Rolls-Royce Phantom: A Century of Luxury and Power

Over the past century, the model penned by Sir Henry Royce has transcended mere transportation to become the ultimate symbol of power, artistry, and luxury. To commemorate this illustrious journey, the British luxury marque has orchestrated a global series of events, revisiting the defining moments that shaped the elite world across eight generations of Phantom.

Rewinding to 1925, when Sir Henry Royce unveiled the first Phantom generation, the car instantly set new benchmarks for opulence and mechanical mastery. Across eight successive generations, the Phantom has retained its crown as the pinnacle of Rolls-Royce’s lineup. It embodies understated luxury while reflecting profound shifts in culture, art, and the balance of power throughout human history.

This centennial year features all eight Phantom generations at prestigious global events. The highlight is the launch of the Phantom Centenary Private Collection—a bespoke tribute crafted by Rolls-Royce. Limited to 25 units, this collection merges traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, honoring the stories, figures, and milestones that defined the Phantom’s first century.

The Phantom Centenary Private Collection boasts a two-tone exterior in Super Champagne Crystal, Arctic White, and Black, complemented by a solid gold Spirit of Ecstasy. Inside, bespoke details abound, from a Gallery engraving celebrating the Phantom’s century-long media presence to a Starlight Headliner featuring 440,000 stitches depicting historic moments. This is Rolls-Royce’s most intricate and ambitious Private Collection to date.

Rolls-Royce also reflects on the Phantom’s deep connection to music. From Marlene Dietrich and Elvis Presley to Sir Elton John and Pharrell Williams, the Phantom has been both a symbol of success and a muse for creativity. The marque even recreated Keith Moon’s legendary stunt by submerging a Phantom Extended prototype in the Art Deco Tinside Lido pool in the UK, transforming rock ‘n’ roll lore into an iconic installation.

In the art world, the Phantom has been linked to surreal moments, such as Salvador Dalí filling one with 500 kg of cauliflower or Andy Warhol purchasing a 1937 Phantom after spotting it in Switzerland. These stories continue to illustrate the Phantom’s timeless allure.

2025 also sees the realization of numerous bespoke projects commissioned by global clients years in advance, including unique editions like the Phantom Year of the Dragon, Phantom Cherry Blossom, Phantom Dentelle, and Phantom Chinese Mural Art. Each vehicle is a mobile masterpiece, reflecting its owner’s cultural identity and individuality, while showcasing the Phantom as the ultimate canvas for Rolls-Royce’s customization prowess.

As the centennial celebrations conclude, Rolls-Royce looks to the Phantom’s future. At Goodwood, a £300 million expansion project is underway, focusing on enhancing bespoke capabilities. As the marque’s flagship and most ambitious model, the Phantom is poised to continue embodying bold ideas, exquisite craftsmanship, and cutting-edge technology for the next century.

TH (Tuoitrethudo)