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Rating

Verdict Hey, big spender, you’re jeopardising my marriage

The Phantom is an exquisite car and I would have one tomorrow if it weren’t so bloody expensive. That and the fact my wife has said she would divorce me. And then kill me with a knife.

Now comes the convertible and, oh deary me. Everything, from the unpainted bonnet to the backwards-opening suicide doors to the rattan carpets and, yes, even the teak Sunseeker-style decking on the back, makes it look as fresh and as futuristic as tomorrow morning’s papers.

You ignore the size and assume that because it’s a V12 convertible it must have some sportiness in its complexion. But it doesn’t.

Worse, the high driving position gives you the impression that actually you’re behind the wheel of a drophead truck. It wouldn’t fit on even the widest high street, and in town it barely does 10 miles to the gallon.

But then we arrived at a party in Marlow and everyone went berserk. And suddenly the point of the Roller became crystal clear. It is not built to go places. It is built to arrive.

Arriving in a Drophead at the Oscars or at the casino in Monte Carlo would be more impressive, I suspect, than arriving in Keira Knightley. And because of this I shall ignore the pleas of my wife. And give it five stars.

Current price £307,500

Price when tested (Sep 2007) £307,500

Engine 6749cc, 12 cylinders

Power 453bhp @ 5350rpm

Torque 531 lb ft @ 3500rpm

Transmission Six-speed automatic

Fuel/ 18mpg (combined) / 377g/km

0-60mph 5.6sec

Top speed 149mph