Goodwood, UK-based manufacturer of exclusive luxury vehicles, Rolls-Royce, has announced the introduction of a limited-edition Phantom Drophead Coupe, dubbed the Waterspeed.
Limited to just 35 models, the Phantom Drophead Waterspeed has been built to commemorate Sir Malcolm Campbell’s world waterspeed record in 1937. Campbell achieved this using his Bluebird K3 hydroplane boat, which was powered by a Rolls-Royce engine.
Finished in Maggiore Blue, a specially developed paint that is applied in nine layers and is named after the lake in Italy where Campbell reached 203,31 km/h, the Waterspeed also boasts a brushed steel deck – a material used on the Bluebird K3. Inside, there are also engraved door sills and armrests, and an embroidered panel in the glovebox that documents Campbell’s record-breaking achievements.
The Waterspeed uses the company’s venerable 6,75-litre V12 engine that produces 338 kW and 720 N.m of torque. The powerplant has been treated to a lick of the same Maggiore Blue as the exterior.
Unveiled at a private function held at Bluebird restaurant in London recently (the site of the original Bluebird Motor Company), the Waterspeed will make its public debut at this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa D’Este on 23 May. The show happens on Lake Como, which neighbours Maggiore.
