Rolls Royce Phantom
Rolls Royce Phantom is more than just a car – it is an enduring symbol of luxury and exclusivity that has endured for over a century. Through multiple generations, the Phantom has consistently defined the pinnacle of automotive excellence.
Rolls Royce Phantom: A Legacy of Luxury
The Rolls-Royce Phantom has a rich history stretching back over 100 years. Since the first Phantom was introduced in 1925, it has been the vehicle of choice for royalty, heads of state, celebrities and the wealthy elite. Behind the wheel of a Phantom, one becomes part of a storied legacy of luxury car and distinction.
A Car Fit For Royalty
The Rolls-Royce Phantom has famously been the car of choice for British Royalty for decades. Queen Elizabeth II has frequently been photographed riding in various models of Phantom over the years. Her Majesty’s custom Phantoms have featured opulent details like embroidered ceiling linings and mother-of-pearl inlays. Beyond the UK’s monarchy, royal families around the world have also adopted the Phantom as their luxury conveyance of choice.
Uncompromising Quality Design
Central to the allure of the Phantom is the uncompromising quality and design it represents. Every component, from the buttery leather upholstery to the silky smooth drive train, is built to the highest possible standard. Impeccable manners and refinement are engineered into the very character of the car. The Phantom also pushes boundaries with its iconic, stately design themes. Each new generation builds on hallmark styling cues while introducing new definitions of luxury.
Rolls Royce Phantom 8: The Epitome of Automotive Elegance
The current 8th generation Phantom, introduced in 2017, is the very epitome of automotive elegance. It brings iconic Rolls-Royce luxury into the 21st century through state-of-the-art design and engineering.
Exterior Design
The exterior design of the Phantom VIII is stately and self-assured. Its imposing grille and tall, squared-off proportions establish an unmistakable road presence. LED headlights featuring laser technology provide a crisp, jewel-like brilliance, while the tail lights echo the shape of early Phantom models. Paired with large diameter wheels, the Phantom VIII makes a modern-yet-timeless visual statement.
Interior Craftsmanship
Inside, one is enveloped in a cabin crafted from the most exquisite materials available. Buttery soft leathers, rare wood veneers, and cool stainless steel create a sanctuary from the world outside. The dashboard fascia itself is created from a single sheet of stainless steel, painstakingly molded by hand over many hours. The interior color scheme and trim options allow each Phantom VIII to be perfectly tailored to its owner’s aesthetic preference.
Bespoke Customization
Through the Rolls-Royce Bespoke program, Phantom VIII owners can customize their vehicle to their exact specifications. Unique exterior paints, custom interior color schemes, engraved trim pieces and more allow unprecedented personalization. For example, the onboard picnic tables can be etched with designs recalling a favorite racing yacht. Imagination is truly the only constraint when custom tailoring a Bespoke Phantom VIII.
Rolls Royce Phantom EWB: Extended Excellence
For those desiring even more spacious luxury, the Phantom Extended Wheelbase (EWB) delivers. With 10 more inches of rear legroom, the already palatial Phantom transforms into a true land yacht. The extension allows for custom features like rotatable lounge seats that allow passengers to converse while being driven. Additional touches like champagne coolers, vanity mirrors and bar consoles further enhance the first-class experience.
Unrivaled Legroom
The defining characteristic of the Phantom EWB is the new dimension of legroom it provides. An executive typically expects this kind of spaciousness from a private jet cabin, not an automotive seating area. Yet the Phantom EWB delivers with ample space to stretch out and relax. This transforms the Phantom into more than just transportation – it becomes a destination unto itself.
Perfectly Proportioned Design
Rather than just stretch the standard chassis, Rolls-Royce designed the Extended Wheelbase model from scratch. Great care was taken to ensure the perfect visual balance and proportion. The rear compartment length, rake of the C-pillar, and the curvature of side glass were all specifically tweaked for ideal aesthetics. The result is a Phantom EWB that doesn’t appear stretched or distorted – it simply reads as a larger, grander incarnation of the legend.
Crafting a Masterpiece: The Exquisite Interior of the Rolls Royce Phantom
The interior of the Phantom is an automotive masterpiece, created from the most exquisite materials ever brought together for mobility. The finest leathers, rare woods, and precision fittings ensconce driver and passengers in an unmatched environment.
Hand Craftsmanship
Each Phantom cabin is lovingly hand assembled by master artisans within the Rolls-Royce Bespoke studio in Goodwood, England. The leatherwork alone takes nearly 10 hides to complete, with decorative stitching strategically placed along sections of the seats and door panels. Wood accents ranging from classic Burled Walnut to striking Piano Black veneer further add visual intrigue.
Bespoke Audio
To complete the sensory experience, Phantom owners may specify the Bespoke Audio system. Its stereo components are tuned to take advantage of the cabin’s unique interior volume and materials. Microphones first analyze the cabin characteristics then speaker frequencies are adjusted to deliver the optimal sound. The system can be further enhanced by etching the speaker grilles with personalized designs or insignias.
Starlight Headliner
Another stunning cabin feature is the available Starlight Headliner. This consists of hundreds of LED illuminated perforations embedded into the leather ceiling liner. The LEDs can be configured to mimic favorite constellations like Pisces, Aquarius or Taurus. The Starlight Headliner bathes the cabin in a rich galactic glow for a truly unique sensory treat.
Rolls Royce Phantom VIII: Redefining Opulence in the 21st Century
While the Phantom is steeped in tradition, the current generation brings 21st century expressions of luxury. Exquisite new details redefine opulent travel in an era of private jets and luxury yachts.
Gallery Concept
A key interior design innovation is the Gallery Concept. This refers to the glass fascia behind the dashboard, traditionally used to anchor the air vents. Rolls-Royce designers reimagined it as a display case for custom art pieces, and even precious objects. A glass shelf makes jewelry, ceramics or other valuables part of the visual experience. The space can also house art milled into aluminum or fiber-optic filaments.
Gentleman’s Hamper
Many Phantom clients frequent luxury yachts or private jets, where appetites run high. Rolls-Royce answers with the unique Gentleman’s Hamper stowed in the trunk. This containsimplements, glasses and porcelain Dinnerware like the kind once carried on English picnics. Yet the modern Phantom adds 21st century details like a built-in ice bucket with matching tongs plus Bespoke cutlery and glassware.
Self-Righting Wheel Emblems
Even tiny details like the wheel center caps reflect an unparalleled level of thought. Each emblem is weighted so if the Phantom passes over rough terrain, the emblem remains upright. It’s a tiny touch but reflects the supreme attention to detail inherent in every modern Phantom.
2023 Rolls Royce Phantom: What’s New and Improved?
While the current Phantom is already a benchmark luxury vehicle, Rolls-Royce designers continue advancing the state of the art. Changes for the 2023 model year add new elements of style, technology and exclusivity.
Black Badge Treatment
New for 2023 is a Black Badge version of the Phantom. The dark theme features a blackened chrome grille and Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament. Other moody elements include carbon fiber trim on the exterior and interior, plus black leather and lambswool floor mats. Even the wheels are part gloss black and part polished to a mirror finish for distinctive multi-tone look.
Illuminated Flying Lady
Rolls-Royce has reintroduced the Illuminated Flying Lady for 2023 Phantoms. Made famous on mid 20th century Roll-Royces, this feature teams a small light integrated behind the iconic hood ornament. At night it projects an elegant glow, welcoming passengers like a flying spirit guide. It’s a romantic touch evoking the rich heritage of the brand.
Satellite Aided Transmission
Technology headlines the improvements for 2023, including satellite aided transmission. GPS data lets the 8-speed automatic choose appropriate gears based not just on road speed, but upcoming curves, roundabouts or intersections. The transmission becomes essentially predictive – further smoothing out power delivery. It’s luxury motoring perfected via space age systems.
Owning the Ultimate Status Symbol: The Price of a Rolls Royce Phantom
Purchasing an icon like the Phantom is no small financial proposition. A bespoke Roller likely surpasses the cost of an average home. Yet for a select few, the unmatched luxury, heritage and exclusivity justify the price.
Quarter Million Starting Point
The base price of a new 2023 Phantom begins around a quarter million dollars: $460,000 before taxes and options. While hardly an impulse purchase, that still undercuts the price of exclusivity icons like a Lamborghini or Ferrari supercar. For a hand-crafted ultra luxury vehicle, the Phantom represents a relatable value.
Sky’s the Limit for Bespoke
Of course, taking full advantage of the Rolls-Royce Bespoke program can quickly escalate costs upwards of $500,000 to $600,000. Unique paints like candlelight or meteorite, complete custom interiors, exotic wood veneers, personalized engraving and more all add to the bottom line. But for the select few who can indulge their vision, the skies the limit with Bespoke.
Jewel-Like Appreciation
While just a vehicle, the Phantom’s jewel-like exclusivity lends itself to collection and appreciation similar to a luxury timepiece or work of art. Low production numbers combined with enduring design make the Phantom a strong long term investment. Many older examples have nearly doubled their original prices. So in some ways the Phantom can be considered less of a depreciating asset and more of a wearable work of rolling art.
Dream Car on the Market: Find a Rolls Royce Phantom for Sale
For those enchanted by the rich legacy of the Phantom, tracking down an example to purchase is the ultimate automotive quest. The good news is that between official retailers, private sales and auctions, Phantoms do change hands…for the right price.
Check Rolls-Royce Retailers
The first stop is checking inventories at authorized Rolls-Royce retailers. Dealers periodically take in models from prior years, or may have new allocations available for order. This retail route provides maximum confidence in the car’s ownership history and maintenance records. Of course, newer in-demand models may be in short supply and command higher premiums.
Private Sales
Another avenue is private sales from existing owners. Sites like JamesEdition.com connect qualified buyers with owners of rarer luxury vehicles like Phantoms. A private seller may be motivated for any number of reasons – an international move, upgrading their Rolls, or simply raising funds. The key is having any pre-owned Phantom thoroughly checked over by a technician before purchase.
Auction Block
For widest selection and models across eras, specialist luxury auctions often feature multiple Phantoms. Renowned houses like RM-Sotheby’s, Bonhams and Gooding Co regularly hold events globally where collectors bid for prized Rollers. Auction previews also offer the closest first-hand inspection. Going through a respected auction provides an additional layer of assurance when purchasing a exotic rarity like a vintage Phantom.
A Timeless Icon: Rolls Royce Phantom
In an age of fleeting automotive fashion and technology, the Rolls-Royce Phantom endures as a timeless icon. Its embodies a set of ideals – luxury, distinction, heritage and exclusivity – which resonate as clearly today as a century ago.
Design Continuity
The Phantom’s core DNA carries forward from generation to generation, even as technology progresses. Its imposing grill and tall, formal roof line create an undeniable visual presence. Inside, the signature high-waisted console, chromed interior accents and indulgent leather upholstery persist. These classic touches honor lineage stretching back over 100 years.
Hand Craftsmanship
In an increasingly mechanized world, the Phantom also safeguards the beauty of hand-craftsmanship. The wood and leather transformed into an automotive work of art took weeks to piece together by hand. Rolls-Royce Bespoke artisans dedicate their entire working lives to learning the rare skills needed to assemble a Phantom’s cabin. This kind of hand-made exclusivity simply cannot be replicated.
Heritage of Greatness
Finally, the Phantom is shrouded in a heritage of greatness. Images endure of Sir Winston Churchill waved to crowds from the back his personal Phantom III. The Beatles waved to fans from a psychedelically painted Phantom V. And Coco Chanel arrived to studios in liberated post-war France aboard her favored Phantom II. From royalty to rock stars, the Phantom carries an undisputed air of achievement.
Rolls Royce Phantom Limousine: A Statement of Luxury and Power
While the standard Phantom makes a dramatic statement, the extended wheelbase Limousine declaration truly thunderous. Its magnificent length stretched 30 feet conveys singular importance. Heads of state, titans of industry and A-List celebrities naturally gravitate to the unmatched presence of the Phantom Limousine.
Room to Negotiate
Inside, the extended chassis carves out cavernous execuvie space perfect for on-the-go meetings. Forward lounge seats face the rear passenger bench to support negotiations or sensitive discussions in maximum comfort and privacy. For one exec, there’s the option have the rear bench replaced with a twin lounge-seat configuration.
Mobile Office
Today’s high powered executives expect to deploy technology wherever they travel – the Phantom Limousine delivers. Along with whiskey decanters and champagne flutes, the Naim Audio system is specified with HDMI ports and connections for laptops. Opaque electric privacy dividers allow rear passengers connectivity to devices or the internet in total anonymity.
The Ultimate Arrival
For making grand entrances, no vehicle can match the effect of the Phantom Limousine emerging with nearly 20 feet of gleaming hood stretching toward the sky. The rear passenger area projects a modern executive jet cabin. Stepping from the Phantom Limousine constitutes the ultimate statement of affluence and prestige.
The Allure of the Rolls Royce Phantom Coupe: Sophistication in Two Doors
The very rare Phantom Coupe represents the ultimate expression of sophistication with only two doors. It transforms Rolls’ flagship luxury into a singular grand tourer focused purely upon driving gratification. Only a few hundred examples exist worldwide.
A Phantom Distilled
With its raked rear glass and sweeping roofline absent rear doors, the Phantom Coupe adopts a crisper, energetic personality versus the standard sedan. It forgoes conventional rear accessibility to pursue a purer aesthetic ideal. Visually, the Coupe reduces the Phantom formula down to its most sensuous essentials.
Hand Built Rarity
As a tightly limited offering during the lifespan of the Phantom VII, Phantom Coupe production counted less than a thousand examples worldwide. Each was meticulously hand-built to the same Bespoke standards as the Phantom Sedan at Rolls’ elite manufacturing facilities in England. Finding a Coupe for sale now is considered exceptionally rare.
Luxury Redefined
Driving a Rolls Royce Phantom Coupe redefines open luxury grand touring. Its shorter, lighter chassis feels more eager and agile than the sedan. Unrushed acceleration accompanied by the opulent roar of the V12 makes each journey an occasion. Graciously wafting along coastal roads or glittering metropolitan boulevards, the Phantom Coupe exists purely to delight the senses.
Conclusion
For over a century across multiple generations, the Rolls-Royce Phantom has remained the absolute pinnacle of automotive luxury. It pushes boundaries of design and materials to create a singular experience unmatched by any other conveyance. Ownership signifies belonging to an exclusive club that values heritage, distinction and exclusivity above all else. As the rest of the automotive industry rushes towards an uncertain high-tech future, the enduring vision of beauty, craftsmanship and grandeur embodied in the Phantom serves a vital role anchoring the legacy of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
