The Rolls-Royce Phantom stands as the epitome of British ultra-luxury automobiles, celebrating a monumental 100 years since its inception in 1925. As the longest-running nameplate in the automotive world, the Phantom embodies timeless elegance, relentless innovation, and extraordinary craftsmanship, making it the pinnacle of the Rolls-Royce brand. To honour this centenary, Rolls-Royce will showcase exemplars from each generation at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance during Monterey Car Week, shining a light on the evolution and enduring appeal of this iconic motorcar.
Phantom I (1925–1931)
The first official Phantom, introduced as the New Phantom in 1925, was powered by a 7.7-Litre straight six engine paired with a four-speed non-synchro transmission. This model was distinctive for offering coachbuilt bodies on rolling chassis and featured both short and long wheelbases for chauffeur-driven limousines or sportier owner-driven variants. Notably, more than one-third of Phantom I production occurred at Rolls-Royce’s American factory in Springfield, MA. The featured Springfield-built Ascot Phaeton, with polished aluminium and 21-inch wheels crafted by Murphy Coachworks, exemplifies the bespoke luxury of this era.
Phantom II (1929–1935)
Introduced during the Great Depression, Phantom II retained the 7.7 litre engine but with upgrades including a crossflow cylinder head producing 120 HP, synchromesh on top gears, and improved suspension for better handling on rough roads. The Phantom Continental variant featured a shorter wheelbase, lighter weight, and aerodynamic bodywork, designed by Henry Royce to prioritise performance over pure comfort, foreshadowing more dynamic Rolls-Royce models.
Phantom III (1936–1939)
Responding to powerful American competitors, Rolls-Royce equipped the Phantom III with a 7.3 litre V-12 engine delivering up to 180 HP. It featured fully independent front suspension and revised steering, allowing comfortable cruising at speeds approaching 100 MPH. Though Henry Royce passed before its release, his engineering influence was profound in this refinement of performance and luxury.
Phantom IV (1950–1956)
Produced exclusively for royalty and heads of state, only 18 Phantom IVs were made. Powered by 5.7- and 6.5 litre engines, designed for smooth, eternal parading speeds, these ultra-exclusive models served dignitaries like Queen Elizabeth II and General Franco. The bespoke limousine built for Royal service showcases the refinement and prestige of this specialised era.
Phantom V (1959–1968)
The Phantom V maintained regal exclusivity while also serving celebrities, including John Lennon, who famously commissioned two uniquely styled examples and Elvis Presley. Powered by a 6.3 litre V8 with a four-speed automatic transmission, this generation combined luxury with cultural cachet, featuring innovations like in-car telephony and entertainment systems.
Phantom VI (1968–1990)
The final Rolls-Royce Phantom offered primarily as a rolling chassis for custom coachbuilding, Phantom VI featured the legendary 6.75 litre V8, marking the first extensive use of this engine for over six decades. Enhanced with updated heating, air conditioning, and air-spring suspension, it represented the apex of traditional bespoke Rolls-Royce luxury with only 374 commissions over 22 years.
Phantom VII (2003–2017)
After a hiatus, Rolls-Royce launched the Phantom VII with a clean-sheet design embodying modern grandeur: colossal wheels, an imposing Parthenon grille, and the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy ornament. Powered by a new 6.75 litre V12, this generation boasted adaptive self-levelling air suspension for an SUV-like ride height and supreme comfort. Variants included extended wheelbase limousines and the limited Fixed Head Coupé, known for its “Starlight Headliner” comprising countless fibre-optic lights.
Phantom VIII (2017–Present)
The Phantom VIII has evolved the lineage with subtle exterior refreshes but massive interior innovation, including power-operated foot massagers, heated C-pillars, and a bespoke “Gallery” integrated into the dashboard for individualised art installations. It pioneered Rolls-Royce’s return to coach-building by enabling in-house bespoke commissions with eight-figure price tags, blending classic grandeur with personalised artistry for the ultra-rich.
Pricing & Performance
The modern Phantom models, powered by the class-leading V12 engines producing around 563–624 HP and approximately 900 NM of torque, command prices typically starting near AED 2,500,000 for base versions and escalating significantly for bespoke commissions.
Final Word
The Rolls-Royce Phantom’s century-long history is a testament to relentless refinement, pioneering craftsmanship, and unmatched luxury. Through eight generations, it has continually adapted to its era’s expectations while maintaining an aura of majestic elegance and technological sophistication. The centenary event at Pebble Beach celebrates not just a car, but a rolling legacy of the finest automotive excellence, one that continues to define what it means to be “the best of the best” on the world’s roads.
This historic gathering of Phantom exemplars offers a rare opportunity to witness the evolution of automotive artistry, engineering, and luxury that has enthralled collectors, royalty, and enthusiasts for a hundred remarkable years.
