Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe (07 on) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 04 June 2009
As irrelevant as it is, it's impossible not to be charmed by a car like the Phantom Drophead. Based on the Phantom saloon launched in 2003, the Drophead is another bullseye for owners BMW who have perfectly captured the classic Rolls feel but in a thoroughly modern package. The production cars are staggeringly close in detail to the 100EX concept car of 2004, right down to the brushed steel bonnet and teak decking. This gargantuan convertible which is shorter than the Phantom saloon but still longer than two Smart ForTwos is surprisingly quick thanks to a powerful BMW-designed V12 but its main forte is cruising along in near silence. You'll need deep pockets to get your hands on one though. It costs more than £300,000 and even at that price there's a lengthy queue.
4.5 out of 5

Other Rolls-Royce reviews

1 out of 5

Buying new

If you're buying new, it's unlikely you'll be buying a standard car. There is a long list of items that can be added to the Phantom Drophead Coupé to personalise it and you can expect unrivalled customer service from the dealership. It's almost unbelievably expensive to buy, but you'll be treated like royalty by the showroom staff.

2 out of 5

Buying used

Although rare, these cars will lose thousands of pounds every month. Even if a three-year-old car is on the market for £200,000, it still means the first owner will have lost the thick end of £110,000, so the Drophead coupé is expensive for all concerned.

  • Boot/Load Space Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe (07 on)
  • Interior Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe (07 on)

View full gallery

See 1 used Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupes for sale, starting at £199,990

4 out of 5

Selling

Few cars will match the sense of occasion of a convertible Rolls-Royce, so it's high in the desirability stakes, but only for the very wealthy used car buyer.