Water-wafting: Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé Waterspeed Collection

Rolls-Royce has unveiled a special edition ‘Waterspeed Collection’ Phantom Drophead Coupé in celebration of Sir Malcolm Campbell’s water speed record success back in 1939…

Revealed to a select group of customers at the former headquarters of the Bluebird Motor Company on the King’s Road, Chelsea, the Waterspeed Collection Phantom also illustrates the breadth of bespoke options available to Rolls-Royce buyers. Painted in ‘Maggiore Blue’ – a special colour that extends to the engine and takes inspiration from the Bluebird’s famous scheme – the Drophead also has its usual teak decking replaced with hand-beaten brushed steel, while the hand-painted coachline culminates in a Bluebird motif.

Inside, the subtle tributes to Sir Malcolm continue among the Windchill Grey leather and Abachi wood trim. One nice touch is the new interpretation of the familiar ‘Power Reserve’ dial, which sees the needle sweep into a yellow and blue zone when pressing on – much like Campbell’s K3 boat ‘going into the blue’ on full attack.

The Rolls-Royce Waterspeed Collection Phantom Drophead Coupé will be limited to 35 examples, each costing £435,000.

Photos: Rolls-Royce

You can find both classic yachts and Rolls-Royces for sale in the Classic Driver Market.