Rolls-Royce has unveiled its latest creation, the one-off, 1920s inspired, Rolls-Royce Sweptail at the Concorso d’Eleganza at Villa d’Este. The bespoke Sweptail was created for a specific client that wanted a two-seat coupé with a large panoramic roof, but that was also inspired by his favorite Rolls-Royces from the early 20th century.
The Rolls-Royce Sweptail is inspired by luxury yachts and Rolls-Royces from the 1920s and 1930s
In 2013, the specific client asked Rolls-Royce to realize his vision for a one-off Rolls-Royce. Inspired by the Rolls-Royces from the 1920s and 1930s, the Sweptail takes specific cues from models, like the 1925 Phantom, the 1934 Phantom II Streamline Saloon by Park Ward, the 1934 Gurney Nutting Phantom II Two Door Light Saloon, and the 1934 Park Ward 20/25 Limousine Coupé.
“Sweptail is the automotive equivalent of Haute Couture,” comments Giles Taylor, Director of Design at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “It is a Rolls-Royce designed and hand-tailored to fit a specific customer. This customer came to the House of Rolls-Royce with an idea, shared in the creative process where we advised him on his cloth, and then we tailored that cloth to him. You might say we cut the cloth for the suit of clothes that he will be judged by.”
It took four years for Taylor and his team of designers to bring the client’s vision to life.
“Our job was to guide, edit and finely hone the lines that would ultimately give our client this most perfect of Rolls-Royces,” comments Taylor.
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From the front you can immediately tell that the Sweptail is a different Rolls-Royce with its large Pantheon grille – the largest of any modern era Rolls-Royce. As you move to the side of Sweptail its silhouette that defines its unique character. Flowing as they do from upright and formal frontal aspect, the lines of Sweptail resolve into a sveltely elegant form.
The rear of the Sweptail pays homage to the world of racing yachts that inspired the client, with its raked stern. Seen directly from behind, the rear taper contrasts strongly with the front of the motor car, shaping a completely new perception of a dramatic Rolls-Royce Coupé.
“Sweptail is a truly magnificent car. It exudes the romance of travel for its own sake, and immediately places ‘Sweptail’ in the pantheon of the world’s great intercontinental tourers,” stated Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “Rolls-Royce’s history as the world’s leading coachbuilder is at the very core of its identity as the world’s leading luxury brand.
Source: Rolls-Royce