In 1925, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars created a car known as the Phantom. Built under the project codename Eastern Armored Car, it seemed like the British luxury brand was preparing for war. Yet in reality, it was the automobile that would witness some of the greatest events in world history.
Fast-forward to 2017. Some 92 years later, the Rolls-Royce Phantom lives on, seven generations of ultimate luxury. It has become the motor car of choice of some of the most distinguished men and women of the world. Treaty signings, corporate takeovers, and significant world events have been its lot. And now, a new Phantom is about to be unveiled.
On July 27, 2017, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will reveal the eight-generation Phantom in Mayfair, London. But before the grand launch, a special tribute will take place over the next eight weeks where 8 of the world’s greatest and most significant Phantoms will be showcased.
Each of the Phantoms that span the car’s seven distinct generations will all meet up in London for a gathering like no other. It will show the world just how luxurious, powerful, and distinguished the nameplate is.
From the Phantom I, the badge has shown just how cutting-edge it has always been. When General Motors opened its proving grounds in Michigan, the 7.668-liter straight-6-equipped motor car was the only one that could complete two laps around the track at a steady 80mph. And it wasn’t even meant to be a performance machine, mind you. And the rest, as they say, is history.
To kick things off, the first Phantom will be the Fred Astaire Phantom, The car has been under the care of the Petersen Museum in Los Angeles and will journey all the way to London to take part in the prestigious event. It will be joined by a bevy of equally distinct examples that will chronicle the car’s rich and colorful past. And they will all welcome the future—the eight-gen Phantom.
