High-rollers rush to buy £300k car

Jul 30 2007 By Edward Stephens, Birmingham Mail

IT'S the last word in motoring luxury - with a £300,000 price tag to match.

But Midland high-rollers are ignoring the bank-busting cost and are clamouring for the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé.

Birmingham dealership Rybrook Rolls-Royce has taken orders for more than 20 since the new car was launched in January, amounting to a total of more than £6 million.

The first customer has already taken delivery of his car which, with a few extras like stainless steel bonnet and teak decking inspired by sailing yachts, cost £323,000.

"The response has been fantastic," said Rybrook general manager, Jon Kartz. "The future is certainly bright as far as Rolls-Royce is concerned.

"With the Phantom, the Phantom extended wheelbase and now the Drophead Coupé, we are very optimistic about sales."

And it's not just Midland drivers who are willing to part with big money for the new model.

One of the cars was bought for £800,000 earlier this year at a charity auction in aid of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

The fabric hood of the Drophead Coupé is the largest of any modern convertible car and uses five layers of material to insulate the interior.

Under the bonnet is a 6.75 litre naturally aspirated V12 engine giving brisk performance and a 0 to 60mph time of just 5.7 seconds.

One of the new Coupés last week went on display at Rybrook's showroom at the Parade, Summer Hill, for the first time for VIPs and potential customers to see it.

There are currently only six Rolls-Royce dealers in the UK, so Mr Kartz's territory extends beyond the Midlands.