The unveiling of the Rolls-Royce Arcadia Droptail has set a new benchmark for automotive opulence, firmly establishing itself as the world’s most expensive car with a price tag of around £20 million. As the third installment in Rolls-Royce’s illustrious ‘Coachbuild’ Droptail series, the Arcadia Droptail not only continues the legacy of its predecessors, the Amethyst and La Rose Noire, but also elevates it to unparalleled heights of luxury and exclusivity.
Named after the idyllic realm of Arcadia from Ancient Greek mythology, symbolizing ‘Heaven on Earth’, the vehicle boasts a solid white exterior paint infused with aluminium and glass particles, giving it a unique shimmer and depth. In a departure from the carbon fibre exposure seen in its siblings, the Arcadia opts for a silver-painted lower body, complemented by mirror-polished 22-inch alloys and Pantheon grille, encapsulating the essence of tranquility and purity.
The interior of the Arcadia Droptail underscores Rolls-Royce’s commitment to craftsmanship and bespoke luxury. A staggering 233 pieces of wood, including 76 just for the rear deck, underscore the significance of wood development in the car’s design. The use of Santos Straight Grain wood, chosen for its texture and visual intrigue, was a meticulous process, with each piece undergoing extensive development to ensure durability in various climates, including tropical environments.
A noteworthy feature of the Arcadia is its custom-made dashboard clock, which embodies Rolls-Royce’s dedication to precision and excellence. This timepiece, the most complex in Rolls-Royce’s history, required over two years of research and development, followed by five months of assembly, showcasing the marque’s expertise in haute horlogerie.
The Arcadia Droptail also benefits from a reworked chassis, incorporating aluminium and carbon fibre for enhanced rigidity, and is powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.75-litre V12 engine, promising exceptional performance without compromising its serene character.
This coachbuilt masterpiece was presented to its commissioning client at a private ceremony in Singapore, marking a significant moment in Rolls-Royce’s history as it introduces the first roadster body style in its modern era. The Arcadia Droptail is a testament to the marque’s ability to transform a client’s vision into reality, reflecting their personal style and sensibilities with utmost fidelity to the original concept sketches.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ Coachbuild division stands as a pinnacle of automotive bespoke craftsmanship. It offers an unmatched opportunity for the world’s most discerning individuals to collaborate with Rolls-Royce’s designers, engineers, and craftspeople. The result is a series of masterpieces that not only fulfill the personal desires of their owners but also contribute to the rich heritage of the brand. With the Arcadia Droptail, Rolls-Royce once again demonstrates its unmatched ability to deliver luxury, craftsmanship, and individuality, making it a beacon of British luxury in the automotive world.
