Rolls-Royce has unveiled its latest coachbuilt creation, to be shown at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este event this weekend.
Commissioned by a Rolls-Royce customer to pay homage to his family’s business in the pearling industry, the Boat Tail is described as ‘a coveted objet d’art’.
Built entirely by hand, the car has a unique exterior finish, with an impressive butterfly-style rear deck that includes a built-in parasol.
Sailing on cognac seas
The Boat Tail’s body panels are shaped from single sheets of aluminium, designed to resemble racing yachts from the early 20th century. The front grille has been milled from a solid billet of aluminium, with the Spirit of Ecstasy bonnet mascot finished in rose gold.
At the start of the build process, the Boat Tail’s owner presented Rolls-Royce with four pearl shells. These provided inspiration for the bespoke exterior colour, which mixes oyster and rose with large pearlescent flakes.
The bonnet is painted a contrasting cognac, with bronze and gold coloured aluminium mica flakes and a matt clear coat.
Rose gold is weaved into the carbon fibre lower sills, and also appears in the details of the alloy wheels.
Ultimate al fresco dining
The Boat Tail’s pièce de résistance is the rear deck, with an obvious visual reference to classic yachts. Opening at the press of a button, the royal walnut veneer panels open to reveal bespoke cutlery and crockery for hosting the most elaborate picnic.
Royal walnut was chosen by the owner because it will mature over time, ageing to resemble a cognac colour.
More royal walnut veneer can be found inside the car, with rose gold pinstripes and mother-of-pearl accents. A dashboard clock is finished in mother-of-pearl taken from the owner’s personal collection.
There’s also yet more mother-of-pearl detailing on the instrument dials, along with various switchgear parts around the cabin.
‘Truly one-of-a-kind’ creation
This represents the third and final car in the planned Boat Tail commission series. Its price hasn’t been made public, but one of the previous Boat Tails, bought by Jay-Z and Beyonce, reportedly sold for £20 million.
Alex Innes, head of Rolls-Royce Coachbuild Design, said: “Boat Tail is a step-change in ingenuity and creative liberty. Building a motor car by hand offers a new realm of exploration and possibility: we can accomplish things and resolve challenges that normal industrialised methods would prohibit. This is the tale of two worlds: a modern motor car of contemporary design, made possible by historical techniques and time-honoured craft. It is truly, one-of-a-kind.”
The last Boat Tail makes its public debut this weekend at the exclusive Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, held on the shores of Lake Como in Italy.
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