Rolls-Royce recently presented the second example of its coachbuilt Boat Tail project. The second Boat Tail made its public debut at the 2022 Concorso d’Eleganza, Villa d’Este, on the 21st of May. The Boat Tail represents the apex of the marque’s coachbuilding capabilities. Rolls-Royce created the second example for a client to pay homage to his father and family heritage. The convertible car also features a unique exterior finish and interior detailing that draws inspiration from mother-of-pearl. It is one of just three that have been, and ever will be made.
The essence of a Rolls-Royce Coachbuild is that each commissioned model tells a story that is entirely unique and personal to its owner. Which further reflects their own history, tastes and sensibilities. With this in mind, Rolls-Royce says the second Boat Tail is a masterwork of restraint, elegance, sophistication and attention to detail.
Rolls-Royce unveiled the first Boat Tail back in 2021. The owner of the third example of the Boat Tail requested to keep it confidential. Hence, this is the last one we’ll see publically. The company did not disclose the price of the second Boat Tail. However, reports say all three cost around the same as the first one, which is USD 28 million.
The second Boat Tail continues to use a Phantom-derived aluminium platform. Additionally, the 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 and the aluminium body panels are identical to the first Boat Tail. However, the second Boat Tail has a completely different specification. The client chose the “mother-of-pearl” theme as a tribute to the client’s revered father’s origin in the pearling industry.
The client presented Rolls-Royce Coachbuild designers with personally chosen four pearl shells. The shells then provided the inspiration for the exterior colour. Rolls-Royce says it is one of the most complex Bespoke finishes they have ever created. The company describes the finish as “a shimmering blend of oyster and soft rose”. It also has “large white and bronze mica flakes”, which gives it a unique pearlescent quality. Hence, the paint changes subtly under various lighting conditions.
At the front, it features a contrasting cognac shade for the Pantheon grille surround and the bonnet. The Spirit of Ecstasy also features a rose gold finish. The interiors of the car also feature cognac paint. The cognac shade is not ordinary. Rolls-Royce says the cognac paint is embedded with bronze and gold aluminium mica flakes covered in an iced matt clear coat. The lower part of the vehicle, what looks like, carbon fibre. However, Rolls-Royce says it is technical fibre with a rose gold woven thread.
At the back, the rear deck gets a butterfly design and carbon fibre stools as the first Boat Tail. However, unlike the first Boat Tail, this uses a warmer Royal Walnut veneer. The veneer also features gold-plated pinstripes and a satin-brushed finish.
The fine leather of the cabin uses a combination of cognac and oyster shades. Additional Royal Walnut veneer and rose gold accents can be found throughout the cabin. The mother-of-pearl is present inside the instrument cluster and on the switchgear. Furthermore, it features a timepiece mounted on the dashboard, also with the mother-of-pearl. It comes from the client’s own personal collection.
Also Read: Check out the 2023 Rolls-Royce Phantom