Currently reading: Rolls-Royce Dawn production ends ahead of Spectre EV launch

Final example of two-door convertible leaves Goodwood factory; Spectre set to arrive late 2023

The final Rolls-Royce Dawn has left the marque’s Goodwood factory, ending the convertible’s seven-year production run.

As previously reported by Autocar, order books for the 563bhp V12-powered drop-top and its coupé sibling, the Wraith, closed in March 2022.

The two models will be indirectly replaced by the new Rolls-Royce Spectre, leaving the Ghost, Phantom and Cullinan as Rolls-Royce’s three remaining models to be powered by a combustion engine.

Read more: Rolls-Royce Spectre review

Spectre deliveries are set to begin in the fourth quarter of this year, with the EV currently entering the final stages of development and testing.

Although it isn't a direct replacement for the Dawn and Wraith, being larger than both, the EV will play the role of a coupé in Rolls-Royce’s line-up from now on, CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös told Autocar in 2022. 

Ceasing Dawn production marks “the end of a glorious, glamorous era”, according to an official statement. There's no convertible alternative to the Dawn in Rolls-Royce’s current line-up.

Rolls royce dawn 2023 final car side

Müller-Ötvös added: “In reviving the Dawn nameplate, Rolls-Royce reinvigorated something much more than a motor car. Like the glamourous [Silver Dawn Drophead] it drew inspiration from, the contemporary Dawn has come to characterise a modern expression of la dolce vita – a way of living that embraces the beauty and richness of life.

“Dawn truly reflects the joy of good company, the thrill of adventure and the peace of quiet reflection. Indeed, this motor car is a testament to the modern art of living, recalling la dolce vita spirit in every detail.

“As production of Dawn draws to a close, we can reflect on an extraordinary chapter in the marque’s history. This beautiful motor car perfectly embodies contemporary luxury while celebrating the marque’s founding principles and heritage.”

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Combined, the Dawn and Wraith accounted for 10% of Rolls-Royce’s record 6021 sales in 2022. The Cullinan accounted for the majority of deliveries last year, followed by the Ghost (30%) and the Phantom (10%).

Every car that left the Goodwood factory in 2022 was customised through the marque’s Bespoke programme. As a result, the average value of each reached a high of more than €500,000 (£430,000). Some examples of the Phantom went beyond €2 million (£1.8m), according to Müller-Ötvös.

Charlie Martin

Charlie Martin Autocar
Title: Editorial assistant, Autocar

As part of Autocar’s news desk, Charlie plays a key role in the title’s coverage of new car launches and industry events. He’s also a regular contributor to its social media channels, providing videos for Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook and Twitter.

Charlie joined Autocar in July 2022 after a nine-month stint as an apprentice with sister publication What Car?, during which he acquired his gold-standard NCTJ diploma with the Press Association.

Charlie is the proud owner of a Fiat Panda 100HP, which he swears to be the best car in the world. Until it breaks.

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RoyalAlianna 3 May 2023

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Anton motorhead 2 May 2023
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Anton motorhead 2 May 2023
Well I think Bob C has a point. If the source of your electrons is coal we just shift the pollution to another location on our planet. I'm a bit more worried about the sustainability of the battery pack production. When will the environmental impact of EVs break even compared to ICE cars. 100000mls? 250000mls? But the people in our cities will most likely enjoy the fresh air despite some accompanying tyre rumble.