The deposit for a Rolls-Royce Phantom convertible, due out next year, is around a quarter of a million quid - the price of the current Phantom.

However, if you are not already a Phantom owner, you can pretty well forget getting anywhere near the waiting list for Rolls' amazing nine-litre, 16-cylinder drop-top.

"I like my Phantom, but it's the convertible I really want," declares debonair Californian Michael Scott, cruising past the 100EX as it sits like a Picasso or a Henry Moore behind a crimson rope and watched by minders at the Robb Report Best of the Best party in Los Angeles.

Scott has two ladies at his side and a small entourage in his wake. It's clear He's The Man.

Scott does not linger around the 100EX. He's not like some kid who's just passed his test and stops every day to gawk at the Impreza WRX sat in pride of place in the dealer's showroom. He effuses wealth to the extent the Rolls-Royce he has ordered might as well be a microwave oven.

I point out to Scott the designer of the 100EX Rolls' centenary-celebration car - Marek Djordjevic - is here and would happily give him a personal insight into the car.

But no. A glance at the roofless behemoth and he's off to salivate over a private jet or powerboat. So many toys. So little time...

At least Michael Scott is willing to wait for his 100EX as it's built at the Rolls-Royce plant at Goodwood.

Apparently, rapper 50 Cent is still seriously thinking of lopping the top off his Phantom to be the first drophead owner. He wants the proper car, but the one-off at the party, valued at around a cool £5million, is not for sale.

Not only is it not for sale, but after two years and two world tours, no one from outside Rolls-Royce or parent company BMW has even driven the 100EX.