Rolls-Royce celebrates speed record with new Phantom

Rolls-Royce is celebrating a speed record attempt of Sir Malcolm Campbell with a special edition version of its Phantom Drophead coupé.

The Waterspeed Collection is inspired by Sir Malcolm's water speed record run in September 1937, where his Bluebird K3 hydroplane boat set a new record of 129.5mph. The boat was powered by a Rolls-Royce R-type engine.

Designed to show off the range of bespoke options offered by Rolls-Royce, the firm says materials never before used on its models will go into the creation of the Waterspeed Phantom. A total of 35 special editions of the Phantom Drophead coupé will be created, each coming with bespoke blue paintwork and brushed steel and wood trim.

The nautically themed Phantom is set to use the same 6.7-litre V12 engine as the standard production car, which means a power output of 453bhp with 531lb ft of torque. The standard two-door Phantom Drophead coupé is coupled to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and can reach 62mph in 5.8 seconds with a top speed of 149mph.

Company boss Torsten Müller-Ötvös said: "Sir Malcolm Campbell’s successful pursuit of world-speed records on land and water were the result of his commitment to the most exacting standards of British design and engineering excellence."