The History of the Rolls-Royce’s Greatest Car When you hear the words luxury, quality, silence and ultimate refinement, only one manufacturer comes to mind, Rolls-Royce. And when it comes to Rolls-Royce’s greatest car, there’s one that is truly above the rest, the Phantom. A car that has been at the peak of both Rolls-Royce and Luxury for exactly 100 years. The first Phantom was launched in 1925 as Rolls-Royce’s flagship as the replacement for the Silver Ghost. It featured a larger engine than the Silver Ghost, a 7.7L straight six to be exact, with 3,509 being built between 1925 and 1931.Following this came the Phantom II, produced between 1929 and 1935, with a total of 3362 being built. A year after this came the Phantom III as the last pre-war Rolls–Royce built between 1936 and 1939. A total of 727 were built and were the first to feature a V12, 7.3l in size. The Phantom IV did not arrive until 1950. A total of 18 were built between 1950 and 1956, which came with a straight-8 (either 5.7l or 6.5l), and was the first big Roller to feature an automatic gearbox. In 1959, Rolls–Royce launched the Phantom V, which featured a 6.2l V8 with twin Carburettors. This lasted until 1968, with a total of 518 built. In 1968, Rolls–Royce built the Phantom VI, which lasted the longest of any Rolls–Royce until 1990. A total of 374 were built, with the first half featuring a 6.2l V8 and the second featuring a 6.75l V8. This was the final Phantom built when Rolls–Royce was privately owned. The most iconic and greatest Phantom was the VII, which was launched in 2003 and was the first Rolls–Royce introduced after the BMW buyout. This Phantom was as luxurious and quiet as its previous namesakes but was far stronger and well-engineered with its 6.75l V12. It also came in several variants such as the standard saloon, a Drophead Coupe and an ordinary Coupe. The whole range was facelifted in 2012 with an all-new gearbox. The Current Phantom The current Phantom VIII was launched in 2017 and was the first Rolls–Royce to feature Rear-Wheel Steering. This car featured a 6.75l twin–turbo V12, which produced 563 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. It came in two forms, both a standard and an extended wheelbase that was 200mm longer and costed $90,000 more than the $500,000 standard model. Of course, the best feature of the current Phantom is its interior with its rear lounge-like seats, its opening tray table, and its beautiful two-tone dashboard. Behind the Continental, it’s arguably the best interior on any production car, which, of course, is aided by the car’s sumptuous quietness and comfort. To this day, it is still the peak in quietness, comfort and ultimate luxury. Rolls-Royce’s Connection to Music Read More 2026 Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II: Rolls’ Luxurious Swansong to their beloved V12 Rolls-Royce has had many famous types of owners in the past, Maharajahs, Oil-Shakes and even Gangsters. But at the core, big Rollers are generally favoured amongst musicians. Undoubtedly, their quiet, refined drivetrains and sumptuously comfortable interior would put any great musical artist at peace whilst he’s composing his next masterpiece. The first instance of this connection to music, as Marlene Dietrich, a German-American Singer, was welcomed with a green Phantom I when she arrived in Hollywood in 1930 to feature in her film Morocco. In the 50s/60s, many famous musical artists like Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Edith Piaf, and Sam Cooke either owned a Phantom IV or V. In 1963, the king of Rock himself, Elvis Presley, commissioned a Phantom V with a pearl white Exterior. And just a year later, Beatles legend John Lennon tried to outdo this by commissioning a Phantom V in all black with a cocktail cabinet and TV fitted. Three years later, he would have the car painted in psychedelic yellow with swirling patterns, florals, and astrological symbols after Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club. Sir Elton John has owned several Phantoms, including a pink-and-white Phantom V that he later gifted to percussionist Ray Cooper. He also had a black Phantom VI loaded with a television, video player, fax machine, and an audio system so powerful that the rear windscreen needed reinforcement. The current Phantom VII has been showcased by several rap artists who take inspiration from its starlight headliner from the lyrics “stars in the roof”. It appears in music videos like the hit video Drop It Like It’s Hot by Pharrell Williams and Snoop Dog. In the music video Entourage, 50 Cent appeared in a Phantom Drophead Coupe, and Lil Wayne featured a Phantom on his album cover. The Most Iconic Roller Story Recreated But arguably the greatest story of a Rolls–Royce with a musician was definitely involving the Who’s drummer, Keith Moon. Legend has it that during his 21st Birthday, Moon decided, after having a good drink, that it was a good idea to dunk his Rolls–Royce in a swimming pool just for fun. It hasn’t been confirmed whether this was a Phantom or a Silver Cloud. But its whole premise is inspiring. So to mark the Phantom’s 100th anniversary, Rolls-Royce decided to recreate this iconic event. They took a retired Phantom Shell and Chassis and quite literally plunged it into a pool of water. Specifically, into Tinside Lido in Plymouth. Not only is this whole event wholesome, but it showcases that Rolls-Royce clearly has a sense of humour. Celebrating the Phantom’s Centenary Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, stated, “Artists use Phantom to project identity and challenge convention. Their motor cars often became icons in their own right.” And ultimately, the many ownerships of various musical artists who’ve owned a Phantom prove this. The Rolls-Royce Phantom is arguably the greatest Rolls that’s ever been built. From turning 100 years old to literally being the peak of the luxury automotive market to its appeal to musical artists and the many adventures they’ve had, it’s clear the Phantom’s appeal is as grandiose as its luxury. And with Rolls-Royce destined to pull the plug soon, it’s safe to say, that just like the artists who’ve cherished it, the Phantom’s legacy is forever. For legends never die. Source: Rolls-Royce
