The unique, one-of-one bespoke Rolls-Royce that cost more than $25 million to create
- This is the third Droptail commission from Rolls-Royce Coachbuild
- The Rolls-Royce Arcadia Droptail is a bespoke and one-of-one reflection of the commissioning client’s tastes
- The name is derived from a word meaning ‘heaven on Earth’
Published on May 21, 2024 at 5:47 PM (UTC+4)
by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Last updated on May 25, 2024 at 9:17 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
The third Droptail commission from Rolls-Royce Coachbuild, the Rolls-Royce Arcadia Droptail is a bespoke and one-of-one expression of the commissioning client’s tastes, personality
The name ‘Arcadia’ is derived from a mythical realm depicted in Ancient Greek mythology as ‘heaven on Earth’ – and it certainly makes sense for this stunning hand-built car.
The focus of the car with its low stance, and dramatic body lines is on ‘natural beauty’ and ‘perfect harmony’.
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Like the haven behind its name, the Rolls-Royce Arcadia Droptail was envisioned by the commissioning client as a serene space.
A piece of furniture in the client’s home served as inspiration for the Santos Straight Grain — a high-density, delicate wood — that was used for the interior and exterior woodwork on the functional rear deck.
Its interlocking grain pattern and rich texture faced designers with a unique challenge, requiring more than 8,000 hours of development and 1,000 hours of testing to perfect.
The two bespoke hues of the leather interior have been locked down exclusively for the client.
While the names of the shades remain a closely guarded secret, the main white colour continues the exterior paint theme, while the contrasting tan perfectly matches the wood.
The calm white duotone exterior colourway of the main body is infused with aluminium and glass particles, to create the illusion of unending depth.
The upper surfaces, meanwhile, are adorned with an intensive, metallic Bespoke silver in order to reflect sunlight and cast dramatic shadows to amplify the car’s subtle form and proportions.
However, it has nothing on this businessman who has commissioned his Pagani Utopia to be painted with real moon dust.
The cabin is designed to cocoon both driver and passenger and employs the carbon fibre layering techniques used in Formula 1 motor racing to develop a stiff base for the wood to adhere to.
Developed for over two years and taking five months to assemble, the Rolls-Royce Arcadia Droptail deserved the most complex Rolls‑Royce clock face ever.
With 119 facets to reflect the 119th year of the Rolls-Royce brand and an intricate guilloché pattern, its ceramic coating means it will, aptly, stand the test of time.
Its exterior grille surround, ‘kinked’ vane pieces, and 22-inch alloy wheels also feature the brilliant mirror finish of brightwork on historical Rolls-Royces.
“Arcadia Droptail 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 unparalleled abilities,” said Chris Brownridge, chief executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
While its price has not officially been announced, it’s thought to have cost eight figures like the other limited-edition Droptail convertibles unveiled by Rolls-Royce Coachbuild.
The exact figure is thought to be upwards of $25 million.
The car was delivered to its mystery billionaire owner from Singapore earlier this year.
Want to hear more? Here’s the real story behind the one-of-a-kind $13 million Rolls-Royce Sweptail.
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London-based Amelia cut her journalistic teeth covering all things lifestyle, wellness and luxury in the UK capital. Fast-forward a decade and the experienced content creator and editor has put pen to paper for glossy magazines, busy newsrooms and coveted brands. When her OOO is on you can find her spending quality time with her young family, in the gym or exploring the city she loves.
