Rolls-Royce is synonymous with the term 'luxury cars’. Since 1904, the British car manufacturer has maintained a high standard of class and elegance. How has it been able to do so for nearly 120 years? Mainly by knowing its clientele. Rolls-Royce manufactures cars exclusively for the driving pleasure - or collecting pleasure - of the wealthy and famous.
Always in demand and never out of fashion, Rolls-Royce is an example of singular excellence. They've never mass-manufactured a model to expand their market, nor have they made a cheaper alternative car. This steadfast dedication to class is what makes them so sought-after. And, of course, so expensive.
But what is the most expensive Rolls-Royce ever sold? Let's find out!
The Most Expensive Rolls-Royce Ever Sold
Here, we'll detail the eight most expensive Rolls-Royce cars ever sold, brand new and at auction.
The most expensive Rolls-Royce ever sold at auction is a handy piece of trivia to know. It's bound to appear in a general knowledge quiz at some point.
Additionally, knowing the current most expensive brand-new Rolls-Royce is another piece of valuable knowledge. Rolls-Royce cars are constantly being made and continuously sold for sky-high prices. So much so that it's difficult to keep up with the manufacturer!
1. 2022 Rolls-Royce Coachbuilt Boat Tail II - The most expensive brand-new Rolls-Royce
Price: $30 million (USD)
The most expensive brand-new Rolls-Royce ever sold is, of course, the company's most recent addition to the fold. The Rolls-Royce Coachbuilt Boat Tail II is the second instalment of the company's Coachbuilt Boat Tail series. Also known as Rolls-Royce Boat Tail the Second Chapter, this model picks up where the 2021 vehicle left off.
It was designed exclusively for an unnamed pearler whose profession is reflected in the pearlescent soft rose colour scheme. Not only that but the car is literally built like an expensive yacht. It is made from a single sheet of aluminum and, of course, features a tail directly inspired by luxurious sea vessels.
The cognac colour that defines the bonnet really solidifies this luxurious appearance, while the bronze and white mica flakes create a mind-blowing pearl effect. The cognac theme can be found in the leather upholstery of the interior, which also features a Royal Walnut veneer.
The car truly stands as a work of art and a testimony to the long-standing brilliance of Rolls-Royce motors. No wonder it tops our list of the most expensive cars!
2. 2021 Rolls-Royce Boat Tail
Price: $28 million (USD)
For only a year, this 2021 Rolls-Royce model stood proudly as the most expensive Rolls-Royce ever sold. That all changed the following year when its successor toppled it from the #1 spot. Still, this 2021 edition of the Boat Tail trilogy continues to cause waves in the luxury car scene. And, of course, it is still a very expensive car - mainly because only three Boat Tails were ever produced!
It was designed for Beyonce and Jay-Z, and the luxurious car certainly suits the couple's lavish tastes. In order to meet their requirements, Rolls-Royce revived their Coachbuild department to design a car that evoked the elegance of vintage models. Inspiration was also drawn from luxury yachts from the 1920s and 1930s.
Totally street-legal, the 2021 model features a 6.7-litre twin-turbo V12 that makes an impressive 420kW. Its cabriolet body style contains a full Bose sound system and two built-in fridges.
But, most importantly of all, its boot folds out to reveal a completely unique dining set-up. A small picnic dining area can be created with a cocktail table, two custom-made leather stools, and a parasol. If that's not luxury, we're not sure what is!
3. The Rolls-Royce Sweptail
Price: $13 million (USD)
Another bespoke model, the Rolls-Royce Sweptail, is one-of-a-kind and rolled out in 2017. Like the Boat Tail series, the Sweptail draws much inspiration from luxury yachts. This is probably why the Sweptail's roof consists entirely of glass. Like an open-top yacht, this allows the maximum amount of natural light to come in without opting for a hatchback design.
The glass ceiling extends all the way back to the rear window. The tapered rear window flows seamlessly from the ceiling, in what Rolls-Royce described as the most complicated window they've ever had to design.
Looking at the front of the car, you see that the company has tried to incorporate the classic Rolls-Royce look as much as possible. The brand's iconic square grille defines the front half of the car, giving this model a strikingly vintage appearance.
It features a 2-door coupé and boasts a full-size luxury car interior. The inside features mesmerizing wooden details and exquisite leather panelings. Built for two, this is one of the most luxurious couple's getaway motors on the road today.
4. Rolls-Royce Phantom Solid Gold
Price: $8 million (USD)
The designer responsible for the Rolls-Royce Phantom Solid Gold is a man called Stuart Hughes. As a designer, he has a reputation for decorating items in gold. Specifically items that are already very expensive. This has seen him create gold yachts, iPhones, watches, and so on. In 2011, he turned his attention to Rolls-Royce.
Having been commissioned to do so by a business person from the Middle East, Hughes collaborated with Rolls-Royce and Eurocash AG. Eurocash AG is a Swiss company that specializes in coating cars in gold.
The finished product is certainly extravagant - so much so that it may not be for everyone! It's fixed with 264 pounds of 18-karat gold. It adds the finishing touches to the already-luxurious Rolls-Royce Phantom model, which has limo-styled doors and interior. The exterior is a rich white colour, hence the 'Phantom' title.
The back seats of the Rolls-Royce Phantom are made of Iceland Moss leather, blending in with the rest of the grace white furnishings.
5. 1912 Rolls-Royce “The Corgi”- The most expensive Rolls-Royce ever sold at auction
Price: $7.34 million (USD)
This pre-war car became the most expensive Rolls-Royce ever to be sold at an auction in 2012. At Bonhams auction at Goodwood - near where Rolls-Royce manufactures cars - it sold for an impressive $7.34 million. This is one of the highest prices for a pre-war car.
One of the most interesting aspects of the Corgi is that it was made to be driven by its owner. Other luxurious cars at the time focused on making the backseat as comfortable as possible. The front seat, where the chauffeur normally sat, was never given much attention. The Corgi was among the first cars to feature luxurious back and front seats.
The official title of this car is the Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Double Pullman Limousine. It played a huge part in British high society throughout the 1910s and 20s. So much so that it was affectionately known as 'the Corgi.'
Fun fact: The Corgi is a dog breed associated with the British ruling class. It was also the name of a toy manufacturer who made a famous model of the car, which is where the nickname came from.
6. 1904 Rolls-Royce 10hp Two-Seater
Price: $7.26 million (USD)
Another pre-war classic, the 1904 Rolls-Royce 10hp Two-Seater sold for $7.26 million in 2006 because the model is one of the last surviving of its type. Although it may not carry the same elegance as a Boat Tail model, having a Rolls-Royce that dates back to 1904 is the ultimate dream of any car collector. Why 1904? Because that's when Rolls-Royce started, of course!
Being one of Henry Royce's first vehicles, all modern Rolls-Royces can be traced back to the 10hp Two-Seater. It is thought to be the third model ever to feature the RR radiator logo.
Given its date of construction, the design of the 10hp Two-Seater is best described as rudimentary. It's basically a two-seater buggy on wheels. It does not feature any doors or ceiling and even lacks a windshield. So basic in its design, it's unsurprising that this model was used more for display than for driving. It was used to showcase what Royce was capable of.
Still, many of the initial 10hp Two-Seaters sold were taken out on the road. However, we don't think it would be considered to be street-legal today! The model that was sold in 2006 had been used minimally.
7. 1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Special Town Car by Brewster
Price: $1.7 million (USD)
The 1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II succeeded the Rolls-Royce Phantom I, which was released in 1925. This slightly updated Phantom model features caned doors, a bigger rear compartment, sunken flooring, and drop seats. All of these updates were requested by C. Mathews Dick, a famed American architect who commissioned the Phantom II.
While the car was designed for Dick, it wasn't built exclusively for him. A total of 116 models were made by Brewster and Rolls-Royce around 1933. Although this may seem like a lot, it is nothing compared to Phantom I. Around 2,269 original Phantoms were made!
As the century progressed, the number of surviving Phantom II models dwindled. Very few appeared on auction, which is why one sold for $1.7 million in 2010 when auctioned in Monaco.
8. Phantom: Year of the Dragon Edition
Price: $1.2 million (USD)
Despite the high asking price for the Dragon Edition of the Phantom car, this model sold out in under two months. What made it so special? The front fenders featured hand-painted dragons. Inside, embroidered dragons decorated the hand-stitched seating.
Besides the dragon theme that defines the style of the car, the motor has a mythical prowess on the road, too! Complete with a V12 engine, this car can hit a top speed of 150 miles per hour. Not only that, but drivers can reach 60 miles per hour in under six seconds!
Overall, this Phantom is a combination of luxury and high speeds. Released in conjunction with the Year of the Dragon, this limited edition was bought up extra fast - for a significant asking price, too.
FAQs
What are the most expensive new Rolls-Royce cars in 2023?
Some of the most expensive Rolls-Royce cars on the market in 2023 include the Rolls-Royce Wraith and the 2021 Rolls-Royce Cullinan by Mansory. To give you an idea of how much these cars sell for, the Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Badge is worth $382,000. The Cullinan by Mansory, on the other hand, is worth $774,000.
What is the cheapest Rolls-Royce you can buy today?
As of 2023, the cheapest Rolls-Royce you can buy new is the Rolls-Royce Ghost. The starting price of Rolls-Royce Ghost cars is around $310,041. However, there is no real 'cheap' Rolls-Royce available as there is with other luxury car brands. Rolls-Royce is an expensive brand that caters to those with expensive tastes - it doesn't offer any cheap alternatives!
How long does Rolls-Royce take to build?
The length of time it takes to build a Rolls-Royce depends on how bespoke you want your car to be. Since the time of Henry Royce and Charles Rolls, Rolls-Royce cars have been custom-made. Most Rolls-Royce owners had to wait at least two months for their bespoke creation to be finished. On the other hand, it can take years to build some Rolls-Royce cars.
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