The Phantom nameplate from Rolls-Royce was first introduced in 1925, though it has not maintained continuous production throughout its existence. There have been notable interruptions, especially during and after World War II and again following the 1990s when the ownership of the Rolls-Royce automotive division changed hands.
The collaboration between founders Charles Rolls and Henry Royce in the early 20th century led to the creation of some of the most exceptional automobiles ever made. The Phantom, among these creations, has emerged as a quintessential emblem of opulence and engineering prowess, encompassing eight distinct generations since its initiation in 1925.
This timeline establishes the Phantom nameplate as the oldest currently in production, notwithstanding its production gaps. The initial model, referred to as the 40/50 H.P. Phantom, followed the earlier 40/50 H.P. Silver Ghost model. Rolls-Royce decided to use the Phantom name to replace the informal title of the Silver Ghost, effectively eliminating any confusion between the two iterations of the 40/50 H.P. chassis that were integral to these vehicles.
1926 Rolls-Royce Phantom I
With every new generation, the Phantom has upheld its status as the highest expression of Rolls-Royce’s craftsmanship and engineering, frequently serving as a foundation for unveiling advanced technologies. In earlier decades, numerous innovations were introduced on an individual chassis basis, exemplifying the brand’s bespoke character.
The most recent Phantom, introduced in 2017, incorporates a novel aluminum spaceframe architecture designed to bolster its luxury appeal. The model is equipped with 286 pounds of soundproofing material to ensure an extraordinarily serene cabin environment. A twin-turbocharged 6.75-liter V-12 engine powers the vehicle with a commendable 563 hp, enabling a smooth driving experience. Additionally, this generation has introduced a self-leveling air suspension and rear-wheel steering, which enhance ride comfort and handling precision.
As it looks to the future, the Phantom nameplate is set to undergo its most significant evolution with the expected arrival of the Phantom IX later in the decade. Rolls-Royce has pledged to manufacture solely electric vehicles moving forward, implying that the forthcoming Phantom will most likely be entirely battery-powered, signaling a transformative new chapter for this prestigious nameplate.
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