“
The Rolls-Royce Sweptail is a true masterpiece of automotive luxury, epitomizing the brand’s commitment to bespoke craftsmanship. Created for a private client with a vision of ultimate exclusivity, the Sweptail is a one-off, handcrafted luxury car that blends meticulous design with the finest materials. Unveiled in 2017, it is one of the most expensive cars ever built. From its custom bodywork to its intricate interior features, every detail is tailored to the client's personal tastes. In this blog, we’ll explore 20 fascinating facts about the Rolls-Royce Sweptail, revealing what makes it one of the most exclusive cars in the world.1
1
”
In 2013, a discerning customer, known for collecting unique items like super-yachts and aircraft, approached Rolls-Royce to create a one-off luxury car. The Phantom-based car is valued at $17-$20 million. 1
The Rolls-Royce Sweptail, a custom-built luxury car inspired by 1920s-30s coachbuilding, was commissioned in 2013 and debuted in 2017 as the world’s most expensive car, valued at £10 million. 2
Hong Kong-based Sam Li, son of billionaire Samuel Tak Lee, owns the Sweptail. Giles Taylor, former Rolls-Royce design director, described it as "the automotive equivalent of haute couture." 3
In 2019, the Bugatti La Voiture Noire surpassed the Sweptail as the most expensive new car, selling for an astounding $18.7 million and setting a new benchmark in luxury automobiles. 4
The Rolls-Royce Sweptail features a central champagne bottle holder, hat shelf, door-stowed umbrella and laptop bag, a crystal Spirit of Ecstasy, and the largest panoramic glass roof on a road car.
On closer inspection, the Sweptail reveals a minimalist dashboard, elegantly curved paneling along the exterior, and a sleek, fastback-style rear hatch, highlighting its refined and unique design elements. 5
Rolls-Royce used advanced technology to ensure the Sweptail met the client’s exacting specifications. The car’s design was created using cutting-edge 3D scanning technology and custom software to precisely craft every element of the vehicle. 6
While Rolls-Royce hasn’t disclosed the Sweptail's technical specs, it's likely built on the Phantom platform, possibly powered by a 6.75-liter V12 engine beneath its extended bonnet. 7
The Rolls-Royce Sweptail, a unique commission based on the Phantom VII Coupe with a 6.75L V12, was crafted over 4-5 years, blending bespoke features with 1930s Rolls-Royce styling. 8
While Rolls-Royce hasn’t disclosed the Sweptail's technical specs, it's likely built on the Phantom platform, possibly powered by a 6.75-liter V12 engine beneath its extended bonnet.
The car's dashboard includes specially designed dials and a bespoke clock, with each element tailored to reflect the client’s interests and aesthetic preferences, adding a layer of exclusivity to the interior. 9
The Rolls-Royce Sweptail, inspired by early 20th-century cars and classic yachts, features a tapered design, elegant waist-rail, flowing roofline, and swept tail, perfectly embodying the brand's luxury DNA. 10
The Sweptail's interior features an uninterrupted glass roof and minimalist design, highlighting luxurious materials like polished Macassar Ebony and Paldao, contrasting with light Moccasin and Dark Spice leather upholstery. 11
The Sweptail features a large, hand-polished aluminium grille, a yacht-inspired side profile, a raked stern reminiscent of racing yachts, and a rear brake light housed in a bullet-tip design. 12
Rolls-Royce unveiled the Sweptail, a one-off design inspired by its coachbuilding era, at a private event hosted by its owner on Lake Como, showcasing bespoke luxury built on a base platform.
The car's rear tail features an innovative design element: the rear glass is seamlessly integrated into the bodywork, with a distinctive shape that enhances both the car's aerodynamics and its overall aesthetic appeal.13
The Sweptail’s interior features luxurious Macassar Ebony and Paldao wood trim, complemented by Moccasin and Dark Spice leather on the seats, armrests, and dashboard, creating a rich, tactile contrast. 14
The two-seater design replaces rear seats with a spacious wood-crafted mid-shelf, featuring an illuminated glass lip. Additionally, a hat shelf is positioned beneath the rear opening backlight for added elegance. 15
The Sweptail’s dashboard features a single control, with a machined titanium clock embedded in the fascia. The clock's hour marks, faces, numbers, and hands are mirrored on the instrument dials. 16
The Sweptail’s center console hides a mechanism that reveals the client’s favorite champagne vintage and crystal flutes. Custom leather-wrapped carbon-fibre panniers store bespoke cases for the owner's laptop on either side. 17
