Handcrafted Luxury in an Age of Mass Production
Nearly a quarter of a century in production – and in the end, only 374 units built. While other manufacturers were churning out hundreds of thousands of cars, Rolls-Royce took its time, perfecting every last detail. The Phantom VI was not about mass production; it was about craftsmanship, exclusivity, and timeless elegance.
That philosophy extended to its bodywork. Introduced in 1968 and built until 1993, the Phantom VI was the last Rolls-Royce with a traditionally coachbuilt body. While the rest of the industry had long since embraced monocoque construction, Rolls-Royce remained steadfast in a tradition that already seemed like a relic from another era.
Customers didn’t buy a complete car from Rolls-Royce; they purchased a rolling chassis and then commissioned a bespoke body from H. J. Mulliner Park Ward. This "snail mail" approach to automobile production was anything but efficient. H. J. Mulliner Park Ward, once independent, had by then become an in-house subsidiary of Rolls-Royce, formed from the merger of two famed coachbuilders: H. J. Mulliner and Park Ward.
Technical Evolution, Timeless Design
Underneath its grand exterior, the Phantom VI saw gradual technical improvements over the years. The V8 engine’s displacement increased from 6.25 to 6.75 liters. The old-fashioned four-speed automatic transmission was replaced with a more modern three-speed unit. The braking system was upgraded with high-pressure hydraulics and improved drum cooling for better performance. Yet, despite these advancements, the Phantom VI remained true to itself.
The Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Factory End of 60th, early 70th
Its design was always vast, imposing, and elegant, making it the vehicle of choice for royalty, heads of state, and eccentric millionaires with an abundance of patience. A new Phantom VI could cost up to a million US dollars by the end of its production run. And because each car was custom-built, the waiting time for delivery often felt like an eternity. This exclusivity made it one of the most prestigious automobiles of its time.
Bulletproof? Only for the Passengers!
A particularly fascinating chapter in the Phantom VI story is the seven "Special Limousines." At first glance, they looked just like a standard Phantom VI, but a closer inspection revealed some unique features. The passenger compartment was equipped with bulletproof glass and armor plating – but the poor chauffeur remained unprotected. Perhaps the customers considered drivers replaceable, should an attacker fail to appreciate the nobility of the vehicle.
Royal Approval
The British Royal Family had a special fondness for the Phantom VI. Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother had her own personal Landaulette. Her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, owned two Phantom VIs. One, nicknamed "Oil Barrel," had an extended roof height and a plexiglass dome to provide extra headroom for the occupants. The second, delivered to the Royal fleet in 1987, was known as "Lady Norfolk" and remains in service at the Royal Mews to this day.
A Grand Farewell
Over time, sourcing parts for the Phantom VI became increasingly difficult and expensive, as many components dated back to the Silver Cloud era. In 1991, Rolls-Royce took its final customer order for a Phantom VI. Two years later, the very last example rolled out of Crewe: a striking black-and-red Landaulette with sumptuous red leather in the front and plush red velvet in the rear. Rolls-Royce originally intended to keep the car as a showcase of British automotive excellence.
But economic realities forced them to part with it. And so, the Phantom VI bowed out with grace – the final chapter in the long history of handcrafted luxury automobiles. While other manufacturers embraced aerodynamics, computers, and plastic, this car stood as a testament to British persistence – or, depending on your perspective, British stubbornness.
Picture credits: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars