Bugatti's open-top Veyron is expected to be the top drawer at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance (which kicks off on Sunday), but this Pininfarina-designed Rolls-Royce Hyperion may just give the Veyron a run for its money.

The bespoke masterpiece takes cues from the RR Phantom Drophead Coupe, and is also the first new car from the Italian design firm and coachbuilder following the untimely death of its then-CEO Andrea Pininfarina.

Instead of a four-seater, the Pininfarina Hyperion is a two-seater, with driving position and windscreen pushed back by 400mm.

Elegant lines on the sides make for a slimmer sportier look, which is supposed to draw visual references to speedboats.

An interesting (and perhaps intriguing) feature is the installation of a gun rack in the front cabin for the owner’s hunting exploits.

Watch manufacture Girard-Perregaux has also gotten in on the act, creating a special timepiece based on the Tourbillon Vintage 1945, which can be detached from its bracelet and clipped on the dashboard.

read full blog