Jaw-dropping Rolls Royce Arcadia Droptail debuts
There are two-seat summer sports cars, then there are Rolls-Royce two-seat summer sports cars
Last year, Rolls-Royce revealed two of its Droptail roadster commissions, the first Monterey car being followed up by the Amethyst. Expect the final two of the collection to be shown during 2024, with the first here right now: the Arcadia Droptail.
That’s Arcadia as in ‘heaven on earth’ in Ancient Greek mythology - nothing to do with Phillip Green. ‘Commissioned by an individual who possesses a distinct affinity for architecture and design, Arcadia Droptail is a testimony to the patron’s sensibilities and personal codes of luxury, defined by purity and subtle restraint, reflecting their firm belief in distilling complexity to reveal the inherent, fundamental essence.’ It’s the only fitting name given that, really. Like the previous Droptails, this very special Rolls-Royce is all about exquisite craftsmanship, beautiful details and the best materials possible.
Oh yes, and time - lots and lots of time. Eight thousand hours were spent developing the wood and protective coating used throughout the Arcadia to ensure that it can withstand any weather conditions (apparently this is going to be used internationally, hence left-hand drive as well). A lacquer was created to last the car’s entire life, too. Santos Straight Grain is used for this build ‘as the most modern statement, based upon its rich texture and visual intrigue’, the open pore veneer laid at a perfect 55-degree angle to ensure the interlocking grain pattern. There are 233 wood pieces used on this car, 76 on the rear deck alone.
And speaking of time, there’s a clock designed and built by the clever people of Rolls-Royce Coachbuild in the fascia. It features 119 facets (because the owner was first shown a preview of the car in 2023, R-R’s 119th year), 12 chaplets - hour markers to you and I - just 0.1mm thick, and is claimed to be the most complex Rolls-Royce clock face ever created. Assembly took five months, which followed two years of development. It’s a miracle this car was ever finished.
As with the timepiece, there’s more to the exterior than meets the eye as well. Because the Arcadia Droptail is not just white - oh no. The main body colour is solid white ‘infused with aluminium and glass particles’, so it really shimmers in the light and ‘creates the illusion of unending depth in the paint’. Where other Droptails keep carbon fibre exposed to some degree, the Arcadia has it painted silver. The mirror polished accents throughout - grilles, vanes, wheels - are a nod to historic Rolls-Royce brightwork.
New Rolls-Royce CEO Chris Brownbridge said: “Rolls-Royce Coachbuild is the pinnacle expression of this incredible brand, and an unmatched concept in the luxury sector. In this department, the world’s most influential individuals collaborate with our designers, engineers and craftspeople to bring completely new ideas to life... Arcadia Droptail exemplifies this approach. This motor car is deeply connected to the client’s personality and preferences, and in capturing their character we have been empowered to make inspiring design, craft and engineering statements that show the world our ambition, and our unparalleled abilities.” Expect the final car to be shown by a lake in the sunshine very soon.
Not for the UK but I can't think of a better arrival machine down on the Riviera.
I can see it now being lifted off the back of my super yacht whilst standing next to my tanned super model girl friend in a shimmering and slightly revealing dress
If I were ever able to commission one as a “patron” (ffs), I’d specify that 8001 hours be spent researching the angle of the tyre treads and 9111 hours be spent on researching the nature of raindrops in pursuit of the perfect engine coolant liquid.
Bonkers, ridiculous, and probably very fun to be involved in building or specifying.
Not for the UK but I can't think of a better arrival machine down on the Riviera.
I can see it now being lifted off the back of my super yacht whilst standing next to my tanned super model girl friend in a shimmering and slightly revealing dress
Not for the UK but I can't think of a better arrival machine down on the Riviera.
I can see it now being lifted off the back of my super yacht whilst standing next to my tanned super model girl friend in a shimmering and slightly revealing dress
It's the automotive version of those luxury wooden speed boats you see knocking about on the Amalfi Coast, docked next to some mansion.
So that's 3 things in short succession that are slightly out of my budget.
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