Through Ian's Lens: 2008 NAIAS Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe

This past week, I experienced my first North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and I think I fared pretty well. After my duties as a photographer for Cars.com were filled, I made sure to photograph the cars that need very little introduction. Major auto shows offer a forum in which I can indulge my weakness for four-wheeled works of art and the craftsmanship of ultra-luxury vehicles.

If I were to make a list of the great artistic manufacturers, Rolls-Royce would be in the top 10. Rolls-Royce took the opportunity to build a custom model just for the show, and at 18 feet, 4 inches long, the 2008 NAIAS Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé is one of the longest two-door cars out there. With its stainless steel hood and teak wood inlay, this car is a shining example of elegance and affluence. White leather and electronic controls round out the interior of this massive cruiser, while small touches — like an umbrella holder inside the door frame — make for a well-rounded experience. A full set of photos is below.

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Infosaur

Jan 16, 2008 6:31:36 PM

Your skills are waisted in Cobo Hall. Perhaps You could talk Rolls Royce into letting you do one of your excellent "Urban photo shoots"?

(Hahahaha, Yeah right!)

But I'd love to see it decked out in front of some nice "Guilded Age" Houses and Banking institutions.

Wall St., in front of some of Frank Lloyd White's houses in Chicago, (I haven't been to Chicago since I was two, is the Chicago Stock Exchange very pretty?) Long Beach Harbor.

Travis Isaacs

Jan 17, 2008 7:47:36 AM

Ian, can you provide details about your camera rig? I'm a photography nerd, what can I say.

Ian Merritt

Jan 17, 2008 9:09:00 AM

Travis, I shoot with a 12.7mp Canon 5D Digital SLR and these photos are shot through a 24-105mm F4 L Series Canon zoom lens.

Jan 17, 2008 6:02:36 PM

Wonderful shots Ian. I shoot with a 40D myself- I've been eyeing that 24-105 L F4., but I'm tempted by that 24-70 L f2.8.

Thanks for sharing!

Noodle

Jan 19, 2008 11:43:03 AM

I didn't know they showed watercraft at the Detroit Auto show... wait... nope... it's got wheel... does it float and drive in water like the boat that it is. Though the hugeness and teak are absurd enough to make it kind of cool...

That stainless hood is pretty smooth... and the suicide doors... is this the Delorean II? It would be kind of cool if it were all stainless... and even more absurd!

Great photographs! I must agree that backgrounds / settings of your choice are WAY better!