The $28 million Rolls-Royce Boat Tail is the most expensive new car ever built. Commissioned by a billionaire couple, only three examples of the 19-foot hand-built custom "yacht on wheels" will be made, taking over 4 years to construct the first. Every inch of the Boat Tail oozes extreme luxury, from the hosting suite to the retractable canopy over the V12 engine.
Rolls-Royce has long been the epitome of luxury and exclusivity in the automotive world. The iconic Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament gracing the brand’s vehicles has become symbolic of wealth and status. Through the years, Rolls-Royce has produced some staggeringly expensive bespoke vehicles for its elite clientele. From rare vintage models to ultra-exclusive modern custom creations, Rolls-Royce spares no expense in crafting automotive masterpieces.
Let’s take a look at 10 of the most expensive Rolls-Royce models ever sold:
Top 10 Most Expensive Rolls Royce
#10 – 2021 Rolls-Royce Cullinan
The Cullinan marked Rolls-Royce’s first foray into the SUV market when it launched in 2018. Named after the largest diamond ever discovered, the Cullinan flaunts extreme luxury and off-road capabilities.
The 2021 model carries a base price of around $335,000 but fully-loaded versions easily clear $500,000. With a 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12 pumping out 563hp, the 3-ton leviathan glides effortlessly thanks to clever air suspension.
Inside, occupants are treated to the finest leather hides, wood veneers, and metal accents. The Cullinan provides a sanctum of luxury for four adults whether blitzing across sand dunes or cruising Rodeo Drive.
#9 – 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost
The Ghost debuted in 2009 as a smaller, more driver-focused Rolls-Royce model compared to the Phantom. While it may be the “entry-level” Rolls, the Ghost is still an ultra-luxury sedan par excellence.
The 2021 Ghost starts around $332,500 but most buyers spend over $400,000 ticking option boxes. Underneath lies a 563hp twin-turbo V12 mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox enabling 0-60mph in just 4.6 seconds. Inside, occupants are immersed in Bespoke Audio, leather everything, and rear-seat Entertainment.
Owners can also specify a built-in refrigerator and whisper-quiet power closing doors. The Ghost provides an exquisite balance of driver engagement, technology, comfort and craftsmanship.
#8 – 2020 Rolls-Royce Phantom
The Phantom is Rolls-Royce’s flagship model and a paragon of luxury conveyance dating back nearly a century. The bespoke sedan can be configured in limitless ways but 2020 models started around $455,000.
Motivating the leviathan is a 563hp twin-turbo V12 channeled through an 8-speed automatic. Despite weighing nearly 6,000lbs, the Phantom zips to 60mph in just 5.1 seconds. Inside, the hand-crafted cabin features the finest leather, wood veneers, and metals tailored to each customer’s desires.
With power closing rear-hinged doors, the Phantom rivals executive jets and mega-yachts in sheer opulence. For the ultimate statement in old-world luxury, the Phantom is beyond reproach.
#7 – Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge by Mansory
Germany-based high-end tuning house Mansory is well-known for making expensive luxury vehicles even more extreme. The Rolls-Royce Cullinan proves no exception, transformed into the $774,000 Mansory Cullinan.
Based off the already swanky Black Badge model, Mansory cranks up the performance with a 666hp tune on the 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12. The hand-built SUV also gets a more aggressive wide-body kit, larger wheels, sport exhaust, and quilted leather cabin.
Limited to just 10 examples worldwide, this Mansory build catapults the Cullinan into high-end hypercar territory in both looks and performance.
#6 – Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP Silver Ghost Pullman Limousine
The Silver Ghost Pullman Limousine built between 1911-1925 is one of the most iconic Rolls-Royce models ever produced. At over 20 feet long, these bespoke limos featured rear passenger compartments lavished in wood veneers, silk wool carpeting, fine leather, picnic tables and more.
Power came from a 7.5-liter inline six making 48hp, which was a bounty for the era. In 2021, a fully restored 1911 model fetched $2.54 million at auction in Paris – a world record for the model.
These Silver Ghost limos represented the pinnacle of early 20th century luxury and exclusivity that still captivate car lovers today.
#5 – Rolls-Royce Phantom IV Limousine – HRH Princess Margaret
A one-off 1955 Phantom IV customized for none other than Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon and sister to Queen Elizabeth II. At nearly 19 feet long, the regal limo features an extended wheelbase to accommodate the custom rear passenger lounge.
Amazingly, the hand-built car still rides smoothly thanks to independent coil spring suspension. Despite a sizeable 7.3-liter inline six making 192hp, performance plays second fiddle to sheer luxury.
In 2012, Princess Margaret’s personal Rolls was sold at auction for $2.47 million to a private Middle Eastern collector. Among 18 total examples, the royal pedigree makes this Phantom IV utterly priceless.
#4 – Rolls-Royce Hyperion Pininfarina In 2008
Rolls-Royce provided one of its Phantom Coupe chassis to legendary Italian design house Pininfarina to create a one-of-one custom build. The result was the jaw-dropping Rolls-Royce Hyperion featuring aerodynamic fastback styling and nautical design cues.
At nearly 19 feet long, the carbon fiber bodywork hugs the V12-powered chassis for a distinctive Pininfarina look. Inside, the split cockpit flows into a curved, segmented wood rear cabin with hidden champagne cooler.
No price was officially announced but reports suggest the exclusive Hyperion sold to a private collector for around $6.3 million.
#3 – Rolls-Royce 10HP Two-Seater
Of the nearly 500 Rolls-Royce 10HP models produced from 1904 to 1905, this small two-seat Runabout holds special provenance. Owned by Rolls-Royce Foundation patron Lord Montagu of Beaulieu for over 50 years, the 115-year old 10HP carries an incredible history.
Power comes from a 3.1-liter two-cylinder engine, good for just 10hp as the name suggests. Top speed is a hair over 30 mph – brisk by early 1900s standards. At a Bonhams auction in 2020, this incredibly original 1904 Rolls-Royce Runabout sold for $8.4 million – a record for the model.
It exemplifies the founding ethos of quality coachbuilding which began the Rolls-Royce legacy.
#2 – Rolls-Royce Sweptail
Unveiled in 2017, the one-of-one Rolls-Royce Sweptail is among the most expensive new cars ever commissioned. Reportedly sold to a wealthy collector for nearly $13 million, only scant details exist of the bullet-shaped coupe.
Underneath lies a hand-built aluminum chassis harnessing the 6.75-liter V12 engine from the Phantom. However, the fastback Sweptail bodywork stretches nearly 19 feet making it the longest 2-door Rolls-Royce ever. Inside, a flowing cockpit of wood veneers, polished metals and sumptuous leather cocoon passengers.
Truly a modernday coachbuilt masterpiece, the Sweptail demonstrates Rolls-Royce Bespoke personalization potential at its finest and carries a price tag to match.
#1 – Rolls-Royce Boat Tail
Claiming the crown as most expensive new car ever built is the $28 million Rolls-Royce Boat Tail unveiled in 2021. Commissioned by an unnamed billionaire couple, only three examples will be hand-built with the first taking over four years to complete.
It’s less automobile and more private luxury yacht on wheels at nearly 19 feet long. The rear deck flows from Hosting Suite toparasoled Lounge area to functional Cool Box with chairs that deploy at the touch of a button. Under the large rear canopy lies a 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12, modified to produce 563hp just like the Cullinan and Phantom.
In nautical fashion, the retractable fabric roof is finished in premium teak wood. Every inch of the interior flows with unbelievable attention to detail, craftsmanship, and uncompromising vision. Ultimately the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail exists in a class of its own at the apex of automotive luxury.