Since 1925, Rolls-Royce’s renowned Phantom has been praised as the ultimate Luxury sedan. From serving as Queen Elizabeth II’s official state car and ceremonial duties for Spain’s dictator, Francisco Franco, to cameos in Indiana Jones and Goldfinger, the Phantom has been the benchmark of regal sophistication. Its unique history and exclusivity stem from some purposely limited production years -- only 18 were manufactured between 1946 and 1956 -- making it as elusive as its namesake. But what gives this high-roller chariot its elasticity? Is it the hand craftsmanship, the coach doors or the mandatory echelon of success in order to own one?
Fast forward to the present day and indeed the Phantom has come a long way from the 3-speed manual transmission in its not-so-humble beginnings. It has seen eight decades of classic excellence, and the Phantom is as royal as those it has escorted.
Although BMW took the reigns back in 2003, Rolls-Royce has maintained its flamboyant element and glamorous tradition. With a cap of 10,000 Phantoms to be produced and a 25-car run of the limited edition Phantom Black slated, the luxury manufacturer has only built on its reputation. With predecessors like the Silver Ghost, Silver Seraph, Silver Cloud, and Silver Shadow, the 2008 Phantom Drophead Coupe is not to disappoint. A new aesthetic for Rolls-Royce, however, does pose the question: Is tacking on a convertible top and chopping the number of doors in half worth the $407,000 sticker price?
Luxury and practicality are the name of the game in this challenge. There are 50 ideal points in each category.
The luxury ride
Customs and traditions are developed with time. The corporate wigs at BMW have recognized this, and they’ve consequently charted a course toward tradition with a twist for the Phantom. Originally manifested as an incarnation of the acclaimed 2004 100EX concept car, the Drophead was polished even further with subtle tweaks in a 1930’s art deco and the newly re-engineered aluminum spaceframe. Rolls Royce has always been the Dom. Romane Conti of luxury vehicles, and much like wine, the Phantom only gets better with time.The colossal, hand-crafted, 6.7-liter V12, generates a hardy 453 horsepower at 5,350 rpm and 531 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. With a redline top end rated at 149 mph, governed by a 6-speed automatic transmission, it hauls all 5,776 pounds of mass to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds. Proper weight distribution was imperative as the chassis was adjusted accordingly to thwart the “convertible effect,” being the resignation of rigidity that follows scrapping the roof. The tachometer gets scrubbed for a power-reserve dial that displays how much power is available in reserve for the driver. All of this allows for a ride as smooth as the pilot looks behind the wheel.
Notwithstanding its improved aero technology, fully adjustable shocks, and electronic grip control, a wheelbase of 130.7” and a length of 220.8” aren’t going to do much through a slalom. Twenty-one inch alloys hugged with Goodyear tires and ventilated discs aid the shallow turning radius, but the Drophead won’t be winning any autocrosses anytime soon. Overall, piloting it within its parameters is a pleasant experience.
The Rolls-Royce devotee is well portrayed as one who is chauffeured. Given this nature, I believe the consumer would purchase this vehicle with greater intent paid to the frills in lieu of the 453 ponies; nonetheless, the Drophead delivers.
The interior was that of a modern avant-garde English gentlemen’s clubroom and a derivative transplant of the 100EX and eighth generation Phantom. The amenities include the trademark rearward-opening coach doors, optional stainless-steel hood, and a five-layer convertible top, woven partially of cashmere. In addition to the chrome trim, there are six types of wood veneers on deck and over 30 pieces of teak lumber. There is a mechanically retractable hood ornament and the double-“R” emblems on the wheels are on separate bezels, ensuring that the logo remains upright even when the car is in motion. With nine standard exterior colors, 10 interior leather hues and six hood shades, you’ll have 43,999 color combinations to choose from.
Entertainment is provided by a dominating nine amplifiers and an even more spectacular 15 speakers. As if that wasn’t overwhelming enough, the clarity is the most superb that I’ve ever heard.
The Verdict
The Phantom Drophead Coupe has not only managed to uphold, but has exceeded the expectation to merge past tradition with today’s technology, offering seemingly limitless customization and brand-expected comfort.Luxury Score: 47
The practical ride
Comparative shopping with the Drophead Coupe will lead you to believe that you’d be doling out more greenbacks than it’s actually worth. Both lead competitors, Maybach and Bentley, are stickered south of the $407,000 mark. But let’s be honest… if you’re standing in the sales lot of any of these manufacturers, it’s safe to assume that you’re not on the tightest of budgets and there are no bargains to be had when making a purchase of this caliber. Consider that the consumer is obtaining more than a car -- it’s a link in a lineage, a fabled artifact, and a tangible sliver of history. You simply can not put a tag on the prestige that is transferred to the driver by association. Seat time in a Phantom Drophead Coupe is invaluable.Upon accepting the remote start key, be prepared to be on a first-name basis with your local gas attendant as frequent stops at the pump will become part of your daily regime. As with most V12 blocks churning out 453 horsepower, EPA ratings prove to be just shy of economical. The 17.6 gallon tank garners you 12 mpg in the city and only 18 mpg on the highway. Couple this with the limited 11.1 cubic feet of cargo area, this Phantom is somewhat lacking. However, if something must be sacrificed, I think most would agree on the scarce room for luggage. Not even the hidden multimedia control LCD, the “shift by wire” gear selector behind the wheel or the squeak-free lounge seats can make up for the lacking of what’s expected in a luxury car of this esteem. But, when driving the Drophead Coupe, do you really care if you can take more than one suitcase up to your Tuscan villa?
The Verdict
Under a microscope, it would appear that the 2008 model Phantom is overrated. Afterall, lean fuel ratings are at the mind’s forefront of those pinched by ridiculous gas prices, not to mention the poor ergonomics. But consider this -- it’s a Rolls-Royce. Period.Practicality score: 40
and the total is…
The Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe adds another tier to the evolution that is the last 83 years of Phantoms. Though there have been many incarnations of the original Silver Ghost, and the moniker would suggest otherwise, the soul of this UK-bred marquee is still very much alive.87/100
Resources:http://autos.aol.com/
http://www.rolls-royce.com/index_flash.jsp
http://www.motortrend.com/future/future_vehicles/112_0702_2008_rolls_royce_phantom_drophead_coupe/
http://www.forbesautos.com/reviews/2008/rolls_royce/phantom_drophead_coupe/preview.html
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