Discover

Phantom: 100 years of Rolls-Royce’s icon

This 2025 signifies an important milestone for the Rolls-Royce Phantom as it reaches its 100th anniversary

Por: Rubén Carrillo
For over 100 years, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has been pushing the boundaries of luxury mobility / Photo Rolls-Royce
For over 100 years, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has been pushing the boundaries of luxury mobility / Photo Rolls-Royce

First unveiled in May 1925, the Rolls-Royce Phantom has evolved through eight generations, offering countless opportunities for bespoke customization, making every Phantom distinct. 

 

A Legacy of Luxury and Prestige

Chris Brownridge, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, stated: “A hundred years ago, Rolls-Royce introduced the first automobile to carry what would become the most iconic and enduring nameplate in the brand’s history: Phantom.”

 

He continued: “In many ways, the story of the Phantom is the story of Rolls-Royce itself—continuously adapting to the era while remaining true to the desires and expectations of its clientele”.

 

The model has consistently transcended passing trends, serving as a canvas for the most breathtaking craftsmanship and artistry.

1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I tourer ascends the Stelvio Pass on the 2023 alpine tour / Photo Rolls-Royce
1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I tourer ascends the Stelvio Pass on the 2023 alpine tour / Photo Rolls-Royce

The Phantom II: A Custom Creation for Henry Royce

Just four years after its debut, Rolls-Royce introduced the Phantom II. Although it was considered the ultimate luxury car of its time, company founder Henry Royce reportedly found even the short-wheelbase version too large for his personal taste. 

 

In response, a custom adaptation of the Phantom II was built specifically for Royce. 

 

However, this unique variation failed to gain favor among the broader Rolls-Royce team, leading to only one unit ever being produced—the 26EX, where “EX” denoted “Experimental.”

1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II / Photo Rolls-Royce
1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II / Photo Rolls-Royce

The Third Generation: A Step Ahead of the Competition

Facing competition from brands like Cadillac, Lincoln, and Packard, Rolls-Royce knew it had to innovate for the Phantom’s third iteration. 

 

In 1936, the model received a V12 engine, delivering enhanced performance. 

 

This version also featured a more compact layout compared to the previous six-cylinder model, allowing for increased cabin space.

 

Challenges During World War II

However, the outbreak of World War II brought vehicle production to a halt, and in the post-war years, the market was initially unprepared for a car of such extreme luxury. 

 

To navigate these challenging times, Rolls-Royce streamlined its lineup and prioritized affordability. 

Field Marshal Montgomery's Phantom III / Photo James Lipman
Field Marshal Montgomery's Phantom III / Photo James Lipman

A Royal Revival: The Phantom IV

By 1950, the British Royal Family was seeking a new luxury limousine to replace its Daimler fleet. 

 

Rolls-Royce answered the call, crafting a one-of-a-kind limousine exclusively for the Royal Mews. 

 

The success of this bespoke creation sparked interest among other members of royalty and global leaders.

 

Production was highly exclusive, with only 18 units manufactured over seven years.

 

Expanding Production: The Phantom V and VI

The Phantom V entered the scene in 1959, with two models specifically designed for royal use. 

 

Unlike its predecessor, this edition saw greater production numbers, with 832 units delivered over a span of 13 years. 

 

When the sixth-generation Phantom arrived, Rolls-Royce introduced its final coachbuilt model, with most of the 374 units featuring custom bodywork by renowned coachbuilders Mulliner Park Ward or James Young.

The Modern Era: Phantom VII and VIII

In 2003, Rolls-Royce ushered in a new era by delivering the first Phantom VII just moments after midnight on January 1. 

 

This time, everything was developed entirely in-house. The seventh-generation Phantom solidified the brand’s dominance in luxury automotive design for the modern era. 

 

In 2017, Rolls-Royce unveiled the Phantom VIII, marking the latest chapter in the model’s long history. 

 

This generation has pushed the boundaries of bespoke craftsmanship, introducing some of the most ambitious and personalized creations to date.

The Phantom VIII was released in 2017 marking the beggining of the seventh-generation / Photo Rolls-Royce
The Phantom VIII was released in 2017 marking the beggining of the seventh-generation / Photo Rolls-Royce

When did the first Rolls-Royce Phantom come out?

The first version of the Phantom was Rolls-Royce’s replacement for the original Silver Ghost, introduced as the ‘New Phantom’ in 1925.

 

The main difference between the New Phantom and the Silver Ghost was the larger engine introduced in the New Phantom when it arrived.

 

The New (First) Phantom also used pushrod-operated overhead valves instead of the Silver Ghost’s side valves.

 

How much does a Rolls-Royce Phantom cost?

The price of the 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre starts at $422,750.

 

Rolls-Royce will let you customize a Spectre pretty much any way you want.

 

And that’s a good thing, because, with a price tag this high, we expect buyers will want something truly personalized.

If you found this article about the Phantom Rolls-Royce interesting, please share it. You can also check this article about Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Check out other articles in the Discover section.

Receive the latest news

Subscribe To Our Magazine

Luster Magazine

Digital Magazine

Ingresa los siguientes datos y comienza a disfrutar de nuestra revista digital.