14 miles from new
2018 Rolls-Royce Dawn Convertible
Registration no. EO18 OFL
Chassis no. SCA666D08HU101370

'With the Dawn Drophead Coupé, every journey is an experience that reinvigorates body and soul. Every element thoughtfully and beautifully designed to complement the exhilaration of an unbroken summer. This is the thrill of drophead driving matched with the beauty of unparalleled Rolls-Royce craftsmanship.' – Rolls-Royce.

Vickers' controversial sale of its Rolls-Royce and Bentley brands in 1997, although acrimonious at the time, allowed the two marques to reaffirm their traditional roles in separate ownership: Rolls-Royce continuing to provide the ultimate in luxurious motoring for the plutocracy under BMW's stewardship, with Volkswagen-owned Bentley catering for the wealthy owner-driver with sporting inclinations. Concluded in 1998, the deal left VW in control of the Crewe factory and it was not until January 2003 that Rolls-Royce would be officially re-established at its new home close to Goodwood, just a moments drive from this auction.

An historic model in the continuing story of the Rolls-Royce marque, the Dawn Drophead Coupé was introduced to the public at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, reviving, at least in part, a great name from Rolls-Royce's past that had always been synonymous with unrestrained luxury. Although based on the Wraith fixed-head coupé, the Dawn had undergone extensive re-engineering to achieve its maker's aims of building 'the quietest open-top car ever made' and 'the most rigid four-seater convertible available today'. Some 80% of the Dawn's outer panels were new, though the Wraith's rear-hinged 'coach doors' were retained. Some boot space was sacrificed to accommodate the folded-down convertible hood, leaving the cabin space undiminished, with the fold-down time an impressive 20 seconds. At almost 5.3m (17' 4½") in length, the Dawn is an impressive and commanding motor car.

The Wraith's 48-valve 6.6-litre twin-turbocharged V12 was retained for the Dawn, its maximum output of 563bhp being sufficient to propel the 2½-ton luxury express to 60mph in a mere 4.8 seconds on its way to a (governed) top speed of 155mph (250km/h). This abundance of power is transmitted to the rear axle via a ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox, while air-sprung suspension and automatic level control ensure that ride quality remains un-compromised.

'This is feelgood motoring with a capital F,' declared Car magazine. 'The interior has a clear focus on pampering: the seats are huge and plump and upholstered in the finest leather front and rear - you sink into their hide-bound grasp and never want for support.

'Goodwood calls the Dawn "the world's only true modern four-seater super-luxury drophead" and we wouldn't disabuse them of this notion. There is space front and rear aplenty and it's incredibly hushed, roof up...' In fact, the Dawn (roof up) manages to be a couple of decibels quieter than the Wraith, cruising in unnatural silence.

Autocar was equally impressed: 'If you're in the bracket and you like refinement in your big convertibles, this Rolls-Royce must be the ultimate choice. We have never ridden in a car of this layout that is so quiet or so smooth, or deals so brilliantly with the slings and arrows of difficult roads, with no handling compromises. In those respects, it simply sets a brand new standard.'

Purchased from P&A Wood on 5th March 2018, Mr Jennings sadly never took delivery. Consequently, this stunning Rolls-Royce Dawn has covered a mere 14 miles from new and is presented in 'as new' condition throughout.

Please be advised that due to the limited number of kilometers recorded on the odometer, this Lot may incur a VAT liability upon registration in any EU country other than the UK.