ROLLS-ROYCE DAWN: HEADING INTO THE SUNSET

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is ending the production of the Dawn convertible, a reflection on the marque’s best-selling drophead in its history. The CEO of Rolls-Royce, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, recognised that there was a need to create a new kind of super-luxury convertible that captured the glamour and romance of super-luxury motoring while offering a contemporary expression of open-top touring to a new generation of clients. The designers found inspiration in the Silver Dawn drophead coupe of the 1950s and approved the Dawn nameplate as the perfect candidate for a 21st Century reincarnation. The original Silver Dawn embodied the spirit of “la dolce vita” – a way of living that embraces the beauty and richness of life – a life filled with passion, adventure and romance. Rolls-Royce’s new drophead is expressed through timeless form language, contemporary craft, and an effortless yet potent dynamic character.

The design of the Dawn is inspired by the fifties and sixties fashion, which evoked glamour by removing superfluous lines and textures, focusing instead on how it amplified the form of the wearer. Its pure, simple form is created by supple, flowing coachwork that wraps around its occupants, providing them with a private and chic cabin experience. Despite the simplicity of the Dawn’s design, 80% of the panels are unique, including a “wake channel” on the bonnet, evoking the sensation of quietly gathering energy while providing drivers with a permanent vanishing point.

Dawn breaks with a long-established automotive design convention by providing comfortable, individual seating for all four occupants. The intricate roof mechanism, dubbed the “Silent Ballet” for its precision, elegance, and noiseless operation, was one of the many complex engineering challenges of the car’s design. Despite a convertible hardtop being briefly considered, Rolls-Royce decided that the Dawn’s roof should be created from fabric.

The Dawn is not just a beautiful motor car; it reflects the joy of good company, the thrill of adventure, and the peace of quiet reflection. It is a testament to the modern art of living, recalling “la dolce vita” spirit in every detail. As production of the Dawn comes to a close, we reflect on an extraordinary chapter in the marque’s history. This beautiful motor car perfectly embodies contemporary luxury while celebrating the marque’s founding principles and heritage.