Centennial celebration of the iconic Rolls-Royce Phantom, flagship model, marked by the luxury automaker.
Rewritten Article:
In this significant milestone, the iconic Rolls-Royce Phantom turns 100, the epitome of luxury and style since its debut in 1925. Now in its eighth generation, the Phantom has left an indelible mark on the automotive world.
From a humble beginning as the successor to the Silver Ghost, the Phantom has evolved and transcended the test of time, establishing itself as a flagship for Rolls-Royce and an emblem of opulence.
Despite occasional pauses in production throughout the last century, the Phantom remains one of the longest-lived nameplates in automotive history. To commemorate this momentous occasion, Rolls-Royce commissioned a series of captivating artworks depicting the Phantom in various settings.
A Symphony of Art and Automotive Mastery
This project was inspired by a historical precedent from 1910, when artist Charles Sykes was enlisted to produce six original oil paintings that would adorn the Rolls-Royce brochure of the time. Sykes' art captured the grandeur of the Phantom in scenes evocative of extravagant social events like attending the opera or arriving at grand country estates.
For the modern artworks, Rolls-Royce's design team took a broader approach, considering a diverse range of Phantom enthusiasts across the decades. This includes memorable Phantom V models owned by luminaries such as John Lennon and Elvis Presley.
A Regal Legacy
The Phantom IV, unveiled in 1950, remains the rarest of the model lineage, with only 18 examples produced. Rolls-Royce chose to sell a Phantom IV exclusively to those deemed worthy of owning such a vehicle. Among those fortunate few were heads of state like the British royal family, who proudly acquired the very first completed Phantom IV, as depicted in one of the new illustrations (see below).
The Phantom IV was tailored to the late Duke of Edinburgh's personal preferences, making it the first in a lasting association between Rolls-Royce and the royal family that continued until the turn of the 21st century.
The Personal Touch
One constant throughout the Phantom's history is the emphasis on personalization. From its early coachbuilt iterations to modern bespoke commissions of the latest Phantom VIII, these vehicles have always been tailored to cater to their owners' unique tastes.
Chris Brownridge, chief executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, reflects on the Phantom's legacy, stating, "Phantom is much more than a motor car. It is an expression of culture, mirroring and shaping the world around it. Since its origins, the marque's pinnacle product has been coveted as a reward for success and a symbol of power and prestige. Above all, it has provided a means of personal expression for its owner, often becoming a work of art."
John Redfern reports for Motoring Research
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Rolls-Royce Phantom's Signature Moments:- Phantom I (1925–1931): A tribute to the Silver Ghost, the Phantom I introduced an inline-six 7.7L engine, epitomizing luxury during the interwar period and gaining favor among royalty and celebrities.- Phantom IV (1950–1956): Exclusively crafted for the elite, including royal families and heads of state, only 18 Phantom IV models were produced.- Phantom V (1959–1968): Favored by celebrities like Elvis Presley and Princess Grace of Monaco, the Phantom V revived coachbuilding flexibility and produced over 800 handcrafted models.- Phantom VI (1968–1990): The last coachbuilt Phantom, featuring a separate chassis, was used for Queen Elizabeth II’s 1977 Silver Jubilee and Prince William’s wedding in 2011.- Phantom VII (2003–2017): Reintroduced under BMW ownership, the Phantom VII boasted a 6.75L V12 engine and modern amenities while maintaining classic design cues like suicide doors.- Phantom VIII (2017–present): Evolving the legacy of the Phantom, the latest iteration offers an unrivaled level of customization, from illuminated dashboards and starlight headliners to over 44,000 paint colors.
Royal Connections:- British Royal Family: The Phantom IV–VI served as official state cars for the British royal family, featuring unique bespoke bodywork and transparent roof panels for public events.- International Nobility: Middle Eastern royalty often commissioned extended wheelbase models with bulletproofing and gold-plated accents.
Personalization Legacy:- Early Customization: Pre-1960s Phantoms were highly personalized, with bespoke coachwork by companies like Hooper and Park Ward, offering unique body styles for each buyer.- Modern Bespoke: The Phantom VIII offers unparalleled customization, including luxury materials, hand-stitched leather, and custom embroidery. The 2016 103EX concept even previewed AI-driven personalization, featuring a virtual assistant named "Eleanor."- Experimental Models: The 102EX (2011) tested electric propulsion, while the 103EX envisioned autonomous lounges with luxurious upholstery and laser-projected virtual wheels.
- Rolls-Royce Phantom's artworks, inspired by historical representations from 1910, will adorn the brochure for the commemoration of the Phantom's centenary, showcasing the luxury vehicle in various settings.
- In addition to cars, Rolls-Royce's design team considered the Phantom's impact on home-and-garden and lifestyle scenes, reflecting its influence beyond automotive mastery.
- The Phantom V, a favorite among celebrities like John Lennon and Elvis Presley, revived coachbuilding flexibility during the 1950s, making it an iconic turn in the Phantom's evolution.
- As a nod to the Phantom's historical legacy, Rolls-Royce selected a modern flagship electric vehicle to be a part of the Phantom's long line of signature moments, symbolizing the brand's innovative approach to luxury cars and car-maintenance.
- The personal touches that have defined the Phantom throughout its 100-year lifespan identify it as much more than a motor car—an artful expression of its owners' unique lifestyles and tastes.
