2016 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe

Apr 24, 2024, 2:19am ET

For the ultimate in open-air opulence, look no further than the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe. It combines old-fashioned elements like a hand-built interior with a fully modern powerplant and the latest conveniences to create a truly unique convertible.

Though its nearly as large and heavy as a Chevrolet Suburban, the Drophead Coupe is capable of wafting its way from zero-to-60 mph in less than six seconds thanks to a massive 6.75-liter V12. The mill puts out 453 horsepower and an impressive 531 pound-feet of torque - of which nearly 400 lb-ft, or 75 percent of peak output, is available at just 1,000 rpm. Sending all that power to the rear wheels is an eight-speed automatic.

While decidedly elegant, the Drophead Coupe's oversized proportions give it a bit of a nautical feel. This appearance can be enhanced by an optional teak rear deck that looks like it was pulled straight from a luxury yacht. Up front, a modern version of Rolls-Royce's traditional grille is inset in a fascia that was redesigned for the latest model year with rectangular LED running lights.

A notable feature is a split trunk-lid Rolls Royce calls a picnic boot. It allows the vertical lid to which the license plate mounts to swing down, much like a pick-up truck's tailgate, while the horizontal lid is conventionally hinged. Also unique are the rear-hinged coach doors that facilitate access to the rear seats and also recall glamorous coupes from the 1920s.

With wall-to-wall leather upholstery, fine metal trim and (seemingly) acres of exquisite wood, the cabin is as coddling as one would expect. The driver faces a large, thin-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel and a trio of simple, old-fashioned analog gauges, while rear-seat passengers are treated to an impressive amount of space.

Should buyers want to add a few features or customize their Drophead Coupe, they certainly may with options such as Starlight Headlining, which adds over 1,600 hand-set fiber optic lights into the headliner to give the illusion of a star-filled sky. Or, buyers can pay to extend the wood veneer beyond the fascia and into the interior by covering the rear window surround, parcel shelf and door cappings with a veneer of choice.

Speaking of veneers, choices vary slightly from other Phantom models, in this case including Piano Black, Mahogany Flare, Rosewood, Walnut Burr, Elm Cluster and Zebrano as the standard choices - with the option for one-off Bespoke service choices available as well.

Leather color options are equally abundant, including 12 colors as standard - with the always-present option of customer provided or selected colors outside of that range.

Key Competitors

The Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe isn't a coupe at all, but rather and uber-luxury convertible, finding very few competitors offering such a unique combination of size, power and luxury. Buyers may want to consider the Bentley Continental GTC, however, if the Rolls isn't the car for them.