Rolls-Royce dedicates an incredible amount of time to creating beautiful, bespoke versions of its existing cars, but that isn't enough for some exacting customers. But for one connoisseur, unique paint and contrast stitching wasn't enough – the only answer was a one-off, coachbuilt design. The result is a stunning two-door tribute to the swept-tail Rolls-Royces of the 1920s.
From the front, the Sweptail looks like a mildly modified Phantom. The real work has gone into creating a new silhouette for the car down back, where the design pays tribute to past legends like the 1934 Phantom II Streamline Saloon by Park Ward and 1934 Park Ward 20/25 Limousine Coupé. All told, the design process took four years and, well, we can only imagine how much money.
The new front grille, milled from solid aluminum and polished to a stunning shine, is the largest fitted to any Rolls built under BMW ownership. Being noticed has never been an issue for the Phantom or Wraith, but a bluff snout and polished detailing mean the Sweptail has them both covered for sheer visual presence.
Moving along the side of the car reveals a gently sloping roofline. It flows all the way into the tail, underscored by a longer side window profile and gently tapering rear window for a silhouette unlike any other modern Rolls-Royce design. According to the design team, the profile has been inspired by the owner's extensive collection of yachts, but we can also see hints of Maybach Exelero in there as well.
There are interesting lines and details everywhere you look – the way the cabin tapers into a neat "bullet tip" in the center of the bootlid is stunning, and the sweeping silver detailing that connects the brake lights does a great job of framing the coachbuilt rear. Wrapping up the unique look is the 08 numberplate, milled and polished from ingots of aluminum.
Given the effort involved in creating its unique look outside, it's no surprise to learn the interior has also been treated to a complete makeover. The rear seats have been dropped, and in their place is a huge wooden shelf with an illuminated glass edge. It sits above a second wooden luggage space, designed to evoke the interior of Rolls-Royce grand tourers from the '20s and '30s.
The classic design ethos extends to the dashboard, which is finished in Macassar Ebony wood. All the buttons and switches have been hidden away, and the clock is coated in a slim veneer of Ebony to deliver a clean look. The whole cabin should have a light, airy feeling thanks to the full-length panoramic glass roof.
Capping the whole package off are two delightfully overblown, but hidden, touches. There are two panniers tucked away in the rear flanks, tailor-made to fit bespoke laptop cases included with the car. When the driver or passenger wants their case, they press a button and the cases slide forward to greet them – because reaching into the boot is just too much effort.
Not enough? There's a bottle of vintage champagne buried in the center console. At the press of a button, the bottle is presented (with two crystal glasses) at the perfect angle to pick up and pour. Naturally, the champagne is from the owner's year of birth.
The Rolls-Royce Sweptail made its debut during Concorso d'Eleganza at Villa d'Este.
Source: Rolls-Royce