A CENTURY OF POWER AND INFLUENCE: THE ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM AT 100
- Rolls-Royce reflects on Phantom’s enduring influence on the world
- Underscores the long history of highly personal Bespoke Phantoms
- Through its notable owners, Phantom has reflected and shaped contemporary culture
- Present at great moments in cultural, political and world history
- As the ultimate Rolls-Royce, Phantom is the world’s pinnacle luxury product
Phantom has held a unique position at the top of the luxury world since 1925. Over eight generations, it has transported royalty, leaders, artists, and business icons, and been part of many key moments in modern history. Known for its classic design, Phantom became a way to show status, style, and influence.
To mark its 100th anniversary, Rolls-Royce designers have created new artwork celebrating Phantom’s cultural history. Taking inspiration from a 1910 commission given to artist Charles Sykes – the creator of the Spirit of Ecstasy – the new works echo the different lives and places Phantom has touched over the last century.
As Phantom turns 100, Rolls-Royce reflects on its legacy and the many influential people tied to it. These fascinating stories – and the exquisite images they inspired our designers to create – offer a glimpse of Phantom’s extraordinary reach, and the world-changing people and events it is associated with.”
THE ROYAL CONNECTION
While Montgomery’s Phantoms were present at major world events, others served royal households – especially in the United Kingdom.
In 1948, shortly after marrying Princess Elizabeth, the Duke of Edinburgh requested a Phantom for their use. This became the first Phantom IV, still in use today. This vehicle marked the beginning of a long relationship between the Royal Family and Phantom.
The British royals later added another Phantom IV, two Phantom Vs, and two Phantom VIs to their fleet. One of the most notable is the Silver Jubilee Phantom VI, presented to Queen Elizabeth II in 1977 to commemorate her 25 years as monarch. It was also used in 2011 at the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Elsewhere, a Phantom V played a role in founding a nation. Delivered in 1966 to Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi, it was used in his inauguration and in 1971, transported the first British Ambassador to the UAE to the formal unification ceremony.
British diplomats around the world also used Phantom as a symbol of influence. From Tokyo to Washington and New Delhi, Phantom helped make a statement. As former British Ambassador Sir John Fretwell once said, “My Rolls definitely helped at the Élysée – the guards always knew who was arriving.”
Whether on the world stage or in Britain, Phantom stood out. The Phantom V, released in 1959, was nearly 19 feet long. Some say British parking regulations were even adjusted to fit its size.
A SIGN OF AUTHORITY
Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery, a key military leader in World War II, was known for his no-frills lifestyle. His one luxury was his transportation. Understanding the power of image, “Monty” used two Phantom IIIs to signal strength and dependability, reassuring his troops he would stand with them during the toughest times.
Before the D-Day invasion in June 1944, he used one Phantom to drive Winston Churchill, General Eisenhower, and King George VI to meetings at Allied headquarters in Hampshire. After the war, he used the second Phantom to transport the Prime Ministers of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
JOHN LENNON’S PHANTOM
Not all Phantom Vs were for officials or royalty. In 1964, John Lennon bought a Phantom V to celebrate The Beatles’ success with A Hard Day’s Night. He asked for the car to be completely black, inside and out, though Rolls-Royce insisted on keeping the chrome grille and mascot. His car was also one of the first in the UK with dark-tinted windows.
In 1967, before Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band launched, Lennon had the Phantom repainted bright yellow with swirling designs and zodiac signs. It became a symbol of the Summer of Love. According to Lennon, an older woman once hit it with her umbrella, yelling, “You swine! How dare you do that to a Rolls-Royce!” – a moment that added to its legend.
THE KING’S PHANTOM
Elvis Presley, too, chose Phantom. He bought a Phantom V in 1963, outfitted with a built-in microphone and writing kit. After his mother’s chickens damaged its Midnight Blue paint by pecking at their reflections, he had it repainted Silver Blue. In 1968, he donated the car to charity – inspiring Leonard Cohen’s and Was (Not Was)’s song Elvis’s Rolls-Royce.
PHANTOM IN HOLLYWOOD
Hollywood was quick to adopt Phantom. Studio founder Jack Warner bought one, and stars like Fred Astaire, Greta Garbo, and Mary Pickford followed suit.
In 1964, a Phantom III appeared in Goldfinger, used by the villain to smuggle gold. That marked the first of a dozen appearances by Rolls-Royce vehicles in James Bond films. In 2024, Rolls-Royce marked the 60th anniversary of Goldfinger with a custom Phantom VIII, inspired by the original car’s black and yellow design.
That same year, we saw the premiere of The Yellow Rolls-Royce, featuring a 1931 Phantom II and a star-studded cast. The soundtrack’s song “Forget Domani” won a Golden Globe and was later recorded by Perry Como and Frank Sinatra – who also owned a Rolls-Royce.
A NEW GENERATION OF OWNERS
The Phantom VII, launched in the early 2000s, arrived as self-made entrepreneurs, celebrities, and social media influencers became the new faces of success. These new owners wanted to show their personalities, and Phantom became the perfect way to do that.
Many of them used platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook to share their Phantom experiences. It soon became a regular sight at red-carpet events and major public ceremonies. In 2012, three Phantom Drophead Coupés appeared at the closing ceremony of the London Olympics, seen live by hundreds of millions. Phantom had officially entered the social media age.
PHANTOM TODAY
Now, in its eighth generation, Phantom is still the ultimate symbol of presence and purpose. It continues to draw the people shaping today’s world. Every new custom build adds to its story – one that’s all about power, influence, and personal identity.
