Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has marked the 100th anniversary of its flagship model, the Phantom, with a tribute to its cultural significance and enduring legacy as a global symbol of luxury, power and influence.
Queen Elizabeth II in Phantom IV
To celebrate the centenary, Rolls-Royce designers have created eight artworks inspired by the history and lifestyle of Phantom owners. The initiative references Charles Sykes’s 1910 oil paintings and underscores the brand’s ongoing commitment to bespoke craftsmanship.
Phantom I – Quintessentially British
First introduced in 1925, the Phantom has served as a vehicle of choice for royalty, world leaders, cultural icons and titans of industry. From Field Marshal Montgomery’s wartime transports to the British Royal Family’s ceremonial cars, the Phantom has consistently conveyed authority and refinement. Montgomery famously used the Phantom III to ferry Churchill, Eisenhower and King George VI during the D-Day planning stages. The Royal association began in 1948 with the Phantom IV, commissioned for Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh, a car still in service today.
Phantom II – The Golden Era of Travel
The Phantom’s global reach has extended far beyond Britain. In 1966, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan used a Phantom V at his inauguration as ruler of Abu Dhabi. The same car later played a role in the formation of the United Arab Emirates.
Phantom III – Lights, Camera, Action
Phantom has also made its mark in the arts and popular culture. John Lennon’s customised Phantom V became an icon of the 1960s counterculture, while Elvis Presley’s 1963 model inspired songs and charitable donations.
Phantom IV – Grand Occasions
In Hollywood, early adopters included Fred Astaire and Greta Garbo. The car appeared in the 1964 film Goldfinger, and more recently, a one-off Phantom VIII paid tribute to that legacy with the Phantom Goldfinger edition.
Phantom V – A Musician’s Dream
Today’s Phantom, now in its eighth generation, continues to serve as a platform for personal expression.
Phantom V – A Musician’s Dream
It has featured in high-profile events including the 2012 London Olympics closing ceremony and maintains a presence in global luxury through collaborations with institutions like the Serpentine and brands such as Hermès.
Phantom VII – A Sense of Arrival
Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, stated: “Phantom is much more than a motor car… it is a cultural phenomenon that both reflects and influences the world around it.”
Phantom VIII – The Pinnacle of Luxury
