Rolls-Royce Phantom: Dream for Kings and the Happy Few

The name Rolls-Royce — originated in 1906 when Henry Rolls and Charles Royce decided to produce cars of the highest quality. Today, 115 years later, the brand is still at the top of the firmament of high-end cars. With the Phantom model as a non-plus ultra status symbol for only the world's richest. That name first appeared a century ago in the price list of the brand, which, by the way, also had a factory in America in 1925. In fact, Phantom was the first new model since the two-decade-old R.-R. Silver Ghost. The technical concept was continued in a highly refined and modernized form, with a silently running 7.7 liter six-cylinder overhead valve engine. The tradition of unparalleled variety of bodywork and luxurious finishes with burl walnut wood and leather upholstery remained the common thread in factory policy, as the wealthy clientele wanted absolute exclusivity. And each Rolls was recognisable by its stately radiator topped with the Spirit of Ecstacy, designed by sculptor Charles Robinson Sykes. That frontal appearance remained a defining feature throughout Rolls-Royce history, but model development follows an evolutionary development to this day.

The Phantom I was followed by the Phantom II in 1932, replaced four years later by the technically even more developed Phantom III with a V12 engine. This meant that the variety of bodywork was unparalleled. Barker, Hooper, Mulliner, Windovers and Park-Ward as well as famous foreign bodybuilders — from Brewster in America to Waiter in Paris — competed for the favor of spoiled buyers. R.-R. counted for that as well as the British royal family, Indian maharajas also tried to dazzle each other with a chic Phantom pullman limousine, landaulette, convertible de ville or sporty drophead coupé. Rolls-Royce added value as it produced more than 4,000 Phantoms between 1925 and 1938.

In the post-war competition and mass motorization, the demand for this type of luxury mobility - allowing a driver to drive - declined. The clientele also changed because in addition to yet another Phantom for the British queen, Beatle John Lennon also purchased one. Today, by the way, BMW, which has owned Rolls-Royce since the end of the last century, still uses the Phantom as a top model.

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At Wheels Mariënwaerdt 2025, we're celebrating 100 Years of Rolls-Royce Phantom with its own class at the Concours d'Elegance.