Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveils in France the new Phantom Drophead Coupe convertible which is to be handcrafted at the auto maker’s headquarters in Goodwood, U.K., and which joins the Phantom and Phantom Extended Wheelbase in the Rolls-Royce lineup. The auto maker says that early indications are the new convertible will prove popular in France.

Marco Makaus, regional director for southern Europe, says that France is one of the principal style leaders in Europe and based on the interest from customers Rolls-Royce had so far, the auto maker is convinced that the Phantom Drophead Coupe will be a big market in France. Rolls-Royce says that the first cars are expected to be delivered in late summer.

Rolls-Royce Motors was created from the demerger of the Rolls-Royce car business from Rolls-Royce Limited in 1973. Rolls-Royce Limited had been nationalised in 1971 due to the financial collapse of the company caused in part by the development of the RB211 jet engine. In 1973 the British government sold the Rolls-Royce car business to more...