The most expensive Rolls-Royce ever sold was a Bespoke Rolls-Royce Sweptail, which was crafted specifically for a wealthy individual and sold for a staggering $13 million in 2017. This bespoke creation is widely considered the most expensive new car ever built at the time of its sale.

Rolls-Royce Sweptail: The World's Most Expensive Car

• Price: $13 million
• Year: 2017
• Client: The car was commissioned by an anonymous client, a high-profile collector with a passion for art, fashion, and luxury.
• Design: The Sweptail was a one-off custom design, meaning no other car like it exists. The project took almost 5 years to complete and was designed in close collaboration between the client and Rolls-Royce’s Bespoke Design Team.

Features of the Rolls-Royce Sweptail:

1. Inspired by the Client’s Interests: The design was tailored to the client’s personal tastes and passions. The car was inspired by the client's love for luxury yachts, private jets, and classic automotive design. The rear end of the car features a sweeping, elongated design similar to the rear deck of a yacht.
2. Materials: The car used bespoke materials, including wood paneling, custom leather upholstery, and luxury fabrics, all chosen to reflect the client’s tastes and lifestyle. Some of the wood used was even sourced from the client's private estate.
3. Roof Design: The roof of the Sweptail features a skylight, and the vehicle’s cabin was equipped with luxury features like a miniature champagne refrigerator and custom seating arrangements designed to accommodate the client’s social preferences.
4. Custom Features: The car also included unique details, such as custom-painted accents and luxury suitcases designed to match the car’s interior. The Rolls-Royce Sweptail was a moving work of art, meant to reflect the client's individual identity.

Significance of the Sweptail Sale:

The sale of the Sweptail was more than just a car purchase—it was a statement of unparalleled luxury and exclusivity. The customizations and the amount of time invested in the design made it a true masterpiece, with Rolls-Royce referring to it as a “motoring masterpiece” and a pinnacle of automotive design.

The Sweptail is an example of the brand's Bespoke Program taken to the highest possible level, showcasing Rolls-Royce’s dedication to creating one-of-a-kind vehicles for its most discerning clients.

Other Expensive Rolls-Royce Cars

While the Rolls-Royce Sweptail currently holds the title of the most expensive Rolls-Royce ever sold, other Rolls-Royce cars have fetched impressive prices at auctions or through bespoke commissions:

1. Rolls-Royce 15 hp (1911): At a 2017 auction, a 1911 Rolls-Royce 15 hp was sold for $10 million, setting a record for a vintage Rolls-Royce.
2. Rolls-Royce Phantom IV: A 1947 Rolls-Royce Phantom IV (one of only 18 produced) was sold in 2017 for around $10 million. These cars were originally made for royalty and heads of state, making them extremely rare and valuable.
3. Rolls-Royce Sweptail’s Predecessor - 2003 Phantom: Rolls-Royce also sold a one-off, highly customized Phantom for around $8 million to an anonymous buyer, although it was not as extravagant as the Sweptail.

Conclusion

The Rolls-Royce Sweptail is currently the most expensive Rolls-Royce ever sold, valued at $13 million. This bespoke creation represents the ultimate in automotive craftsmanship, luxury, and personalization, and serves as the pinnacle of Rolls-Royce’s dedication to creating unique and highly exclusive cars for its clients.