Amidst the emerald rolling hills of West Sussex is Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, the global headquarters and Centre of Luxury Manufacturing Elegance. Rolls-Royce at Goodwood is where the magic happens, it is the only place in the world where Rolls-Royce motor cars are designed, engineered and meticulously built by hand by over 2,500 people.
This luxury house has plenty to celebrate, their dedication to creating the most desired handcrafted bespoke products for its clientele has been rewarded with a number of record years for global sales, which peaked in 2023 with over 6,000 cars sold worldwide.
Let’s roll the red carpet out for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars as they have proudly unveiled the magnificent Rolls-Royce Arcadia Droptail, a bespoke masterpiece epitomising serenity and elegance.
Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said, “Rolls-Royce Coachbuild is the pinnacle expression of this incredible brand, and an unmatched concept in the luxury sector. In this department, the world’s most influential individuals collaborate with our designers, engineers and craftspeople to bring completely new ideas to life.”
He continued, “Together, they create exquisite motor cars that not only become a cherished part of the commissioning client’s personal story but also add to the proud history of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Clients curate every facet of these masterpieces, which are brought into being by what I believe is the most talented team of experts in the luxury industry. Arcadia Droptail exemplifies this approach.”
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Arcadia Droptail embodies a harmonious blend of simplicity, natural elements, and personal expression. It is the first roadster body style in Rolls-Royce’s modern history and the third Coachbuild Droptail commission.
It has been commissioned by a connoisseur of architecture and design with an eye for extraordinary beauty. It is a celebration of form, a pure reflection of Droptail’s principal design but also serves as a testament to the patron’s refined taste and dedication to understated luxury.
Drawing inspiration from the mythical realm of Arcadia, renowned in Ancient Greek mythology as ‘Heaven on Earth’, the Arcadia Droptail boasts unparalleled beauty and tranquillity and is conceived as a sanctuary from the complexities of modern life. Its design journey explores influences from global architectural marvels, including the mesmerising tropical sky gardens of Southeast Asia and the organic forms of British ‘Biomimetic’ architecture.
The attention to detail is spectacular, take the clock face, which is the most complex in Rolls-Royce’s history or the elegant wood sections that took 8,000 hours to create. Even the assembly alone took five months, good things come to those who wait.
The client’s fascination with the purity of the Droptail concept is evident throughout the design process. From the initial hand-drawn sketch in 2019 to the final realisation, every detail remains faithful to the client’s vision. The striking silhouette, low stance, and captivating body lines, reminiscent of a yacht’s sail cowls, create a sense of drama and sophistication.
Translating the client’s unique preferences into a coherent design required an extensive collaboration between Rolls-Royce’s Coachbuild designers and the client. Over the course of four years, the team delved deep into the client’s lifestyle and preferences to capture their spirit.
Alex Innes, Head of Coachbuild Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said, “The significance of Rolls-Royce Arcadia Droptail lies in its subtlety. It is a projection of an individual who values clarity and precision in all areas of their life – from their passion for fine cuisine, their highly curated personal and professional spaces and affinity with contemporary design.”
He added, “This motor car is one of the most faithful expressions of an individual’s personal style and sensibilities we have ever created within the Coachbuild department. In capturing their spirit, we reveal a unique appreciation for simplicity, serenity and beautifully restrained elegance – one that was a privilege for me to have been a part of.”
The Rolls-Royce Arcadia Droptail represents more than just a luxury car; it captures the essence of its discerning and innovative owner and the incredible craftsmanship of Rolls-Royce’s Coachbuild division. It’s a perfect embodiment of the Rolls-Royce Coachbuild designers ability to capture the sensitivities and soul of an individual and bring it to life.
