Rolls-Royce Chronicles Coupé Legacy from Early Coachbuilt to Electric Spectre
Rolls-Royce traces the evolution of its coupé models, from early coachbuilt two-doors to the electric Spectre, in a new press kit.
50%
12
30 bhp
What Happened
Rolls-Royce has published a press kit exploring the coupé's significance in its history, from early coachbuilt two-door motor cars on rolling chassis to the modern Goodwood-era models including the electric Spectre. The term 'coupé' originates from the French word for 'cut,' and was formally classified by the Society of Automotive Engineers in 1916 as a fully enclosed two- or three-seater motor car.
Rolls-Royce unveils 100EX experimental drophead coupé at Geneva Motor Show.
Phantom Drophead Coupé launched, derived from 100EX.
Phantom Coupé launched, based on 101EX.
Wraith fastback coupé introduced, attracting younger clients.
Spectre, the first ultra-luxury electric super coupé, launched.
Notable coachbuilt coupés include the 1934 Jonckheere Phantom I and the 2017 Sweptail, a two-seater commissioned by a client. The Corniche line ended in 1995, but the Goodwood era revived coupés with models like Dawn (2015) and Black Badge variants. Spectre, introduced in 2023, continues the legacy as an electric vehicle with no compromises in luxury.
50%
The final 25 Corniche S cars featured a Garrett T4 turbocharger boosting engine power by 50%.
- 1934 'round-door' Jonckheere Phantom I
- 1939 Vanvooren Phantom III
- 1957 Freestone & Webb 'Honeymoon Express' Silver Cloud
- 2017 Sweptail
Why this matters
The press kit shows how Rolls-Royce has kept the coupé body style alive for over a century, blending tradition with innovation and now entering the electric era.
Terms in This Story
- Coupé
- A two-door car with a fixed roof, typically seating two or three passengers.
- Drophead coupé
- A two-door convertible with a folding fabric roof.
- Fixed-head coupé
- A two-door car with a solid, non-removable roof.
- Coachbuilding
- The custom construction of automobile bodies on a rolling chassis.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.