REPRISE: 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe
SUBSCRIBING to Mae West’s line, “Too much of a good thing is always wonderful”, today we reconsider the 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe from the east bank of the Connecticut River as it empties into Long Island Sound.
At the golden hour, the landscape in this New English part of the world is poignantly beautiful.
Your best approach to the Phantom Coupe is from the rear three quarter angle. From this perspective, you’re able to appreciate the Rolls’ remarkably taut architecture. For as formidably sized as this machine is, a short front overhang and a boot that’s been tapered in both convince you that space isn’t being wasted.
The electrically operated, touch-of-a-button suicide doors are as much a wonder in their fluid movement as they are a drain on the battery. That’s why the Phantom Coupe has two batteries. And true to Rolls form, they’re trunk mounted and have a kill switch.
No spare tyre, though…
The interior is a peaceful zone of Zerbano timber and Alpine bull hides that share BMW’s distinctive leather scent. Connolly leather, it would seem, is a thing of the past.
Hard headrests embossed to the tune of $425.
The coupe stands taller than any Crewe built Royce – save for the old Phantom limousines.
And carries on the heritage of its forebears, too, albeit with a modernist touch. It’s well done.
About the Author: Gunnar Heinrich is publisher of Automobiles De Luxe online and is executive producer of the Automobiles De Luxe Television series on PBS member station CPTV.
