I recall about 4 years ago, reading a 10 page review of the RR Phantom in CAR magazine. There were so many details that were so well done, made it more than just a car. In other words it is so over the top, well done that it's an event.

That said, it's a 6000 lb $400K car, so even used ones are not likely to be driven by ordinary people in the way people drive S-class or 7-series cars.

Now with Bentley cleaning up with sub-$200K club with the Conti coupe and (soon) sedan. It'd be interesting if Rolls would do something just a notch above. Say a $190K "baby-RR" based on a 7-series V12 done to the Nines.

 

Eh, why?

First off, Bentleys have always been "sporting motorcars" for "owner-drivers." Rolls-Royces have traditionally been as much for being driven in as for being driven. Let's face it, the average Rolls owner has like 6 cars, and if he wants a driver's car, he probably already owns a Bentley, or an Aston Martin.

Also, if you think the 7-series is a "Driver's car" you are sorely mistaken. It is compared to a DeVille, Town Car, or Rolls Royce, but in this case driver's car is very much a relative term. The 7 is designed to be fast and quiet while driving from, say, Munich to Paris. Not to be a Sunday morning back road slicer.

To me, a "driver's Rolls Royce" makes about as much sense as a Porsche SUV. Which is to say stupid, but they'd probably still make one if they thought it would sell.

 

Sorry, maybe not drivers car, should have said a car you can drive rather than be driven in.

If you want nicer quality/style than a 7-series. People spend $130K on a V12 german sedan (A8, S or 7) but maybe they want even better wood or leather and a distinctive style that is not shared with an $80K A8, S-class or 7-series.

 

I see RR as a car to be driven in regardless of what it is. Its they just how they come across. Its almost like a status symbol to be "driven" In one.

 

I think RR is the only car I've ever driven that I was happy just driving along, no hurry, no worry. Kind of just ease along in comfort and watch the world go by. It's also great to look out over that big front end and flying lady.

 

I think BMW got so smoked on the deal to buy RR that they still have not figured out where to take the brand.

VW got Bentley and a factory and have been off to the races so to speak.