MANILA: Rolls-Royce has unveiled the exclusive Arcadia Droptail, described as “an exquisite coachbuilt expression of tranquillity.”

According to the British luxury car brand, the Rolls-Royce Arcadia Droptail was commissioned by an individual who possesses a distinct affinity for architecture and design. Therefore, the first roadster body style in Rolls-Royce’s modern history is considered a testimony to the patron’s “sensibilities and personal codes of luxury, defined by purity and subtle restraint.”

“Rolls-Royce Coachbuild is the pinnacle expression of this incredible brand, and an unmatched concept in the luxury sector. In this department, the world’s most influential individuals collaborate with our designers, engineers, and craftspeople to bring completely new ideas to life. Together, they create exquisite motor cars that not only become a cherished part of the commissioning client’s personal story but also add to the proud history of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Clients curate every facet of these masterpieces, which are brought into being by what I believe is the most talented team of experts in the luxury industry,” Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Chief Executive Chris Brownridge explained.

“Arcadia Droptail exemplifies this approach. This motor car 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 our unparalleled abilities,” he added.

Less is more

The client wanted to preserve the Droptail’s form and was reportedly compelled by the Droptail’s clean, monolithic surfacing and bold use of negative sculpture. Therefore, the focus of personalization shifted to the car’s subtle features — such as the paint.

Per Rolls-Royce, the color developed for the customer was a finish that defined a “timeless white.” On that note, the team handling the commission concocted a solid white color infused with aluminum and glass particles. The mixture resulted in an achromatic paint that created “a level of intrigue upon further study under natural light.”

Other notable features of the Rolls-Royce Arcadia Droptail include silver-painted carbon fiber appliques (usually fully or partially exposed), a grille with “kinked” vane pieces, and 22-inch alloy wheels that have been fully polished.

Opulent interior

Inside, the Rolls-Royce Arcadia Droptail features rich and luxurious materials. Santos Straight Grain, for example, was used for the car’s interior — including the aerodynamically functional rear deck section, where the grain of the open pore veneer is laid at a perfect 55-degree angle.

According to Rolls-Royce, its artisans used a total of 233 wood pieces — 76 of which were applied on the Arcadia Droptail’s rear deck. The said wood materials underwent treatment using a bespoke lacquer since the vehicle is expected to be used internationally and will probably be exposed to tropical climates.

Rolls-Royce also finished the seats of the Arcadia Droptail in leather with bespoke white and tan color. An exquisite shawl panel — a feature that unites all four Droptail motor cars and is the largest continuous wood section ever seen on a Rolls-Royce — is found on the cabin of the vehicle. It also uses the same Santos Straight Grain wood on the aforementioned rear deck.

Intricate timepiece

On the dashboard sits a bespoke timepiece that incorporates an exquisite geometric guilloché pattern in raw metal with 119 facets. According to the carmaker, it was the most complex clock face in Rolls-Royce history with the assembly alone taking at least five months.

“The Rolls-Royce Arcadia Droptail wonderfully demonstrates the true nature of a Coachbuild proposition in completely transforming the character of a motor car. Each Droptail commission reflects a deeply personal understanding and interpretation of a foundational design. With Arcadia Droptail we witness daring in minimalism and subtlety, informed by the lifestyle of an individual who has a unique appreciation for British luxury. In creating this historic motor car, we once again prove our peerless abilities in synthesizing and executing Bespoke design at its highest level,” Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Design Director Anders Warming noted.

The Rolls-Royce Arcadia Droptail was shown to its owner at a private ceremony in Singapore. The name befittingly harks back to Arcadia, a place known in Ancient Greek mythology as “Heaven on Earth.”

Photos from Rolls-Royce

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