The Phantom IV was a very exclusive model. Its limited production run and high-end clientele had made it one of the most sought-after collector’s items in the automotive world. Interestingly, there are only 16 known examples in private collections today which only adds to its allure.
Source: RM Sotheby’s
The Rolls-Royce Phantom IV was indeed a symbol of excellence, combining luxury, rarity, and unparalleled quality in one magnificent package. Only 18 glorious vehicles were ever produced, each commissioned by royalty, prestigious politicians, and religious dignitaries. The model was the epitome of luxury and attention to detail. Every aspect of the vehicle was carefully engineered to deliver the ultimate in sophistication and comfort, from its custom bodies crafted by the most talented coachbuilders of the day to its state-of-the-art technology. The Phantom IV was revered as the ultimate symbol of prestige, exclusivity, and exceptional quality during its production run.
Source: Flickr
The impact of the Second World War had a lasting effect on the British automotive industry. After the war, the demand for ultra-luxury vehicles like the Phantom diminished, leading Rolls-Royce to halt its production. However, a chance encounter with the Duke of Edinburgh changed the course of the brand’s history. The Duke was impressed by an experimental Bentley prototype with an inline 8-cylinder engine and requested a similar vehicle for the royal garage. This was a rare opportunity for Rolls-Royce as it had not been part of the British crown’s fleet since the early 20th century. To meet the Duke’s request, the company set out to create “the best car in the world” and designed a limousine based on the Silver Wraith. The engineers extended the chassis to 145 inches and fitted it with a 5675cc inline 8-cylinder engine, a departure from Rolls-Royce’s traditional use of quieter engines. Despite this, it was perfect for low-speed ceremonial parades. The vehicles were not produced at the usual factory in Crewe, but at an experimental foundry in Belper. The cost of the Phantom IV was kept confidential, and buyers were forbidden from reselling the car. Instead, they were required to return it to the factory in case they no longer needed it.
Source: RM Sotheby’s
This luxury limousine was a highly exclusive model, with only 18 units produced from 1950 to 1956, and was reserved for royalty, heads of state, and religious leaders. The 1954 edition was built on a long, 145-inch wheelbase and was powered by a 5.7-liter inline eight-cylinder engine, a departure from the V12 and inline-six engines typically used by Rolls-Royce. The car’s body was custom-built by some of the finest coachbuilders of the era, including H.J. Mulliner, Hooper & Co., and Park Ward, each of which crafted a unique design. The model was equipped with a wide range of luxury features, including spacious leather seats, walnut wood paneling, and a range of cutting-edge technologies, such as power windows, air conditioning, and a powerful sound system. The interior of the car was luxurious and sophisticated, designed to meet the high standards of its exclusive clientele, which included royalty and heads of state. The car’s spacious cabin was finished in the finest materials, including leather, wood, and chrome. The seats were upholstered in soft leather, and the interior was fitted with amenities such as power windows, climate control, and a state-of-the-art sound system. The cabin was also spacious, providing ample room for passengers to stretch out and relax. The 1954 edition was a true embodiment of luxury, refinement, and quality, and its exclusive production and use by royalty and heads of state made it a highly sought-after model, even today. The few remaining examples of the Phantom IV are highly prized by collectors and are considered to be some of the finest examples of vintage automotive design and engineering.
Source: People
The youngest daughter of British King George VI and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, sister of the late Queen Elizabeth II was one of the rare owners of the 1954 Phantom IV. For her scandalous behavior, she was nicknamed the “rebellious princess”. Margaret fell in love with Captain Peter Townsend of the Royal Air Force and even expressed her willingness to give up her title for him, but in 1953 the Anglican Church forbade her to marry a divorced man.
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