Ciao bella! See Rolls-Royce’s $40m coachbuilt Boat Tail

The picnic-friendly convertible made its debut at Lake Como (above). Photos: Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce's coachbuilt masterpiece Boat Tail has made its global public debut at the prestigious Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, at Lake Como, Italy.

It’s the most expensive street-legal car at NZ$40 million and Jay-Z and Beyonce own one of the three picnic-friendly convertibles.

Measuring 5.75m from bumper to bumper, the nautical-inspired cabriolet is powered by a 6.75-litre V-12, seats four and comes with a detachable carbon-fibre roof that allows it to transform into a sleek coupé. 

The twin side-opening compartments in the rear that house a champagne cooler, a Christofle picnic set,

Most impressive of all, though, are the twin side-opening compartments in the rear that house a champagne cooler, a Christofle picnic set, cocktail tables, matching chairs and a full-sized parasol.

The car shares its chassis and engine with the Rolls-Royce Phantom but has 1813 bespoke parts. The first of three cars built features a parasol that extends from the rear deck deployed by a mechanical system in an inverted manner like a flower. 

The deck is finished in Caleidolegno veneer and hinges towards the centre in a butterfly shape, at an angle of 67 degrees.

The deck is finished in Caleidolegno veneer and hinges towards the centre in a butterfly shape.

Images of the car have been shared and admired around the world; however, this is the first time Boat Tail itself has been displayed in public at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.

It is an opportunity for guests and journalists to examine the car's remarkable coachbuilt construction and extraordinary Bespoke detailing, which were designed and hand-built at the Home of Rolls-Royce in a highly demanding technical and creative project lasting almost four years.