The production of the Phantom IV began in 1950, tailored exclusively for use by the royal family and top-ranking officials. One of the car’s notable features was its ability to travel at a slow walking speed during official ceremonies without overheating. This official car was uniquely designed to serve the purposes of these high-profile individuals and stands out as a rare and exceptionally beautiful vehicle that befits the likes of queens and government officials.
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The Phantom IV was created as an embodiment of Rolls’ commitment to quality, luxury, and craftsmanship. Designed to be a luxury vehicle for the royal family and heads of state, this automobile was an example of the finest coachbuilding, engineering, and materials that money could buy. This model was rightfully called “The most exclusive Rolls-Royce ever made” since only 18 of these cars were assembled during the entire production period. All of them were available only to royalty or heads of state.
Source: Torre Loizaga
The Second World War left an indelible mark on the British automotive industry. So after the war, the brand no longer produced the ultra-luxury Phantom due to declining demand. However, when in the late 40s the company assembled an experimental Bentley prototype with an inline 8-cylinder engine, it was admired by the Duke of Edinburgh. After driving this luxurious car, he ordered a new limousine based on it for the royal garage. Rolls-Royce could not refuse such a brilliant opportunity, since at the beginning of the 20th century only Daimler cars were in the service of the British crown. Getting into the royal garage was the dream of almost all automakers. So, the company created “the best car in the world”. The engineers lengthened the Silver Wraith’s chassis to 145″ (3683 mm) and fitted the car with a 5675 ccs inline 8-cylinder engine. This was an interesting decision as Rolls-Royce never used the 8-cylinder engines as they were too noisy. However, for low-speed rides during ceremonial parades, such an engine was perfect. The vehicles were assembled not in Crewe, but at an experimental foundry in Belper. The price of the Phantom IV was never disclosed, and when buying, customers were forbidden to resell the car – in case of uselessness, they were obliged to return it to the factory.
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The 1956 car was equipped with an inline 8-cylinder engine and a 4-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission. At the front, the Phantom IV had independent spring suspension and hydraulic brakes, while at the rear it had a live axle with leaf springs and servo-assisted mechanical brakes. The bodies were traditionally made by British tailors and were characterized by a generally pre-war design: long streamlined fenders, free-standing headlights, sharp edges, a partially integrated trunk, and a monumental grille with a figurine of the “Spirit of Ecstasy”. The British royal family owned four more Rolls-Royce Phantom IVs: #4BP5, #4BP7, #4AF10, and #4AF12. Most buyers were in the Middle East. For the Iranian Shah, Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, Mulliner built a unique metallic blue convertible on the #4AF6 chassis. Unlike other Phantom IVs, it had wings integrated with the body and protruding headlights. It is known that this car was returned to the factory in 1959 due to running gear failures caused by bad Iranian roads.
Source: Drom
The spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims Aga Khan III owned a Rolls-Royce Phantom IV. The Imam sent the chassis to Hooper for a new bodywork of the Sedanca de Ville. As he preferred to ride in the front seat next to the driver, the front doors were made wider. Huge French headlights and long front fenders gave the car a special elegance. Another famous royal owner of the 1956 release was Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, who also owned a 1956 Hooper #4CS6 limousine, which he lost during the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
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