Hyperion by Pininfarina is a luxury yacht on wheels

Hyperion is the name of a titan from Greek mythology, known also as the lord of light. He was one of 12 titans, which makes him a bit less exclusive than the Pininfarina vehicle that bears his name.

The one-of-one Hyperion by Pininfarina is a convertible based on the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe. It was displayed first at Pebble Beach in 2008 and now will make an appearance at the Dubai International Motor Show this month. The two-seat roadster will be displayed on the Raxan Management stand by owner Alexander Pushlin.

The Hyperion follows other Rolls-Pininfarina collaborations, such as the Silver Dawn sedan in 1951 and the Camargue coupe in 1975.

The owner of the Phantom asked the Italian design house to create a car that would evoke the long hoods and short rear decks of the 1930s.

During the conversion, Pininfarina removed the rear seats and slid the front seats back about 16 inches. A new fabric roof was designed that folds behind the seats under a wood-lined cover. Between the cover and seats is a storage compartment for small items.

To get the proportions right, Pininfarina extended the roof and shortened the rear end. The grille stays similar to the classic Rolls-Royce but is slightly inclined. Recessed bixenon headlights sit on the outside on the same line as the upper kink, which runs from wheel well to wheel well. This feature is counterbalanced, according to Pininfarina, by another small crease that runs on the lower portion of the car from door to rear wheel. The company says it is meant to evoke the Berlinettas of the '50s and '60s.

The interior remains mostly unchanged, which should be fine, considering it's a Roller. Pininfarina made one change--the interior clock is a timepiece designed by Girard-Perregaux that can be removed and attached to a band worn on the wrist.

The bodywork is carbon fiber, while the doors are made of wood. The building team had experience in luxury boat creation, according to Pininfarina.

Don't worry about how much it costs because you'll never be able to get your hands on one. But if you have a Phantom Drophead in your possession along with few million clams burning a hole in your pocket, give Pininfarina a call, they can make whatever your heart--or wallet--desires.

By Jake Lingeman