be able to benefit from a new scheme launched by the manufacturer, aimed at making sure its pre-owned models are every bit as good an investment as a new one.
The Rolls-Royce Provenance programme is a system whereby vehicles in the manufacturer’s range are put through a "painstaking" inspection to provide buyers with a quality car, even if it has had previous owners.
"Our customers expect the very best motor cars in the world and we are now able to offer the same support and peace of mind for approved pre-owned cars," remarked the group’s sales and marketing director Graham Grieve.
Some of the criteria established by the Provenance scheme include a full road test and a "rigorous" check of vehicle history and mileage verification.
Among the automobiles manufactured by Rolls-Royce is the luxury Phantom, one of which is thought to be owned by new Los Angeles resident David Beckham.
A Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe has sold at a charity auction for £800,000.
The massive bid was made for the car at the ninth annual white tie and tiara ball held to raise money for the Elton John Aids Foundation.
A private buyer was behind the bid and delivery of the luxury vehicle will be made later in the summer.
The Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe, which was unveiled in January this year, is hand made at the manufacturer’s plant at Goodwood and, according to Rolls-Royce, combines cutting edge aluminium technology with the best hand craftsmanship.
The automaker has recently begun full production of the two-door, four-seat convertible, which has reportedly been hailed as "the ultimate in convertible motoring".
Ian Robertson, chairman and CEO of Rolls-Royce, said: "We were delighted that the Phantom Drophead Coupe raised such a significant amount on the night and that Rolls-Royce Motor Cars had the opportunity to support the Elton John Aids Foundation in their continued fight against this global epidemic."
The ball raised a total of £6 million for charity, with over £3 million coming from the auction alone.
British Car Auctions (BCA) is claiming a new UK sale record for a current production model, with a Rolls-Royce Phantom going for £208,000.
The model was registered in 2005 and had covered only 5,000 miles.
It was worth £275,000 when new and bidding for the car started at £140,000 before quickly escalating in £5,000 increments, as prospective buyers put in their offers in the hall and over the internet.
The £208,000 record exceeds the previous figure of £192,000, which was set in 2005 and was also paid for a Rolls-Royce Phantom.
Paul Dunn, national account manager for BCA, put the popularity of the Phantom down to its exclusive nature and scarcity within the market.
"We had hundreds of buyers attending the sale, but the auction hall fell silent when this very rare car was offered," Mr Dunn said.
"The atmosphere was electric and when the hammer came down two and a half minutes later there was a round of applause from the buyers packing the auction hall."
The 3,000th Rolls-Royce Phantom has been sold by Rolls Royce Motor Cars since its January 2003 inception.
The prestigious vehicle, which retails for approximately £220,000, was taken up by the London-based socialite Lisa Tchenguiz-Imerman.
To commemorate the specially commissioned car, a plaque has been placed in its glovebox, with other unique features including a black ash veneer, black leather trim and two 12-inch DVD screens at the back of the vehicle.
Ian Robertson, chairman and chief executive of Rolls-Royce, said he was pleased that the 3,000th car had been taken up by a home market buyer.
Commenting upon the domestic market he added: "It remains one of the most important for the company and our London dealer in particular has been consistently ranked as one of the top three in the world since we launched the Phantom in 2003."
Other cars in the Phantom range being sold by the dealer include the Phantom Extended Wheelbase, retailing at £260,500 and the Phantom Drophead Coupe, which will cost a new buyer £260,000.
Read more
No Comments