In 2025, Rolls-Royce will celebrate a century of its most enduring model—the Phantom. First launched in 1925, it quickly set the gold standard for luxury cars. The nameplate hasn’t had an unbroken run, pausing during World War II and after ownership changes in the 1990s. Across eight generations, the Phantom has been at the center of automotive innovation. Some of its engines became legends in their own right. Through the decades, it’s been a marker of changing times and aspirations. Read More Hennessey Reveals Limited-Edition 850-HP Shelby GT350 Revival Series As the 100th anniversary approaches, Rolls-Royce is reflecting on the Phantom’s remarkable journey. From its highest moments to its quiet gaps in production, this car’s story is a fascinating slice of automotive history. A Century of Reinvention When Charles Rolls and Henry Royce teamed up, they set new standards for what a car could be. In 1925, the Phantom debuted as a successor to the legendary Silver Ghost. The name Phantom was no accident. Claude Johnson, then Rolls-Royce’s commercial managing director, wanted to give the new model its own identity. The Silver Ghost had gained its name unofficially, which sometimes caused confusion. By choosing “Phantom,” Johnson ensured the car stood apart. The Phantom nameplate is now the oldest still in use. One of the Phantom’s most defining features has always been personalization. For nearly a century, it’s been a canvas for bespoke designs, tailored to reflect the individuality of its owners. Rolls-Royce CEO Chris Brownridge said, "Through eight generations, Phantom’s fundamental role as the pinnacle Rolls-Royce motor car has always been the same: to be the most magnificent, desirable and above all, effortless motor car in the world – the very best of the best." The Phantom Through the Decades When Rolls-Royce Phantom debuted in 1925, it was just a rolling chassis. The rest was up to the buyer and their chosen coachbuilder. Whether it was a long wheelbase, a convertible top, or intricate custom details, every Phantom was as per the owner’s vision. Read More Mercedes-Benz Ends 2024 with Record Q4 Growth but Annual Sales Fall Short By 1929, the Phantom II took things further. Henry Royce envisioned a car that could handle high-speed touring. The result was the Phantom II Continental, an experimental model that became a favourite among drivers who wanted luxury without compromise. In 1936, the Phantom III introduced a V12 engine delivering 165 horsepower. Nearly a century later, this V12 is still remembered as one of the best engines Rolls-Royce ever built. World War II brought Phantom production to a halt, but Rolls-Royce came back strong with the Phantom IV in 1950. It was built exclusively for royalty and world leaders. Only 18 were made. The Phantom V followed in 1959, bringing air conditioning and other modern touches to over 800 units. Then came the Phantom VI, which marked the end of the body-on-chassis era. These cars weren’t just luxurious—they were evolving with the times. In 2003, the Phantom VII was the first Rolls-Royce built entirely in-house. The Phantom VIII, launched in 2017, added cutting-edge features like an aluminum spaceframe, rear-wheel steering, and soundproofing so effective it created near-total silence inside the cabin. The future of the Phantom is electric. Rolls-Royce has committed to phasing out internal combustion engines by 2030, and the next Phantom will be powered entirely by batteries. Details about the Phantom IX are still under wraps. Source: Rolls-Royce
