Rolls-Royce Dawn Aero Cowling: Elegant Transformation Or Stupid Idea?

There are many things you could say about the Rolls-Royce Dawn. “Practical” may not be one of them, but the British automaker took it a step further at the Geneva Motor Show this year.

That’s where the Goodwood-based automaker revealed the Aero Cowling – an add-on to the Dawn that transforms it from a four-seat cabriolet to a two-seat roadster.

The modification involves fitting what Rolls-Royce calls a tonneau cover, but actually sits in front of the teak rear deck under which the folding roof mechanism stows. Instead it covers the rear seats with a leather and carbon-fiber cowling to give the drophead coupe a sportier look.

The question is whether that’s a good idea or a stupid one. And for our part, we’re not exactly sure what to make of it.

Rolls-Royce isn’t the first automaker to carry out such a transformation, even in the modern era. Porsche, for example, has been known to delete the rear seats and cover up the extra space with a similar cowled deck, turning the 911 Cabriolet into the 911 Speedster. And it’s been a favorite of Porschephiles every time it’s been offered.

The Dawn Aero Cowling does one better in that it adds extra storage compartments. And from what we can tell, it appears to be removable, too – turning the convertible back into a four-seater again.

Does that make it any better? Any worse? Hard to say, but we gather that if Rolls-Royce is offering the option, it’s something that its customers have asked for – or at least showed enthusiasm when the option was mooted. What do you think?