Rolls-Royce was founded in 1906 and quickly became synonymous with wealth and affluence. Each Rolls-Royce vehicle is bespoke, and no two Rolls-Royce cars are exactly alike. But which of these extravagant vehicles is the most expensive?
The most expensive Rolls-Royce is the 2022 Rolls-Royce Coachbuilt Boat Tail II, the second of only three to ever exist and each of which costs about $30 million. Each car has a custom bespoke dining set in the twin-door rear deck and is painstakingly customized to satisfy the client’s needs.
If you’ve been thinking of adding a Rolls-Royce to your car collection or are simply curious about these luxurious vehicles, this ranking will offer the insight you need!
Here Are the Top 10 Most Expensive Rolls-Royce Cars of All Time:
- 2022 Rolls-Royce Coachbuilt Boat Tail II – $30 million
- 2021 Rolls-Royce Coachbuilt Boat Tail – $28 million
- 2017 Rolls-Royce Sweptail – $12.8 million
- Rolls-Royce Phantom Solid Gold – $8.1 million
- 1912 Rolls-Royce “The Corgi” – $7.34 million
- 1904 Rolls-Royce 10 hp – $7.26 million
- 2008 Rolls-Royce Phantom Hyperion by Pininfarina – $3.26 million
- 1954 Rolls-Royce Phantom IV ‘Princess Margaret’ – $2.45 million
- 2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan (Armored) – $962,000
- 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre – $413,000
10. 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre – $413,000
The 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre is one of the newest Rolls-Royce creations on the block, and it’s also the first electric Rolls-Royce.
While this vehicle might not be the most bespoke of all Rolls-Royce cars (hundreds of customers have ordered one), you can customize your lavish electric ride by selecting from a diverse list of extravagant add-ons.
For example, clients can:
- Customize the exterior colors and contrast styles
- Choose between a classic and illuminated Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament
- Select between several interior color schemes and instrument dial hues
Essentially, the 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre is entirely customizable and insanely beautiful. Of course, this amount of customization and luxury doesn’t come cheap.
The base model starts at $413,000, but the final price is likely much higher, especially after making your Spectre uniquely yours via personalization options.
Why It’s Expensive
Electric vehicles (EVs) are quickly becoming the more popular alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. But many luxury car manufacturers have been a little slow to catch up with this trend.
So, the public reaction was understandably positive when Rolls-Royce announced that it would release an electric model with a starting price of less than $500,000.
But while demand has some impact on this car’s price tag, the most significant factors impacting the 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre’s price are:
- Branding
- Customization
- Innovative design and engineering
Pretty much all Rolls-Royce vehicles are expensive. It’s impossible to hear the brand name and not think “wealth, money, extravagance.”
Additionally, each Rolls-Royce is commissioned. The company doesn’t build a car until a client requests them to. This kind of personalized attention is rare and doesn’t come cheap.
The Spectre is also the first electric Rolls-Royce car, making it a historically significant ride that’s decked out with the most innovative and cutting-edge technology. As you might imagine, this kind of tech costs a pretty penny.
9. 2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan (Armored) – $962,000
When you’re one of the world’s wealthiest people, you must invest in stringent security services to protect yourself. This extends to your vehicle, which is why several of the most powerful politicians and businesspeople invest in armored cars.
But what if you want to ride in style while enjoying optimal protection? Well, you could spend $962,000 to own an armored 2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
This SUV-style car, a collaboration between Rolls-Royce and Klassen, isn’t quite as aesthetically pleasing as other Rolls-Royce vehicles, but that’s to its benefit. After all, if you’re trying to keep a low profile while out and about, you don’t want to be turning heads with a car that exudes luxury.
But what it lacks in pomp, it more than makes up for in terms of durability and safety. Virtually every inch of the 2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan is armored, including the ceiling, doors, windshield, and floor. Even the battery is protected from potential attacks!
Why It’s Expensive
The armored 2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan can withstand bullets and grenades with ease. That kind of protection is unheard of in standard consumer vehicles, and it’s one of the major reasons why this car is so expensive.
But this SUV-style vehicle also features a luxurious, customizable interior that contrasts beautifully with its understated exterior. So it can keep its wealthy passengers safe and comfortable without attracting attention from potential assailants.
That level of design makes the 2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan a must-have for any affluent person who needs a little extra security while traveling.
8. 1954 Rolls-Royce Phantom IV ‘Princess Margaret’ – $2.45 Million
The 1954 Rolls-Royce Phantom IV, an iconic black Rolls-Royce built for HRH Princess Margaret, is classically British and incredibly elegant. It’s similar in appearance to the hackney carriage cabs in London but with an extended front end that sports a stately grille and old-fashioned headlights.
Of course, this car was built in 1954, so its aesthetic would have been cutting-edge when it was released.
Rolls-Royce built 18 of these vehicles between 1950 and 1956, but the most expensive and precious is the one built for Princess Margaret. This car sold for $2.45 million when it went to auction in 2021.
Why It’s Expensive
Items belonging to the British Royal Family are rarely auctioned off, so this vehicle is an exceptional treasure. It’s also in premium condition thanks to decades of top-quality maintenance!
Though this 1954 Rolls-Royce Phantom IV is one of 18 (the 15th, to be precise), it’s the only one that belonged to Princess Margaret, making it unique and valuable.
Hopefully, this vehicle’s current owner appreciates what a historically significant item they have!
7. 2008 Rolls-Royce Phantom Hyperion by Pininfarina – $3.26 Million
One-of-a-kind vehicles of any make can fetch incredible prices, but the 2008 Rolls-Royce Phantom Hyperion by Pininfarina is one of the most expensive one-off vehicles.
This baby blue two-door Rolls-Royce retails for $3.26 million, which is a small price to pay considering this convertible’s style, branding, and uniqueness. Still, it has depreciated a little since its initial commissioning, as it sold for about $5.5 million in 2009.
Why It’s Expensive
This Rolls-Royce is unlike any other, with a customized body and interior made for its original owner, Roland Hall. Because it’s a one-of-a-kind car, it’s far more valuable than Rolls-Royce models.
That said, this personalization also works against the 2008 Rolls-Royce Phantom Hyperion’s favor. Because it isn’t quite as classically elegant or stylish as other Rolls-Royce coupes, some potential buyers might be unimpressed and unwilling to invest.
6. 1904 Rolls-Royce 10 hp – $7.26 Million
Even though Rolls-Royce wasn’t officially founded until 1906, Henry Royce and Charles Rolls (the founders) dabbled in automotive manufacturing and design beforehand. As such, the oldest surviving Rolls-Royce actually dates back to 1904!
It’s the 1904 Rolls-Royce 10 hp, a two-seat buggy that lacks a ceiling, doors, and a windshield. Though this vehicle was initially used only for display, it has enjoyed frequent use throughout its lifetime and helped spread awareness of the Rolls-Royce brand.
When it was initially released, this vehicle sold for £395, but when the last remaining model (chassis number 20154) went to auction in 2007, it sold for more than £3.5 million! That works out to about $7.26 million when accounting for conversion rates.
Why It’s Expensive
Sure, this Rolls-Royce might not be quite as decadent as modern examples, but it’s an exceptionally rare historically significant vehicle. In fact, this 1904 Rolls-Royce 10 hp could be the last of its kind, though a few models from 1905 still exist.
This significant piece of history currently belongs to a private collector, while its 1905 counterparts can be found in multiple British museums. All are worth a small fortune due to their age, historical significance, and rarity.
5. 1912 Rolls-Royce “The Corgi” – $7.34 Million
There are few things more iconically English than the Corgi, a short-legged dog breed that was a favorite of the late Queen Elizabeth II. But have you ever heard of The Corgi, a 1912 Rolls-Royce Double Pullman Limousine?
If you live in North America, this bus-like Rolls-Royce might be wholly unfamiliar, but The Corgi (essentially an enclosed and updated Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost) has a special place in the hearts of many Britains. This affection partially stems from the vehicle being one of the first and most popular diecast model cars created by the Corgi brand.
But the real-life version, nicknamed The Corgi in honor of the toy company and its success, is far more costly than the toy-sized models. When this Rolls-Royce went to auction in 2012, it sold for about £4.7 million (approximately $7.34 million)!
Why It’s Expensive
There are several reasons why The Corgi is such a valuable Rolls-Royce.
Firstly, it’s an antique Rolls-Royce! That quality makes it a treasure for car collectors, museum curators, and Rolls-Royce fans.
Secondly, The Corgi inspired a successful diecast toy car that ended up in toy boxes throughout the United Kingdom. British buyers are sure to feel a sense of sentimental affection when looking at this vehicle.
It’s also worth noting that this limousine has a distinctly Edwardian design, even though it debuted two years after the end of the Edwardian era. Still, its elegance and turn-of-the-century style make it an attractive acquisition for anyone interested in that period and its inventions.
4. Rolls-Royce Phantom Solid Gold – $8.1 Million
Stuart Hughes is responsible for creating some of the most expensive items in the world, including the Rolls-Royce Phantom Solid Gold.
While the English designer might not have built this vehicle, he collaborated with Rolls-Royce and Eurocash AG (a Swiss company that makes armored cars) to create a luxury car that’s just as beautiful as it is safe.
The armored 2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan is a subtle choice, but the Rolls-Royce Phantom Solid Gold is bold. Everything about this vehicle exudes luxury and power, from the sparkling white-and-gold exterior to the limousine-style doors.
But this elegance doesn’t mean that the Phantom Solid Gold is any less secure than its plainer Cullinan counterpart. It can survive grenades and bullets fired from an AK 47!
The affluent businessman who commissioned this vehicle spent $8.1 million on it, which is almost nothing considering its beauty, performance, and top-notch armor.
Why It’s Expensive
This armored Rolls-Royce contains about 120 kilograms (264lbs) of 18-karat gold and took more than a year to build. So in terms of precious metal and labor costs, this vehicle is easily worth millions.
3. 2017 Rolls-Royce Sweptail – $12.8 Million
The 2017 Rolls-Royce Sweptail looks like a 1950s concept car brought to life.
With a swept-back tail end (hence the name), this vehicle has a vintage aesthetic that’s also distinctly modern. The marriage of both looks results in a luxurious one-of-a-kind Rolls-Royce worth at least $12.8 million.
The two-seat coupe (designated with a number 8 decal on the rear) allows abundant natural light inside thanks to its transparent glass ceiling, which extends from the windshield to the rear window.
For perspective, you could afford to invest in a handful of the most expensive McLaren supercars for the price of this Rolls-Royce!
Why It’s Expensive
Bespoke cars made for the world’s wealthiest buyers are always expensive, and the Rolls-Royce Sweptail is no exception. An unknown buyer commissioned it, but it’s well known that this client owns multiple personal jets and superyachts.
Anyone with that much money and property will consider this Rolls-Royce’s price tag cheap!
2. 2021 Rolls-Royce Coachbuilt Boat Tail – $28 Million
Have you ever wanted to hop into a luxurious coupe, drive to a romantic roadside spot, then unpack a gourmet picnic from the back of your car? If so, the 2021 Rolls-Royce Coachbuilt Boat Tail might be the perfect car for you.
However, getting your hands on one of these vehicles will prove challenging, as only three will be built by Rolls-Royce. The first belongs to Beyoncé and Jay-Z, and it had a price tag of $28 million. Notably, Jay-Z owns some of the most expensive cars in the world.
But what does $28 million get you? The better question is, “What doesn’t it get you?”
When it comes to the Boat Tail (The First Chapter), you can expect:
- Matching luxury watches
- A customized dining set
- A full Bose sound system
- Two built-in refrigerators
- Cocktail tables and chairs
Why It’s Expensive
This grand tourer Rolls-Royce is essentially a driveable restaurant, club, and miniature mansion. It’s opulent, lavish, and packed full of desirable add-ons to ensure its owners are always comfortable and ready to celebrate their successes.
1. 2022 Rolls-Royce Coachbuilt Boat Tail II – $30 Million
The most expensive Rolls-Royce car of all time is the 2022 Rolls-Royce Coachbuilt Boat Tail II, also called the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail The Next Chapter. Only three of these vehicles will be built; the second costs $30 million.
This Rolls-Royce Boat Tail is essentially a continuation of the 2021 version. Considering how long it takes to build a Boat Tail (about four years), it’s unsurprising that these bespoke cars are slowly trickling out of the Rolls-Royce factory.
Like the 2021 version created for Beyoncé and Jay-Z, the Boat Tail II features a butterfly-door trunk that contains a customized dining and cutlery set.
But this model’s doors are made of walnut and accentuated with brushed gold stripes for a look that screams luxury. The Boat Tail II also features fold-out chairs for dining anywhere.
The trunk (or rear deck) matches the rest of the exterior beautifully, as the car has a bronze hood stripe that leads to a retractable brown-gold hood. These darker colors are paired with a cream-colored exterior that matches the interior pearl inlays.
Why It’s Expensive
Like the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail (The First Chapter), the Boat Tail II is a bespoke luxury vehicle made to satisfy the specific requests of a wealthy client. The exterior features precious materials like rose gold and walnut, while the interior glitters with pearl accents.
This vehicle is also far more than a source of transportation. With a built-in dining set, it’s the ideal choice for a romantic drive and dinner. All-in-all, this Rolls-Royce is expensive because it’s a one-of-a-kind luxury vehicle jam-packed with expensive elements.
But while this bespoke car is one of the most desirable luxury vehicles in the world, it’s still not as costly as the most expensive Bugatti. Then again, that particular vehicle is still missing!
What’s the Most Expensive Rolls-Royce?
The most expensive Rolls-Royce is the 2022 Rolls-Royce Coachbuilt Boat Tail II. Only three of these bespoke vehicles will be built (two of three have been completed), and each is unique and customized to suit each individual owner. To own one of these cars, you’d have to spend about $30 million and consult with Rolls-Royce designers throughout the build process.
Of course, it’s impossible to have a new 2022 Rolls-Royce Coachbuilt Boat Tail II built. After all, this vehicle’s production was incredibly limited. But if you’re fortunate, you might be able to buy one at auction someday in the distant future.
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