During the 1920s, the “boat tail” design became a popular and sought-after style for luxury vehicles, particularly those produced by Rolls-Royce. The term “boat tail” refers to the shape of the rear end of the car, which resembles the stern of a boat or yacht.

The boat tail design was characterized by a long, sweeping rear end that tapered to a point, creating a sleek and elegant silhouette. This unique shape was reminiscent of the luxury yachts of the time and gave the cars a sense of dynamism and grace.

One of the most famous examples of a Rolls-Royce with a boat tail design from the 1920s is the Rolls-Royce Phantom I. The Phantom I was the successor to the Silver Ghost and represented a shift towards more powerful and luxurious vehicles. The Phantom I was offered as a rolling chassis, allowing customers to choose custom bodywork from various coachbuilders.

Coach builders such as Barker, Hooper, and Park Ward, among others, created bespoke bodies for the Rolls-Royce Phantom I, including the iconic boat tail design. These coachbuilt bodies were often crafted with meticulous attention to detail, featuring exquisite woodwork, hand-formed metal panels, and luxurious interiors tailored to the owner’s preferences.

The boat tail design not only added a sense of elegance and style but also improved the aerodynamics of the car. The tapered rear reduced drag and increased stability at higher speeds, making it a popular choice for those seeking both luxury and performance.

The boat tail design continued to be favoured in the 1930s, with Rolls-Royce producing several models that featured this distinctive styling. One notable example is the Rolls-Royce Phantom II, which succeeded the Phantom I in 1929. The Phantom II was available with a variety of coachbuilt bodies, including boat tail designs created by renowned coachbuilders like Thrupp & Maberly and Park Ward.

These boat tail Rolls-Royce models of the 1920s and 1930s embodied the epitome of luxury, craftsmanship, and individuality. They represented the pinnacle of automotive design and were sought after by wealthy clientele who desired both opulence and exclusivity.

While the boat tail design eventually fell out of fashion in subsequent decades, it remains an enduring symbol of the Art Deco era and a testament to the creativity and innovation of both Rolls-Royce and the talented coachbuilders who crafted these remarkable vehicles.