Considered by many to be the most elegant and desirable model in the Rolls-Royce Phantom VII range, the Phantom Drophead Coupe added a touch of open-air sophistication to the marque’s already exceptional flagship. The Phantom Drophead Coupe shares mechanicals with the Phantom saloon and made its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on 7 January 2007. Styling was based on the 100EX concept, built in celebration of Rolls-Royce’s centennial in 2004.

Like the concept car, the production cars use novel rearward-opening coach doors along with a yacht-like exterior design theme. Moreover, while Rolls-Royces have traditionally been known as cars wherein the owner is driven, this variant is undoubtedly one the owner will want to experience from behind the wheel—helping spark a modern renaissance for driver-focused automobiles bearing the Spirit of Ecstasy, including the Phantom Coupe and the Dawn (this Drophead Coupe’s smaller cousin). A hand-assembled, silky smooth 454-horsepower, 6.75-liter V-12 and six-speed automatic transmission work in tandem to provide seamless acceleration; 60 mph is passed in a brisk 5.7 seconds. Just 261 Phantom VII Drophead Coupes were produced for the 2009 model year, one fine example of which is offered here.

This particular Phantom Drophead Coupe wears a stunning two-tone Arctic White and brushed stainless steel exterior which pairs handsomely against its Seashell interior complete with extensive burl trim and black carpets. A low-slung Sand cloth power convertible top and brushed stainless A-pillars complete the car’s attractive silhouette. The sleek and modern appeal of this 18-foot-long luxury cruiser is made stronger by the inclusion of chrome trim and accoutrements throughout—truly driving home the nautical design inspiration. Each gauge and headrest is emblazoned with the distinctive “RR” logo, never letting any occupant forget the prestige and craftsmanship inherent to this finely-finished automobile.

Over a decade after it left Rolls-Royce’s Goodwood factory, this Drophead Coupe still presents as a thoroughly modern automobile, and in the pantheon of Rolls-Royce it stands proudly amongst its predecessors. For those seeking the most elegant, luxurious, characterful, and modern 12-cylinder convertible, there can be no better choice.