Rolls-Royce creating new Waterspeed Collection Phantom

Rolls-Royce is creating a new special edition of the Phantom Drophead Coupé which will honour the water run record established by Sir Malcom Campbell in September 1937. With his Bluebird K3 hydroplane, by a Rolls-Royce R-type engine managed to reach a top speed of 208km/h (129.5mph). The series of 35 Phantom Drophead Coupés seeks to celebrate a seminal act of British daring and endeavour.

Rolls-Royce will be using the finest contemporary materials never used before on the Waterspeed Collection. Brushed steel will complement the exclusively developed Maggiore Blue colour scheme, while the hand-crafted wood inlays will evoke the sense of a boat gliding through water at pace.

“Sir Malcolm Campbell’s successful pursuit of world-speed records on land and water were the result of his commitment to the most exacting standards of British design and engineering excellence,” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “Such attributes are hallmarks of every Rolls-Royce motor car, ensuring the marque’s position at the pinnacle of super-luxury manufacturing. This special Collection, and those to follow in 2014, serve to display the breadth of Bespoke personalisation available to every Rolls-Royce customer. I very much look forward to revealing these remarkable cars over the coming months.”

Rolls-Royce has only released a design sketch that gives slight insight into the conception of its latest Bespoke project. The brand refers that further details will be revealed over the coming months.

“I am delighted that Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has chosen our grandfather's iconic Bluebird Waterspeed boats as inspiration for this special Collection,” said Donald Wales, grandson of Sir Malcolm Campbell. “I am certain Sir Malcolm would be extremely flattered to see his name still closely associated with such a prestigious brand 75 years after his last world Waterspeed Record.