The 2008 Phantom Drophead Coupe is a sight to behold. The Rolls Royce originally previewed at the Detroit Auto show in 2007, and the new version embodies the majority of the stylistic qualities of past Rolls Royce cars. Wooden surfaces cover almost the entire interior with a Chrome finish that may as well be a mirror, and leather seats that are beyond comfortable. I wouldn’t be surprised if you just sat in the convertible and didn’t bother driving. The exterior on the other hand is only really comparable to that of the Rolls Royce Phantom Sedan, merely because I have never seen another car like it. Of course it’s not exactly the same, there are definitive differences, particularly inside, where pretty much every surface is different to the Sedan and the coupe’s body length is significantly shorter than that of the Sedan, but nevertheless, the resemblance is uncanny. It’s striking how out of all the car manufacturers in the world, Rolls Royce still manage to create cars which are the embodiment of unique quality and luxury, over 100 years after they created their first car. Adding to its uniqueness is the soft cloth top, in a car world where the hard top is the norm, and its Chrome door handles, again mirror reminiscent. It amazes me how Rolls Royce cars are still handmade and perfectly carved. The only plastic you are likely to find in this car is the radio, and even that is bound to be a flash one.
In all honesty, the majority of us myself included who admire the cars introduced to the world by Rolls Royce will rarely be able to actually get in one unless you have a super nice friend with cash sticking out of their ears. But if you are lucky enough to be able to buy a Phantom second hand, not necessarily just the Drophead Coupe, it might take a while to get used to. The interior is stereotypically Rolls Royce, meaning the controls and gadgets are put somewhere completely unexpected in the Phantoms.
Nevertheless it would be a prize investment if you can buy one used. Phantoms within three years of being released drop their value by around 65 percent. While that is still a whopper number you’d be forking out; over the £100,000 mark, unless the person you are buying it off of is particularly generous or naive of what a luxury having one is, you know it would be worth it just from that first time you drive it down the high street, the Flying Lady flashing at the front, its presence causing stares from the neighbours and those wandering down the street, envious of how you got so lucky. The coupe’s presence is astounding even by Rolls Royce standards. Overall, I think it’s clear Rolls Royce don’t just manufacture cars, they craft them to the point that years later when being sold to you used and at a lower price, the quality is still not lost.
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