An Extraordinary Commission
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has recently unveiled their newest Boat Tail coachbuilt commission, an exquisite masterpiece that embodies the pinnacle of luxury and individuality. With only three ever to be made, this exceptional creation truly elevates Rolls-Royce's work as a House of Luxury.
Pushing Creative Boundaries
"Coachbuild elevates our work as a House of Luxury into a new space; it is the haute couture of our industry," says Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO, Torsten Müller-Ötvös. This coachbuilt creation offers the ultimate level of individuality, self-expression, and bespoke service for the commissioning patron. It goes beyond being just a beautiful motor car; it becomes a legacy that is deeply personal and emotionally resonant for each client.
Unveiling the Boat Tail
At the prestigious Concorso d'Eleganza, Villa d'Este 2022, held on the shores of Lake Como in northern Italy, Rolls-Royce wowed the world with the unveiling of the Boat Tail. This masterpiece represents sophistication, attention to detail, and simple elegance at its finest.
Image: Rolls-Royce Boat Tail
A Unique Reflection of Its Owner
What sets the Rolls-Royce Coachbuild apart is the uniqueness of each commission, crafted to reflect the preferences, sensibilities, and history of its owner. In the case of the Boat Tail, it was commissioned by a client whose family business has a rich history in the pearling industry.
The client, internationally educated and widely travelled, has a discerning taste and influences that span various domains. As a known patron of the arts, the client also boasts a remarkable collection of classic and modern cars, all housed in a dedicated private museum.
A Moving Work of Art
Every detail of the Boat Tail is meticulously hand-built, with its body panels made from vast, single sheets of aluminum, reminiscent of the racing yachts of the early 20th century. This moving work of art is truly one-of-a-kind from every angle.
Image: Rolls-Royce Coachbuild
Personalized Luxury and Elegance
The Boat Tail embodies the sophistication and personal knowledge of luxury from its discerning owner. The overall design aesthetic is restrained, with each material carefully chosen to incorporate highly personal details while paying tribute to the client's father.
During the commissioning process, Rolls-Royce Coachbuild Designers were presented with a selection of four pearl shells from the client's private collection. These shells served as the inspiration for the Boat Tail's exterior color, resulting in one of the most complex bespoke finishes ever created by Rolls-Royce.
Unparalleled Craftsmanship
The exterior color of the Boat Tail is a shimmering blend of oyster and soft rose, enhanced with large white and bronze mica flakes. This unique pearlescent quality subtly changes colors in different light conditions, providing depth and warmth to the car's appearance. The bonnet features a contrasting cognac color, achieved through fine bronze and gold-colored aluminum mica flakes, layered with crystal and iced matt clear coat. The Boat Tail's technical fiber lower sill incorporates a rose gold woven thread for an added touch of luxury.
Image: Rolls-Royce Boat Tail Interior
Exquisite Interior Design
Inside the Boat Tail, the perfect balance between satin and high gloss creates a captivating visual effect. The main feature at the front is the Pantheon Grille, meticulously milled from a single, solid billet of aluminum and adorned with the rose gold Spirit of Ecstasy.
The interior showcases beautifully matched cognac and oyster-colored leathers, complemented by Royal Walnut veneer and accents of rose gold and mother-of-pearl. The pearlescent finish of the leathers emphasizes the surfaces and forms of the seats and interior design. The transmission tunnel features Royal Walnut veneer with rose gold pinstripes, creating a seamless connection between the rear deck and the interior.
A Timeless Tribute
The centerpiece of the Boat Tail's dashboard is a timepiece made from mother-of-pearl, personally chosen by the client from his own collection. The fascia is minimalistic, ensuring the precious material remains the focus. The same substance is used on the control switches and instrument dials, forging a strong visual and material connection between the car, its owner, and his family heritage.
Alex Innes, Head of Coachbuild Design, states, "Building a motor car by hand offers a new realm of exploration and possibility." The Boat Tail represents a step-change in ingenuity and creative liberty, where contemporary design is achieved through historical techniques and time-honored craft. It is truly a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
In conclusion, Rolls-Royce's Boat Tail is not just a motor car; it is a bespoke work of art that exemplifies the craftsmanship, luxury, and attention to detail that has become synonymous with the Rolls-Royce brand. With its unrivaled uniqueness and personalized touches, it sets a new standard for individuality and sophistication in the automotive world.
