Words by Ken Panton
Not long ago, I made my way to Palm Springs, California, for the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club (RROC) 74th Annual National Meet, the premier international gathering for Rolls-Royce and Bentley enthusiasts. I spent the weekend exploring a curated collection of Rolls-Royce automobiles, both historic and contemporary. Somewhere between the concours lawn and the endless conversations among owners and collectors, a question came to mind: which modern Rolls-Royce would I most want to add to my own collection?
The answer was immediate—the Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge.
Produced from 2017 to 2023, the Dawn Black Badge was the more powerful, more assertive, and decidedly darker interpretation of the standard Dawn. Featuring a 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V12 producing 593 horsepower, it delivered a more engaging driving experience through sharper throttle response, a retuned eight-speed transmission, and subtly enhanced handling. Signature darkened brightwork, black exterior accents, and exclusive wheel designs gave the car a commanding presence without sacrificing the effortless elegance expected from Rolls-Royce.
What makes the Dawn Black Badge particularly special is its balance of opposites. It remains unmistakably a Rolls-Royce—quiet, refined, and impeccably crafted—yet it carries an unexpected sense of attitude. Lower the top and the Dawn becomes one of the most glamorous grand touring convertibles ever produced, capable of crossing continents in near silence while still delivering the immense power and smoothness of its V12 engine.
As the final generation of V12-powered Rolls-Royce convertibles before the brand’s electric future takes center stage, the Dawn Black Badge occupies a unique place in the marque’s history. For me, it is a car that says something about its owner. Every vehicle in a collection should tell a story, and the Dawn Black Badge tells one of understated luxury, individuality, and a preference for enjoying the journey as much as the destination.
