Rolls convertible 'Drophead' gorgeous?

Okay, this car isn't of great relevance to the vast majority of motorists out there, but Rolls-Royce doesn't launch a new model every week, so when one does arrive, it's worth taking note.

The Spirit of Ecstasy's latest creation is the Phantom Drophead Coupe, due to make its world debut at the imminent North American International Auto Show at Detroit.

Rolls aficionados and generally knowledgeable types may have noticed that it's little changed from the imposing 100EX concept car that was one of the stars of the 2004 Geneva motor show.

The concept's 100EX moniker was slapped on to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the vaunted Pommie marque, but the production variant loses the alphanumeric designation in favour of the 'Drophead' tag that Brits use to refer to convertibles.

Although it closely resembles the 100EX concept visually, the Drophead eschews the former's utterly extravagant 9.0-litre V16 engine in favour of a more modest 6.75-litre V12 powerplant -- the same 338kW/720Nm unit that powers the Phantom limo.

As per the sedan, the Drophead is built around an extruded aluminum space-frame, and Rolls-Royce claims it's the most rigid convertible in the world.

The Drophead might be a 'Coupe', but it's certainly no sportster, as it measures a gargantuan 5608mm in length, just 250mm shorter than its Phantom stablemate. So while it mightn't be nimble, Rolls-Royce's claims that there's genuine seating for four seem credible.

And although it shares its mechanicals with the Phantom, all the Drophead's panels are unique to give it an identity of its own. The headlight treatment is certainly distinctive, and its grille is smaller and more raked than that on the Phantom.

Interestingly, Rolls-Royce has retained the stainless-steel bonnet that featured on the 100EX...but it is apparently an option, so Sir needn't have it if he doesn't like it. Also unique are the rear-hinged 'coach' doors (which provide easier ingress/egress) and teak rear decking.

Rolls-Royce reportedly plans to build 100 Drophead Coupes annually alongside the Phantom limo at its Goodwood factory. The car goes on sale internationally in mid-'07.