Ever since taking ownership...

Ever since taking ownership of the prestigious marque, BMW has gone to great lengths to stress the link between new models such as the Phantom and Rolls-Royce"s rich history. And this latest model is no exception. The EX name is another nod to the company"s past, when unique experimental models bore the two letters. The last to do so was the 45EX in the Fifties.

Rolls-Royce chairman Tony Gott said: "The 100EX is not a new series model, although many of its elements could appear on future cars. Rather, this is a one-off designed to celebrate our centenary." But he did add that the 100EX is fully working. Under its polished aluminium bonnet, there"s a normally aspirated 9.0-litre 64-valve V16 engine, mated to a six-speed gearbox.

The cabrio was styled on the US west coast at the company"s studio in California, and the team behind the car was headed up by chief designer Ian Cameron. From the front, the 100EX strikes a menacing pose, with its slotted headlights and huge grille. And while it"s based on the Phantom"s lightweight aluminium spaceframe, it has been shortened and lowered. The wheelbase has also been reduced, while the car rides on 21-inch wheels.

Although there are only two of them, the firm has continued the link with the Phantom by retaining the barn-style doors. Inside, the car has a nautical theme, with a bleached teak decking on the floor and boot, which also has a picnic table function. The electric soft-top disappears underneath a wood-trimmed cover. Elsewhere, the luxury of the Phantom has been replicated with leather and highly polished veneer.