Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will unveil the new Phantom Drophead Coupé for the first time in Italy.

On the weekend of 21 - 22 April 2007, the spectacular grounds of the Grand Hotel Villa d'Este and Villa Erba in Cernobbio on Lake Como will again form the unique backdrop for the most beautiful automobiles from yesteryear and exceptional cars of the present at the annual Concorzo d’Eleganza.

In 2004 the experimental Rolls-Royce 100EX, the forerunner of the Drophead Coupé, was shown at the same event. Based on customer reaction to this car during the worldwide tour which followed, it was decided to launch a production model.

The two-door, four-seater convertible is a less formal interpretation of the classic Rolls-Royce design. From a technical perspective, this car combines a ightweight, extremely stiff aluminium spaceframe with the lean and elegant body of a drophead coupé. Hand built to specific customer requirements from the finest materials, it includes a number of unique details. The rear deck is made from teak, using the same structure as that used in the yacht-building world, and the bonnet and windscreen surround are available in brushed stainless steel to give a contrasting, two-tone look.

At this year’s Concorzo, Rolls-Royce will also be marking the 100 year anniversary of the launch of the Silver Ghost – the car which was responsible for building the company’s early reputation for power, refinement, reliability and virtually silent running.

The name was first used in 1907 when Rolls-Royce silver plated the fittings of a ‘40/50’ Rolls-Royce and painted the coachwork silver. The name was later adopted for all the 40/50hp cars manufactured between 1907 and 1925.