The ultimate test drive

PHOTO BY LOUIS VENNE Pam Krol and her personal Rolls Royce salesman on their spin around Naples.

AAaaahhhh, luxury. Pure, sweet, fabulous luxury. We can all remember back a year or two, before the economy became a teeter-totter and words like luxury evoked conflicting sentiments (joy/guilt, for example).

But after spending a sunny Saturday afternoon test-driving exquisite Rolls Royces through town, I've come to the conclusion that a certain amount of luxury is good for the soul.

And there's no question that it's motivational.

To be honest, I was actually quite blasé' when I entered the sleek, new dealership on U.S. 41 that offers Bentleys, Jaguars, Land Rovers and Aston Martins in addition to Rolls. I've never really been much of a car ogler, so I couldn't comprehend why most of the customers inside were gazing at the automobiles with moon-eyes — like lovers that might never be fulfilled. But that was on my way in.

I should note that despite the economy, activity at the dealership was brisk. According to Paul Ferraiolo, president of Rolls- Royce Motor Cars International, sales have slowed modestly, but the incredible cars are still moving, despite price tags that range from $400,000 to half a million dollars.

The Rolls Royce Drophead Coupe has a special slot that holds a custom-made umbrella until it's needed on a rainy day..

Mr. Ferraiolo describes Rolls customers as fascinating individuals who typically lead very interesting lives. They often buy his company's cars as family heirlooms for future generations, he says, but he's quick to add that plenty of customers buy a new model every six months to a year.

Upstairs, in a private lounge-ish type room (there were cars in it), I was introduced to the automobiles I could opt to take for a spin: a Phantom, a Coupe (pronounced coup-AY for some reason) and a Drophead Coupe. I selected the very Gatsby-esque Drophead Coupe convertible — without realizing that once my ride was over, I'd never be able to sit in any car again without comparing.

Before taking the wheel, I asked what makes the Rolls so different from other high-end luxury cars. The question was met with a hopeless smile. They knew I was about to find out for myself.

To be fair, the word "luxury" does not describe any of the Rolls models as accurately as "craftsmanship" or even "artistry," for each individual automobile is actually a highly unique work of art. In fact, so much is custom about each of the cars unlikely any two in the world are alike.

The Drophead Coupe's ride was, of course, buttery smooth and bump-, squeakand jiggle-free. And as promised, the driving experience was emotional (yes, we are still talking about a ride in a car). The impact of the "experience" comes from the fact that no detail has been overlooked or compromised.

Inspired by fine yachts, the interior of the Drophead features large burnished sections of blonde-green teakwood from the hilltops in southeast Asia. Bull-hide leather (cowhide stretches, apparently) from an exclusive herd in Bavaria is used for all seating, including passenger benches curved like living room couches for comfortable conversation that doesn't require you to turn your neck too much.

The coach lining and paint personalization are done by hand on each car, with specially designed brushes made of squirrel and ox hair.

The Drophead's frame is two times as strong as that of a Formula One racecar, with a space frame constructed of handwelded aluminum. There are nine stereo amps, 15 speakers and an under-floor sub woofer.

Then there are the little "gotchas," like an umbrella that's built into the driver's door, coach-style doors that shut with the push of a button, and the picnic boot that can be customized to chill fine wine, store truffles or provide polo match seating.

The overall effect of the ride was completely seductive — even for a non car-ogler like myself. I must admit I left the dealership with the moon-eyes everybody else seemed to have, and a great appreciation for Rolls Royce automobiles.

It's true that recent world events and a daunting economy have made frivolity passé, but nothing about the Rolls was frivolous. Rather, the Drophead Coupe, and the other models as well, were a testament to quality and elegance that deserves to endure in any time or economy as a reminder of the excellence that we are capable of.