Rolls-Royce Phantom: A Century-Long Journey of the Ultimate Luxury Icon

Since its inception in 1925, the Rolls-Royce Phantom has been more than just an ultra-luxury car; it has been a enduring symbol of opulence, class, and power among the elite for a century.

Over its 100 years of evolution, the Phantom has witnessed historical turning points, reflecting the changes in the high-end automotive industry while upholding the core values of Rolls-Royce: exquisite craftsmanship and exclusive personalization.

The New Phantom, later known as Phantom I, was introduced in 1925 as a successor to the renowned Silver Ghost. At that time, Rolls-Royce sold only the chassis and drivetrain, allowing customers to choose renowned coachbuilders such as Park Ward, Mulliner, or Hooper to complete the bodywork according to their personal preferences.

Phantom I was equipped with a 7.7L inline-six engine and a 4-speed manual transmission. It quickly gained favor among the British aristocracy and European elite due to its meticulous attention to detail and almost unlimited customization options.

In 1929, Rolls-Royce introduced the Phantom II, featuring improvements to the chassis and suspension for a smoother driving experience. While it retained the 7.7L inline-six engine, the performance was optimized compared to its predecessor.

A year later, the Phantom III (1930) marked a technical leap as the first Rolls-Royce and one of the world’s first cars to be powered by a V12 engine. This 7.3L powerhouse delivered smooth and powerful performance, catering to the demands of the affluent clientele. The Phantom III also made its mark in popular culture, appearing in the James Bond film series.

In the century-long history of the Phantom, the fourth generation is the rarest and most extraordinary. Only 18 Phantom IVs were produced between 1950 and 1956, exclusively serving royalty and heads of state. Some of these cars are still used on grand ceremonial occasions, notably at the engagement of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

The Phantom V, introduced in the late 1950s, brought Rolls-Royce closer to the world of artists and celebrities. Owned by John Lennon of The Beatles, the luxurious design of this model marked the return of the V8 engine, offering improved performance while maintaining its signature smoothness.

This was followed by the Phantom VI (1968 – 1990), primarily developed as a limousine with an extended wheelbase to serve ceremonial and diplomatic purposes. The combination of the 6.75L V8 engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission made it a smooth operator and a favorite choice for many governments and royal families worldwide.

After a long hiatus, the Phantom VII was reintroduced in 2003 under the ownership of BMW, which had acquired the Rolls-Royce brand from Vickers. BMW modernized the Phantom while preserving its artisanal and personalized character. The car was equipped with a BMW-developed 6.75L V12 engine producing 453 horsepower, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds—an impressive feat for a nearly 2.5-ton limousine. The Phantom VII’s exterior design exuded classic elegance, complemented by a high-tech interior that retained the signature opulence and classic style of Rolls-Royce.

In 2017, Rolls-Royce unveiled the eighth-generation Phantom, marking a new era in the ultra-luxury car segment. Built on an all-new aluminum architecture—the Architecture of Luxury—the car achieved weight reduction while increasing torsional rigidity. This model continued the use of the 6.75L twin-turbocharged V12 engine, now with an increased output of 563 horsepower. The real-time self-adjusting air suspension and “Silent Seal” noise insulation technology made the Phantom VIII one of the quietest cars in the world.

In 2022, the Phantom VIII received a mid-life upgrade with an illuminated grille, new headlight technology, and the addition of the “Gallery” option, allowing customers to customize the dashboard as a work of art.

A century has passed since the Phantom name first appeared, and Rolls-Royce remains the pinnacle of the ultra-luxury automotive industry. Each generation of the Phantom is not just a means of transportation but a symbol of power, a historical landmark, and the pinnacle of automotive artistry. As the world changes, the Rolls-Royce Phantom remains the timeless embodiment of luxury.

TH (Tuoitrethudo)