Rolls-Royce Phantom: eight generations of luxury

For almost a century the Rolls-Royce Phantom has held claim to being the most luxurious car in the world. And now, in 2017, the latest eight-generation model is upon us.

At the car's launch event, each iteration of the Phantom was on display. Rolls-Royce boss Torsten Muller-Otvos said, "Each of these shows what mankind was capable of in successive eras. We've got these cars here from all over the world."

PHANTOM I - 1925

The Phantom I, built in both the US and the UK, replaced the Silver Ghost. It had a lot to live up to, the latter having been named ‘best car in the world’ after the 1913 Alpine Trial.

PHANTOM II - 1929

Using an updated Phantom I engine with a brand new chassis, the Phantom II’s appeal was further strengthened by being gifted to Marlene Dietrich in 1930. That car last changed hands in 2012, for just over £400,000.

PHANTOM III - 1936

The Phantom III was a landmark, being the first V12 Rolls and the last car to be overseen by Henry Royce. Our sister publication Autocar recorded 141kph during testing. It was also famously driven by Auric Goldfinger.

PHANTOM IV - 1950

The first Phantom IV was delivered to Princess Elizabeth in 1950, after Rolls replaced Daimler as the Royal Family’s preferred supplier of cars. Only 18 were built, exclusively for royalty and heads of state.

PHANTOM V - 1959

Numerous compared with the fourth Phantom, the Phantom IV’s production run extended to 516 units. John Lennon’s psychedelic example helped to seal the model’s place in history.

PHANTOM VI - 1968

The Phantom VI was the last to be created while the company was still British-owned. It was also the longest-lived, reigning for 22 years and serving across two different companies: Rolls-Royce Ltd and Rolls-Royce Motors.

PHANTOM VII - 2003

BMW bought the Rolls-Royce name and other intellectual property in 1998, and five years later, the Phantom VII was born. Its 13-year production run made it one of the longest-serving cars on the market at the time.

PHANTOM VIII - 2018

The latest Phantom will arrive on roads in 2018 with promise of unprecedented levels of comfort, interior luxury and quality. The second Phantom to be built under BMW ownership has been developed through a six-year programme. 

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