Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe

Don't let the funny sounding name put you off. "Drophead Coupe" is just a quaint British-ism for a two-door convertible. If you really want to impress someone, pronounce it "coo-pay" as they do in Goodwood, England, where it is built.

Language lessons aside, what we have here is the world's most stunning and elegant four-passenger convertible, based on the lavish Rolls-Royce Phantom limousine. As with all Phantoms, the styling owes its inspiration to the Art Deco era, but the Drophead also reveals a heavy dose of nautical influence as well. When viewed in profile, it resembles a power yacht under acceleration, "up on bow" as they say. And the decking material that shrouds the open cockpit is nothing less than genuine teak, just like the coaming on your beloved Herreshoff.

Driving the Phantom Drophead is nothing short of a surreal experience. First, there's the entry; stepping in through rear-hinged coach doors let's you know this is something special. Then there's the size; you really do feel like you're "piloting" this car instead of driving it. And the engine – not that you'll probably ever hear it – releases its strength in such a majestically smooth torrent that you'll wonder if it just might have an endless supply. The body feels as though it may have been carved from a single block of stainless steel; drum-tight, it virtually removes its occupants from all the woes of the world outside.

The back end of the Dropead is made for tailgating, with a unique split opening trunk. The lower half drops down to form a sitting bench, ideal for keeping your polo whites, well…white. The upper deck opens wide, granting you access to a luxurious vault that just may inspire you to pack a gourmet-filled picnic hamper and perhaps a traveling bar.

Your time with the Phantom Drophead isn't complete until you've done some boulevard cruising. In fact, going slow is probably more fun than hammering it, since you are automatically the center of attention anywhere you show up.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe is equipped with just about everything you could expect in a car, short of its own heliport. Nine of the world's softest leather hides swaddle the interior. The wood trim is bookmatched, providing exactly the same pattern on both sides of the car. Should the weather change, there's a power folding roof, and the seats are both heated and cooled for comfort in whatever conditions. Satellite navigation and an amazing premium audio system are on board as well.

from Gotham Dream Cars