Rolls-Royce Motor Cars made headlines on May 2 when it announced that it would be ending the production of the Dawn convertible. The model, which debuted at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, was the successor to the Phantom Drophead Coupe. The brand stated that the Dawn was its best-selling drophead and had a unique place in the lineup of its motorcars, which appealed to a “universally self-confident, sociable, and youthful client base.”

The history of the Dawn dates back to the early 1950s with the Silver Dawn drophead coupe. The modern-day Dawn captures the essence of “la dolce vita” perfectly. As a symbol of ultimate luxury and pleasure, owning a Rolls-Royce car is all about cherishing every moment and living life to the fullest.

According to Torsten Müller-Ötvös, the Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, in reviving the Dawn nameplate, the brand brought back something more than just a motorcar. Like the glamorous convertible it drew inspiration from, the contemporary Dawn has come to signify a modern expression of “la dolce vita”; a way of life that embraces the beauty and richness of life.

Dawn’s success in the market led to the brand introducing an even more powerful Black Badge model in 2017. The standard model comes with a V12 twin-turbo engine that delivers 563 hp and 820 Nm of torque, while the Black Badge model provides 593 hp and 840 Nm of torque. With the discontinuation of the Dawn, Rolls-Royce is one step closer to electrification. Its first electric car, Spectre, is expected to hit showrooms by the end of 2023.

Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge ‘Pebble Beach Pastel Collection’

The Dawn’s design was inspired by the fashion trends of the 1950s and 1960s, which emphasised minimalism and accentuating the wearer’s silhouette. The car’s sleek and uncomplicated design envelops passengers in luxury and style, much like a raised collar on a coat can offer comfort and privacy. The interior of the Dawn provides a stylish and comfortable environment for its occupants, with the car’s designers opting to provide full-size seating for all four passengers instead of only the driver and front passenger.

The Dawn’s roof is made of fabric rather than a hardtop, to maintain the romance of listening to raindrops on canvas. Extensive research was devoted to optimising the best convertible experience, making Rolls-Royce one of the leading marques in aerodynamic comfort with the roof down. The Dawn is famously known as “the world’s quietest convertible.”

Rolls-Royce Bright Yellow Dawn

“As production of Dawn draws to a close, we can reflect on an extraordinary chapter in the marque’s history. This beautiful motor car perfectly embodies contemporary luxury while celebrating the marque’s founding principles and heritage,” said Müller-Ötvös.