Finished in a chameleon-esque paintwork that shifts from near-white to deep bronze depending on how the sun hits it, this is the second of only three Rolls-Royce Boat tail to ever exist.
Rolls-Royce presented their latest creation, the Boat Tail, a custom-made car that took the title of the world’s most expensive new car at a whopping $28 million. But since Rolls-Royce plans to manufacture just three Boat Tails in total, they have now followed up the first model with a second vehicle. This new Boat Tail is designed to resemble a whisky-tinged cigar, with rose gold highlights, walnut decks, and an inbuilt picnic area. Rolls-Royce takes inspiration from the early 20th century racing yacht design to create each bespoke body individually.
The essence of the Rolls-Royce Coachbuild program lies in the fact that each commission is one-of-a-kind and tailored to the desires, tastes, and personal background of its owner. In the case of the Boat Tail, it was specifically commissioned by a client whose family enterprise has grown beyond their father’s pearling business. This client is well-educated and has travelled extensively, leading to a diverse range of preferences and influences. An avid supporter of the arts, the client also possesses a substantial collection of classic and contemporary cars, which are proudly displayed in a dedicated private museum.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Chief Executive Officer Torsten Müller-Ötvös stated, “Coachbuild elevates our work as a House of Luxury into a new space; it is the haute couture of our industry. For the commissioning patron it offers the ultimate in individuality, self-expression, and Bespoke service.
Far more than just a beautiful motor car, a coachbuilt creation becomes a legacy that embodies something extraordinarily personal and emotionally resonant for each client. For our designers, too, Coachbuild provides unparalleled creative freedom; opportunities to take design, materials, engineering, and craftsmanship to the very highest levels. For Rolls-Royce as a marque, it is both a return to our roots and a contemporary revolution, in which we deliver the impossible in conventional automotive manufacturing into a stunning reality.”
The project began with a captivating collection of four pearl shells, graciously owned by the client, which served as the inspiration for the distinct colour scheme. Considered one of the most intricate bespoke colours ever developed by Rolls-Royce, the process involves a subtle combination of oyster and soft rose as the base, adorned with generous white and bronze mica flakes.
This enchanting blend creates a mesmerizing pearlescent effect, subtly transforming with variations in lighting conditions. Adding to the allure are the darker accents on the hood and rear deck, providing a striking contrast to the primary paintwork.
The hood boasts a specially crafted blend of cognac shades, infused with bronze and gold aluminium mica flakes, as well as a layer of crystal and iced matt clear coat, resulting in a remarkable depth and radiance. In perfect harmony, the winged rear deck lids are meticulously fashioned using Royal Walnut wood veneers, enhanced with delicate rose gold pinstripes reminiscent of luxurious yacht decking. These distinct front and rear contrasting elements are elegantly united by a coordinating soft-top, completing the extraordinary visual composition.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Head of Coachbuild Design Alex Innes shared, “Every Rolls-Royce Coachbuild commission is, of course, incredibly special; but in this case, there was an additional depth of feeling. Creating a motor car in honour of a revered client’s father and family history is an extraordinary privilege; a responsibility that we took very much to heart. The commissioning patron’s deep-rooted connection to Boat Tail is an inspiration – the result far exceeds a means of conveyance to become, quite literally, a moving work of art.”
Within the two split trunk compartments of the Boat Tail, a remarkable surprise awaits with an integrated picnic experience in the park. Each compartment carefully houses elements essential for outdoor dining, including flatware that is colour-matched to harmonize with the car’s exquisite design, as well as dishes adorned with corresponding accents.
Additionally, an umbrella is thoughtfully incorporated, conveniently mounted on the rear deck to provide shade under the warm sun. The opulent interior seamlessly extends the distinctive aesthetics of the exterior. Walnut veneers grace the cabin, complemented by a combination of indulgent cognac and oyster-coloured leathers, creating an atmosphere of refined luxury.
Throughout the interior, rose gold and mother-of-pearl accents add an extra touch of elegance. The centrepiece of the dashboard is a timeless and exquisite timepiece, crafted from the client’s personal collection of mother-of-pearl—an exceptional material that is also utilized in the analogue gauges, further enhancing the visual allure and sophistication of the Boat Tail.
