Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe (2007 - 2012) review

At a glance |
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New price | £311,775 - £330,975 |
Used price | £68,535 - £118,060 |
Fuel economy |
Not tested to latest standards
View pre-2017 economy specs
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Road tax cost | £630 |
PROS
Sense of occasion, unrivalled quality, supreme refinement, guaranteed exclusivity
CONS
Incredibly expensive to buy and run, woeful fuel economy, sheer size
Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe rivals
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.