Now that BMW is in full control of Rolls-Royce and the lineup is pared down to a single model, it's time to think about expansion of the revered British brand. A convertible based upon the Phantom is a natural, and to celebrate the English automaker's 100th anniversary the Rolls-Royce 100EX has been touring the world to gauge interest in a drop-top Roller. It finally arrived in the U.S. at the 2005 North American International Auto Show.

Based on the Rolls-Royce Phantom's aluminum space frame, air-sprung suspension and steering gear, the 100EX forms the basis upon which a new convertible will be built in 2007.

Designed by BMW's DesignWorks USA in Southern California, the Rolls-Royce 100EX employs a nautical theme that will unlikely make production. Nobody wants to care for bleached teak wood decking, which is liberally used inside and out on the 100EX. Then again, if you're buying a Roller, chances are that caring for it is someone else's job. What could make a transition to production are the mahogany wood trim covering the dash, the rich Dark Curzon leather upholstery, the polished aluminum trim, and the machined aluminum windshield frame and A-pillars. A true four-seater, the Rolls-Royce 100EX is equipped with rear hinged coach doors that allow access to the rear seat.

Despite being shorter and lower than the Phantom sedan by 6.5 inches and 3 inches respectively, the Rolls-Royce 100EX is designed to "build on the Rolls-Royce tradition of 'waftability,' the sense that the 100EX can whisk its passengers swiftly to maximum speed in a truly relaxed manner," according to Exterior Designer, Marek Djordjevic. Fronting the 100EX's composite body is a more rakish version of the traditional Rolls-Royce grille, topped by a Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament.

Under the hood, which is lined on the inside with a blended wool and cashmere fabric, resides a massive 9.0-liter V16 engine that drives power to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. Talk about 'waftability.' The production car will get a 6.75-liter V12 motor instead.Giant 21-inch wheels wear P255/50 tires in front and P285/45 tires in the back.

The Rolls-Royce 100EX's convertible top is tailored from an advanced material incorporating woven wire strands for strength and all-weather protection. At the rear, boat-tail design continues the nautical theme, and the trunk lid splits to provide a drop-down tailgate lined with more bleached teak wood - perfect for an idyllic countryside picnic.

Beverly Hills is the biggest market for Rolls-Royce, which makes construction of a convertible a no-brainer. Pricing was not announced, but dealers are already taking deposits, so if you've about half a mil burning a hole in your pocket, get on the Gulfstream and get to one of Rolls-Royce's 68 global dealerships, pronto.

By Christian J. Wardlaw

Photos by Erik Hanson