The Rolls-Royce Phantom celebrates 100 years since its launch in 1925 with the Phantom I to the present Phantom VIII.
Since its birth, the Phantom has stood as the pinnacle of luxury and, most importantly, craftsmanship.
"To mark Phantom's centenary, Rolls-Royce designers have created a series of original artworks paying tribute to Phantom's legacy, celebrating the remarkable motor car's cultural impact through the decades and capturing the spirit of each of its eight generations", Rolls-Royce said in a press statement.
Series I
The Phantom series I, which was launched in 1925, called the “New Phantom” at that time, was designed to replace and also surpass the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, which at that time was labelled as the best car in the world according to the press.
The Series I was powered by a 7.7 litre pushrod-operated overhead valve straight 6 engine.
In the early years, Rolls-Royce cars were sold as a rolling chassis. The customer would then commission a separate coachbuilder to build a body according to the customer's needs and taste, which made the Series I a very unique ride.
Series II
Launched in 1929, the Series II represented an evolution from the Series I. While it maintained the classic Rolls-Royce approach of selling a rolling chassis to be bodied by a coachbuilder, the Series II resulted in a vast array of body styles, including sedans, convertibles and even coupes, each one with a unique design.
The engine was a more refined 7.7 litre straight 6, which used a new crossflow cylinder head to improve its performance. The engine was also bolted to a 4-speed manual transmission, which was a change from the gearbox setup on the Series I.
Series III
Introduced in 1936, this Rolls-Royce was the first to be powered by a V12 engine. The Series III was designed to be the ultimate luxury vehicle of its time, featuring advanced engineering and a level of sophistication unseen in previous models.
The Series III, which made an appearance in the James Bond film Goldfinger, was built just before World War II in 1939.
The most significant feature was its 7.3 litre 60-degree V12 engine with a four-speed transmission.
An independent front suspension and the V12 made the Series III a leader in the luxury car market and solidified Rolls-Royce's reputation for innovation and quality.
Series IV
"The Phantom IV has a rich history, having been designed specifically for the late Queen Elizabeth II at the behest of her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh. This model represents the close relationship between Rolls-Royce and the British royal family", Rolls-Royce stated.
Launched in 1950, the Series IV was produced for royalty and heads of state. The Phantom IV was never designed for public sale, with only 18 models ever produced.
The Series IV was the only Rolls-Royce to be fitted with an inline 8 cylinder engine. The 5.7 litre was a development of the B-range of engines designed for military vehicles.
The in-line engine was preferred because it was quieter and smoother than a V8, and it was tuned for effortless operation.
The Phantom IV is a true collector's item because of its rarity and its association with royalty.
Series V
Launched in 1959, the Series V was a luxurious limousine with a V8 engine that replaced the previous inline 8 of the Series IV.
The Phantom Series V had technological advancements such as power steering and an automatic transmission as standard, which elevated its level of luxury.
This vehicle was a symbol of status, an icon meant for formal occasions.
Series VI
The Rolls-Royce Series VI, produced from 1968 to 1991, holds a significant place in the history of Rolls-Royce as the last coachbuilt model, which was in production for over two decades.
It was the longest-running Phantom, representing the pinnacle of luxury and craftsmanship for royalty and heads of state.
This model marked the end of an era of classic cars and separate-chassis Rolls-Royce cars. The Phantom VI is seen as the last of the true Phantoms from the original company before the brand's acquisition by BMW and the subsequent rebirth of the nameplate.
The Phantom VI signified the future of Rolls-Royce and the Phantom lineup.
Series VII
The Phantom VII is the first model produced in 2003 by Rolls-Royce under the ownership of BMW and represented a complete reinvention of the brand, blending classic Rolls-Royce heritage with modern technology and engineering.
Designed by the late Ian Cameron, the Phantom VII kept the classic look but with modern styling. The Rolls-Royce's rear-hinged doors, also known as suicide doors, were a signature feature, adding to the car's entry and exit experience.
The car was packed with advanced technology. It featured a retractable information screen, climate control and a sophisticated suspension system that provided the famous magic carpet ride.
It produced the Phantom long wheelbase version, the coupe and the drophead coupe.
The Phantom VII was a pivotal car for Rolls-Royce because it successfully modernised the brand whilst respecting its heritage.
Series VIII
The Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII, launched in 2017, is the current and eighth-generation model of the iconic luxury sedan.
It is the first model to be built on Rolls-Royce's new all-aluminium space-frame platform, which the company calls the Architecture of Luxury.
The Series VIII features a 6.75 litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine. It is a significant change from the VII's naturally aspirated engine, and a lot faster and smoother.
The interior is an oasis of luxury with the use of sound-deadening materials, including over 130kg of acoustic insulation, ensuring one of the quietest rides ever.
The starlight headliner, with its thousands of hand-placed fibre optic lights, remains a popular and mesmerising luxurious feature.
The Series VIII has rear axle steering for maneuverability and a self-levelling air suspension system that uses a stereo camera to scan the road ahead and automatically adjust the suspension for bumps and imperfections.
Phantom Series VIII is the epitome of automotive luxury, with a combination of the brand's history and forward-thinking technology solidifying its place as the benchmark for super-luxury sedans.
"These remarkable motor cars not only serve as the pinnacle of luxury but also a canvas for personal expression. From intricate cultural heritage to contemporary artistry, Phantom continues to transcend the automotive world, shaping and reflecting the cultural landscape around it", Rolls-Royce concluded.