An interesting article on Malaysia.
For starters, there’s the name – it’s actually called the Boat Tail – but it’s not something Rolls-Royce plucked out of thin air. In fact the name was used in custom coachbuilt Rolls-Royce from the early 1920s and 1930s.
And after a 4-year collaboration with three clients, not only has Rolls-Royce repeated history but extended its legacy as one of the masters of coachbuilding.
When asked about the design direction of the 5.8 metre long Boat Tail, the three clients shared a single request, “Show us something we’ve never seen before”.
Judging by the outcome, we’re pretty sure they got exactly what they had wished for – the unexpected.
Rolls-Royce said the process was no different from building a yacht. Vast sheets of metal were transformed into that Boat Tail shape, with refinement work done by hand, without the pressure of time.
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Unsurprisingly, the clients’ fascination with the Boat Tail design was sparked by one from their very own private collection, a fully-restored 1932 Rolls-Royce Boat Tail.
Here comes the really crazy stuff; the glove box comes storage for a Montblanc pen from the owner’s collection – one of their many passions.
The dials on the instrument panel is decorated using a technique called Guilloche, similar to those used by watchmakers and fine jewellers.
Also collectors of luxury watches, unique BOVET 1822 timepieces were also specially created for the owners of the Boat Tail but it’s not just another custom luxury watch.
Two reversible timepieces were created, one for the lady and one for the gentleman, either to be worn on the wrist or placed on the dashboard or centre console as a clock for the interior.
The two-sided timepieces required Rolls-Royce and BOVET 1822 to work side by side over three years to develop the Amadeo convertible system, the most complex task to date.
“The result is an accomplishment never before realised in either industry,” said Rolls-Royce.
As for the pièce de résistance of the Boat Tail, a press of a button and the “deck” (not rear bonnet) opens like the movement of a butterfly. The complex movement was inspired by cantilever concepts explored by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava.
Inside lies a chest that is filled to the brim with exquisite cutlery made by Christofle in Paris on one side and beverages (aperitifs) on the other, for an al fresco dining experience.
A double refrigerator houses the client’s favourite vintages of Armand de Brignac champagne. The stools which were designed by Rolls-Royce and executed by Italian furniture maker Promemoria can be stowed away discreetly.
Now you must be wondering, how much does something like that cost? How do you even put a price, not just to the insane levels of customisation, but the time and dedication required to achieve such a creation?
Well, regardless, Rolls-Royce did not specifically reveal the price of the Boat Tail but it’s been reported by Autocar UK to cost somewhere around £20 million pounds!
Have a seat, take a deep breath and just enjoy these pictures.
GALLERY
The above article was first published here.
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