Rolls-Royce’s Coachbuild division has come out with another opulent and immaculate offering in the form of the second Boat Tail. This is the second Boat Tail to be commissioned by a client and was revealed at Concorso d’Eleganza, Villa d’Este 2022. It was commissioned by a person whose family business has grown from his father’s origins in the pearling industry. This model has been created to honour the memory of the client’s father and his family history.
While the first model was draped in a cool blue shade, this one goes for a warmer tone. This colour is a mix of oyster and soft rose, with large white and bronze mica flakes. This gives the surface a pearlescent quality that changes under different light conditions. Adding accent to the body paint is the cognac-coloured bonnet that contains fine bronze and gold coloured aluminium mica flakes. This colour scheme was inspired by the pearl shells shared by the client. These shells were part of their private collection and had a unique colour.
At the front of the vehicle is the Pantheon Grille, flanked by rather sleek LED DRLs. The same sleek design is also seen in the tail lights. But coming back to the front grille, it has been milled from a single, solid billet of aluminium and the edges have been pained in the same cognac colour. On top of the grille is the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy finished in rose gold.
To complement the warm exterior tones, the interior is also lined with a combination of cognac and oyster-coloured leathers and Royal Walnut veneer, with rose gold and mother-of-pearl accents throughout. The transmission tunnel is formed from Royal Walnut veneer with rose gold pinstripes to match the rear deck of the Boat Tail.
The dashboard house a special timepiece made from mother-of-pearl, chosen and supplied by the client from his own collection. To go with the calm and simple approach of the rest of the vehicle, this clock is also minimalistic in appearance. The same element is also found on the control switches and instrument dials.
A unique aspect of the Boat Tail is the ‘butterfly-design’ hosting suite on the rear deck. Two hatches open up to reveal a storage compartment on each side. What is revealed is a set of pristine cutlery and utensils along with a small chiller for champagne. A parasol extends from the centre and two tables stretch out to turn the rear of the Boat Tail into one of the most expensive picnic spots.
When the rear deck is closed, one can appreciate the Royal Walnut veneer, inlaid with rose gold-plated pinstripes with a satin-brushed finish. Staying true to the bespoke nature of the car, this finish was specifically selected by the client. In fact, the colour matures over time and will transition to the tonal properties of the cognac colour.
This hand-built Rolls-Royce is a convertible. So, with the press of a button, the roof can be retracted, allowing the occupants to let the air run through their hair. It gets 21-inch alloys with a simple design but plenty of highlights to draw the eyes. The white sidewall of the tyre and the rose gold finish on the edge of the openings do add a sense of movement to the wheels.
This is one of three Boat Tail models that Rolls-Royce plans to produce. The first example was sold at a whopping USD 28 million (approx. Rs 217 crore) and we expect this one to be priced close to that figure. While we might not know the exact price of this version of the Boat Tail, it is safe to say that Rolls-Royce has proven to the world once again that they are the masters when it comes to creating bespoke luxurious experiences on four wheels.
