Rolls-Royce News

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 06, 2026

Rolls-Royce's New Phantom Regatta Is a One-Off Inspired by the Sea

With advancements in all areas of the automotive world, more specifically in the category of one-off configurations, personalizing a car has never been more intimate, especially with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Whether it's a patriotic trio of cars commemorating America’s 250th birthday or a one-of-one commission as a heartfelt tribute to a beloved dog, quite literally anything is possible when you're working with the Goodwood Studio. Rolls-Royce recently revealed the Phantom Regatta as the next addition to its bespoke portfolio, which will make its official public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this week.The one-of-one Phantom Regetta began life as a Phantom Extended before going head over heels into a full commission inspired by the sailing culture along England's southern coast, where famous regattas like Cowes Week have been held for generations. It also pays homage to the area surrounding Goodwood, where Rolls-Royce builds every Phantom today and where co-founder Sir Henry Royce once called home. GALLERY-EMBED The nautical theme carries right into the exterior, finished in a custom Regatta Blue over English White two-tone paint scheme that resembles the point where a yacht's hull meets the water. The polished 22-inch one-piece wheels feature a finish inspired by the polished hardware found on racing yachts. GALLERY-EMBED Step inside, and the yacht inspiration becomes even more obvious. The front cabin is wrapped in Navy Blue leather, while the rear switches to Grace White, mirroring the blue water beneath bright white sails. Turquoise embroidery adds even more color, but the real highlight is in the woodwork. The rear picnic tables took around 120 hours to complete and were built to reflect the deck of a luxury yacht using carefully matched Royal Walnut with thin Black Bolivar wood inlays. GALLERY-EMBED Across the dashboard, a hand-painted artwork portrays the movement of the sea, while the Starlight Headliner recreates the swirling tides around the Isle of Wight. Even the air vents hide engraved 50°52'12"N 00°44'24"W and 50°51'13"N 00°44'40"W coordinates pointing to Goodwood, adding one last personal touch. Making waves at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, no pun intended, the Phantom Regetta will be on display with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars for all in attendance to see. Check out all Rolls-Royce Phantom inventory for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the button below. All Rolls-Royce Phantom Inventory Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 02, 2026

Rolls-Royce Celebrates America's 250th Birthday With Three Bespoke Commissions

For over a century, the United States has played a pivotal role in the history of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. It remains the only country outside of England to have ever manufactured Rolls-Royce cars, with its Springfield, Massachusetts, factory producing for American buyers in the early twentieth century. Today, those Springfield-built Rolls-Royce examples have carved out a niche in the collector car world, representing a defining moment in the marque’s history. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars celebrated the 250th anniversary of the United States by unveiling three bespoke builds in the nation’s capital as part of an exclusive event.Led by Sir Christian Turner KCMG, British Ambassador to the United States, at his residence in Washington, D.C., the guest list included leaders from government, diplomacy, and the automotive industry. The real stars of the evening proved to be three exclusively handcrafted commissions hailing from the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, England, drawing inspiration from the colors of the American flag. The three flagship models chosen to represent Rolls-Royce for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity are the Cullinan, Phantom, and Ghost. The collection includes a Bohemian Red Cullinan, symbolizing the strength, courage, and entrepreneurial spirit that have shaped the country for generations; an English White Phantom, inspired by America's founding ideals, timeless and enduring pursuit of excellence; and an Iguazu Blue Ghost, embodying optimism and the limitless horizons that continue to define the American spirit. Instead of applying patriotic colors, Rolls-Royce took a more thoughtful approach, using personalization to tell the story of the United States through three iconic. All in all, the celebration honors more than the three one-off examples; it solidifies the connection between America and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. North America remains the marque's largest global market, with more bespoke commissions delivered to American clients than any other region worldwide. View all Rolls-Royce inventory for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. All Rolls-Royce Inventory Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

The New Rolls-Royce Phantom Arabesque Has The First Rolls-Royce Laser-Engraved Hood

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 12, 2026

New Bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantom Arabesque Unveiled

The Rolls-Royce Phantom is, to many, the ultimate luxury sedan. A V12 engine under the hood, a massive footprint, and unapologetically opulent design and craftsmanship have made it a universal symbol of grandeur, and thanks to Rolls-Royce Bespoke, which constantly pushes the boundaries of craftsmanship and attention to detail, customers can enjoy a level of luxury that coachbuilding offered in the early 20th century. The latest masterpiece to come from Rolls-Royce Bespoke is the new Rolls-Royce Phantom Arabesque, which is a new one-off that was curated at the Rolls-Royce Private Office Dubai, a concept that brings the configuration experience and expertise from Goodwood to luxury hubs across the globe. The inspiration behind much of the configuration mashrabiya latticework, a geometric motif that is seen throughout architecture and design in the Middle East, and its most prominent incorporation is in the laser-engraved hood of the car, the first of its kind to ever be fitted to a Rolls-Royce. The technique used to achieve the laser engraving on the hood is a newly patented one, and the result of a five-year development program from Rolls-Royce’s Exterior Surface Center. Inspired by Italian sgraffito, which reveals colors by removing upper layers, the hood is painted in a dark color first, which is sealed in layers of clear coat. Then, a lighter top layer is applied, which is engraved at a depth of just 145-190 microns to reveal the dark color underneath. The result is a finish that is not only two-tone, but also three-dimensional. <- Gallery -> The main body of the new Rolls-Royce Phantom Arabesque is finished in Diamond Black, with the upper surfaces finished in Silver. The coachline is also painted in Silver, and the Pantheon Grille of the vehicle is illuminated with a dark chrome surround, with 22-inch wheels completing the exterior configuration. Inside, the Phantom Arabesque features a Phantom Gallery that spans the width of the front fascia, featuring marquetry artwork made out of Blackwood and Black Bolivar wood, echoing the same mashrabiya technique in its design. The upholstery is done in Selby Grey and Black leather, with mashrabiya-inspired embroidery on the headrests, and the final bespoke touches include Starlight doors and illuminated treadplates with the same pattern as the laser-engraved hood. With never-before-seen techniques and uncompromising luxury craftsmanship throughout, the new Rolls-Royce Phantom Arabesque is an ode to opulence and Middle Eastern architectural tradition. View All Rolls-Royce Phantom For Sale Image Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

A white Rolls-Royce Phantom luxury sedan with black accents is parked indoors against a dark, illuminated background, celebrating Rolls-Royce Honors 100 Years Of Phantom With Groundbreaking Private Collection.

By Charles Bradley – October 22, 2025

Rolls-Royce Honors 100 Years Of Phantom With Groundbreaki...

To celebrate 100 years of Phantom, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has launched a truly landmark creation: the Phantom Centenary Private Collection, limited to just 25 examples worldwide. It stands as the most complex and technologically ambitious private Rolls-Royce ensemble ever seen. For 100 years, Phantom has been chosen by the world’s most influential figures as the ultimate symbol of success and discernment. To mark this milestone, the Bespoke Collective – a collaboration of designers, engineers, and artisans – immersed themselves in Phantom’s lineage, crafting a collection that honors the brand’s past, defines its present, and projects the principles that will guide it forward. The collection’s interior celebrates pivotal figures, notable clients, significant models, journeys, places, and moments that shaped the first century of Phantom. More than 77 hand-sketched motifs were translated into exquisite archival references through couture textiles, embroidered leather, laser etching, and avant-garde woodcraft. Seating as Storytelling The rear seats feature high-resolution printed fabric developed in partnership with a fashion atelier, completed with over 160,000 stitches. The layered design depicts historic locations tied to Phantom – from the original Conduit Street showroom in London to Henry Royce’s southern France retreat – together with a montage of Phantom models and abstract portraits of notable owners. The panels span 45 sections and were tailored at the Home of Rolls-Royce using Savile Row-inspired techniques. Laser-etched leather continues the narrative in the front seats. Motifs include a rabbit (the codename for Rolls-Royce’s 2003 relaunch) and a seagull (the codename for the 1923 Phantom I prototype), all drawn from hand-sketched line work inspired by Phantom’s heritage. Woodwork as Art The wood panels mark another Rolls-Royce first: marrying three-dimensional marquetry, ink layering, and 24-karat gold leafing. Rear doors depict Henry Royce’s winter retreat in Le Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer; front passenger doors feature West Wittering, near his summer home; and the driver’s door recognizes the first Goodwood Phantom’s 4,500-mile journey across Australia. Roads and flora are carved from gold leaf, while stitched “roads” continue across adjacent leather panels. Even the picnic tables incorporate mirrored etchings of the 1925 Phantom I and the current Phantom VIII. Exterior Brilliance The cars sport two-tone exteriors: Super Champagne Crystal over Arctic White on lower sides, and Super Champagne Crystal over Black above. The effect is deepened by doubling the champagne-colored glass-flake content in the clear coat. On the hood sits a reinterpretation of the first Spirit of Ecstasy, cast in solid 18-karat gold, plated in 24-karat gold, and hallmarked with a Phantom Centenary stamp. The base is finished in white enamel with the collection’s name. The signature “RR” Badge of Honor is executed in 24-karat gold and enamel. Phantom disc wheels carry 25 engraved lines – one for each car in the collection – with a total of 100 lines commemorating Phantom’s centenary. Above, the Starlight Headliner includes 440,000 stitches, illustrating Phantom history with symbols like the mulberry tree at Goodwood and honeybees referencing the Rolls-Royce apiary. Hidden details nod to legends like Sir Malcolm Campbell’s Phantom II “Bluebird.” This collection is nothing short of a golden legacy. It embodies the same spirit that created Phantom itself: a relentless commitment to unchallenged quality, exquisite narrative, and the ambition to build the world’s finest motor car. View All Rolls-Royce Phantoms For Sale Images: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

The interior of an ornate vintage carriage with elaborate woodwork, floral upholstery, and decorative painted details on the door evokes the bespoke luxury found in a classic Rolls-Royce Phantom.

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 08, 2025

100 Years Of Bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantoms

Rolls-Royce looks back on a century of bespoke Phantom excellence. Known today as one of the world’s most coveted and celebrated ultra-luxury automotive manufacturers, Rolls-Royce is responsible for creating some of the greatest luxury cars of all time. One of those is, of course, the Phantom, the flagship model from Rolls-Royce whose name has represented the pinnacle of Rolls-Royce luxury for a century since it was first introduced in 1925. Having 100 years of ultra-luxury excellence to look back on, Rolls-Royce has spent the year celebrating the centenary of the Phantom, and its latest retrospective explores bespoke versions of the ultra-luxury model throughout the years. Today, Rolls-Royce Bespoke reaches daring heights of craftsmanship, allowing clients to express themselves to an incredible degree with bespoke paint colors, unique interior finishes, stunning embroidery, painstaking woodwork, and unique art displays in the case of the Phantom Gallery. However, bespoke iterations of the Phantom have been a part of Rolls-Royce’s repertoire for almost the entire century that the nameplate has been in existence. Some of the first commissions of the Rolls-Royce Phantom I featured elaborate details for owners like Indian Maharajas, and a Phantom VI made for the Lord Mayor of London featured an armrest made to hold the ceremonial mace during public appearances. Many early Phantom owners opted for privacy curtains in the cabin, a feature still available today, and a Phantom IV for the British Royal Family featured seats that could slide back and forth to hide occupants when need be. Another Phantom V featured a Perspex dome for a transparent view, with a cover for privacy. John Lennon’s Phantom V was one of the first cars in Britain to feature tinted rear windows, and in 1928, Otto Oppenheimer, who ran the London operations of De Beers at the time, opted for a secret compartment to transport uncut diamonds in a Phantom, and only he, Rolls-Royce, and the coachbuilder knew its location. Bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantoms also evolved with style movements throughout the century of its existence, with many of the first being inspired by the Art Deco movement with opulent treatments, and more minimal approaches taking over with luxurious materials still being used in later examples, like the Queen’s Light Grey and Baroda Blue Phantoms in the 1950s and ‘60s. During the era of Prohibition in the United States, Bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantoms featured secret compartments for liquor, with the end of Prohibition ushering in vehicles with prominent and visible drinks cabinets. Other features seen in Rolls-Royce Phantom commissions include a Phantom II with a gramophone, radios in Phantoms from the 1930s, and a television in a Phantom from the 1960s. One Phantom owned by Elvis Presley even had a microphone installed. Today, features like the Starlight Headliner, Phantom Gallery, and other stunning ultra-luxury craftsmanship touches from Rolls-Royce are highlights of the Bespoke Phantom experience, and while it features cutting-edge technology and artisan craftsmanship now, the tradition of bespoke excellence in the Rolls-Royce Phantom is one that stretches back roughly 100 years. View All Rolls-Royce Phantom For Sale Image Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Black textured panel with circular speaker grilles and a wavy gold line, featuring embossed botanical patterns, detailed etching, and intricate woodwork inspired by Rolls-Royce craftsmanship.

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 30, 2025

Rolls-Royce Unveils Its Most Intricate Woodwork Yet

Some of Rolls-Royce’s greatest craftsmanship yet comes out of the woodwork. Rolls-Royce Bespoke is the avenue through which clients of the ultra-luxury manufacturer are able to turn the opulent vehicles into incredibly unique personal statements, heirlooms, and ultra-exclusive masterpieces with the greatest degree of luxury that Rolls-Royce is able to offer. With the introduction of Private Offices from Rolls-Royce across the globe, the Rolls-Royce Bespoke configuration experience that was typically only available at Rolls-Royce’s home of Goodwood is now featured in some of the world’s most important luxury hubs. As the Rolls-Royce Phantom celebrates its 100th anniversary since its introduction in 1925, the flagship Rolls-Royce nameplate is looking back on a century of dominating the automotive ultra-luxury arena, and a new Rolls-Royce Bespoke Private Collection is set to debut soon to mark that milestone. Created to celebrate a hundred years of pinnacle luxury, the new Private Collection is set to feature some of the most incredible craftsmanship Rolls-Royce Bespoke has ever produced, including the most intricate woodwork in Rolls-Royce history. The new woodwork brings new techniques to the fold that have never been seen before in a Rolls-Royce: 3D marquetry, 3D ink layering, and 24-carat gold leafing. As part of the incredibly meticulous process involved in creating the special woodwork, Rolls-Royce artisans underwent special training as part of the year-long development process. Originating in hand-drawn sketches, the special techniques used on the woodwork are employed to visually tell the story of places and moments that were pivotal to the Rolls-Royce Phantom’s hundred-year legacy. With an unprecedented level of artisan craftsmanship, fastidious technique, and opulence, the upcoming Rolls-Royce Bepsoke Private Collection is about to be the most captivating rendition of the Phantom yet, worthy of an ultra-luxury legend celebrating 100 years of excellence. View All Rolls-Royce Phantom For Sale Image Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

A collage featuring a modern Rolls-Royce Phantom, a memorial plaque for Sir Henry Royce, and an old black-and-white photo of a man beside a vintage car, celebrating the 100-year legacy of Rolls-Royce.

By Khris Bharath – September 24, 2025

Phantom at 100: Rolls-Royce Traces the People and Locatio...

We've been on a journey with Rolls-Royce for much of 2025, with extensive coverage on how the British marque is celebrating the Phantom's centenary. It began in January, when Rolls-Royce first officially announced the anniversary, and from there, we watched the brand honor its flagship sedan or saloon (if you’re British) in a series of powerful moments throughout the year. In May, we covered the famous people who've owned a Phantom, from royalty, music legends, to film stars. That same month, we also touched on how a one-off Phantom Goldfinger stole the show at Villa d'Este. The celebrations peaked in August, when all eight generations of the Phantom appeared at Pebble Beach, followed by a tribute to the car’s place in music history. The anniversary came full circle, more recently at the Goodwood Revival, where Rolls-Royce reunited historic Phantoms with period racing. As the year comes to a close, and to better understand why the Phantom has remained the ultimate motoring benchmark, Rolls-Royce is now taking a moment to reflect upon the Phantom's journey, highlighting some of the key figures and places that defined its century-long legacy. From the onset, Rolls-Royce positioned itself as the car for people at the pinnacle of their careers. The partnership between Charles Rolls, an aristocrat with a passion for racing, and Henry Royce, the self-taught engineer who built a reputation for reliability, was a perfect match. Their historic collaboration in 1904 would lead to the Silver Ghost, a legendary model that solidified their reputation for building the finest motorcars in the world. Claude Johnson, often called the "hyphen" in Rolls-Royce, convinced the duo to build it in 1907, and the rest, as we know, is history. After completing a 15,000-mile trial with less than $10 in repairs, the car became a rolling statement: quality outlasts price. That fastidious pursuit for perfection and craftsmanship carried through into the Phantom, which first hit the scene in 1925. From his winter retreat in France, Sir Henry Royce personally oversaw the first Phantom's development at Villa Mimosa, testing cars on the sweeping coastal roads of the Côte d’Azur on the French Riviera. Today's Canadel wood paneling and Duality Twill fabric can directly trace their origins to that time and place. Back in England, Royce also personally signed off on every component in West Wittering, making 400-mile round trips just to do it. You have to wonder: what other founder would commit to that level of oversight? London, meanwhile, gave Phantom its cultural gravitas as Charles Rolls had established one of the city’s first luxury car showrooms as early as 1905, near Savile Row, in the upscale Mayfair district. Decades later, in the late the early 2000s, in a Hyde Park studio known as "The Bank," designers created the modern Phantom, borrowing the "waft line" from a 1930s Phantom II. At precisely 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 2003, the very first Goodwood-era Phantom (now under BMW ownership) began a 4,500-mile crossing of the Australian outback, showing that Rolls-Royce wasn’t just back, but it was once again redefining luxury travel on a global scale. Earlier this year, that same car returned to Goodwood for inspection, a powerful symbolic full-circle moment. In 2011, Phantom Experimental Electric, or 102EX, hinted at the EV era long before the all-electric Rolls-Royce Spectre coupe became a reality, laying the groundwork for the marque’s future direction. Rolls-Royce’s legacy, of course, extends beyond its cars, because the company’s Merlin engines famously powered Spitfires and Hurricanes during the Battle of Britain, and their post-war expansion into commercial aviation subsidized the craftsmanship of their hand-built cars. As for the Phantom, if its 100-year legacy has been shaped by geography and people, we wonder how the future of this Stately limousine will be shaped over the next century. View All Rolls-Royce Phantoms For Sale " width="680"> Source: Rolls-Royce

A vintage black and beige Rolls-Royce is parked on a road, with bright red flowers in the foreground and green trees in the background – a scene reminiscent of the elegance found at Goodwood Revival.

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 15, 2025

Rolls-Royce Brings Historic Phantoms To Goodwood Revival

A century of ultra-luxury comes to the Goodwood Revival. The Rolls-Royce Phantom is a nameplate that has been undeniably revered and celebrated by the automotive industry for decades. Representing the pinnacle of the luxury that Rolls-Royce offers, few vehicles have ever been able to exude the level of opulence and prestige that the Rolls-Royce Phantom has possessed over the years, and in 2025, the Rolls-Royce Phantom is celebrating its 100th anniversary as the manufacturer’s flagship model. Part of that year-long celebration took place at this year’s Goodwood Revival, an event bringing classic cars to race at the iconic venue right next to Rolls-Royce’s own home in England for an unabashed celebration of automotive history. Meanwhile, the Rolls-Royce Phantom was proudly on display as it celebrated a century of ultra-luxury excellence with five examples from throughout that 100 years. The first was an incredibly early Phantom: a 1926 Phantom I Brougham de Ville, commissioned by Clarence Warren Gasque as a gift for his wife, and featuring gorgeous custom details throughout, highlighting the incredible level of craftsmanship that would personify the Phantom throughout its history. The second is a Phantom II Continental Touring Park Ward, which was the production version of a car made for Henry Royce’s personal use. The specific example shown at Goodwood featured a sunroof. The third was a 1937 Phantom III, the fourth a Phantom IV Landaulette, an example of the rarest Phantom and the only Rolls-Royce with a straight-8 engine. The fifth is a 1963 Phantom V, which was ordered by Marks & Spencer for its chairman, Lord Marks. With a stunning spectrum that represents much of the Phantom’s respected legacy and rich history, the display of five historic Phantoms at the Goodwood Revival is a triumphant recollection of one of the greatest heritages in the automotive world. View All Rolls-Royce Phantoms For Sale Image Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

A Rolls-Royce Phantom is partially submerged in a swimming pool, its iconic "PHANTOM" lettering shimmering like music notes beneath the water's surface.

By Charles Bradley – August 22, 2025

From Keith Moon, Elvis and Lennon to Hip-Hop: Rolls-Royce...

Legend has it that Keith Moon, the brilliantly chaotic drummer of The Who, marked his 21st birthday by driving a Rolls-Royce into a swimming pool at the Holiday Inn in Flint, Michigan. The details vary – Moon later insisted it was a Lincoln Continental belonging to another guest, while others claim no car went into the pool at all. Yet the story grew so powerful that the only car anyone could imagine in the water was a Rolls-Royce. To celebrate Phantom’s 100th anniversary and its long-standing connection to rock mythology, Rolls-Royce recently brought the legend to life by submerging a retired Phantom Extended body shell into a swimming pool. That act underscores a legacy stretching back to the earliest days of modern music. Long before rock ’n’ roll, legends such as Duke Ellington, Fred Astaire, Count Basie, Ravi Shankar, Edith Piaf, and Sam Cooke recognized Rolls-Royce as the ultimate symbol of success, artistry, and personal style. Even the titans behind the music – Brian Epstein, Berry Gordy, and Ahmet Ertegun – chose Phantom as their statement of arrival. Marlene Dietrich: Falling in Love Again When Marlene Dietrich traveled to Hollywood in 1930 to film Morocco, she was already a star thanks to her breakout role in The Blue Angel and her signature song, Falling in Love Again. The Phantom became part of her journey as she crossed from Europe to America, embodying Hollywood glamour in its earliest years. Elvis Presley: All Shook Up By 1963, Elvis Presley was at the height of his fame and rewarded himself with a Midnight Blue Phantom V. Among its many bespoke features were a rear microphone, a writing pad in the armrest, and even a mirror and clothes brush so “The King” was always ready to make an entrance. The flawless paint finish, however, proved too tempting for Elvis’s mother’s chickens, which famously pecked at their reflections. Eventually refinished in Silver Blue, the car remains a charming piece of Presley lore. Liberace: I’ll Be Seeing You Flamboyant entertainer Liberace, once the highest-paid performer in the world, made Phantom part of his act. His 1961 Phantom V was covered in thousands of mirrored tiles and driven on stage during his Las Vegas residency – an audacious expression of his nickname “Mr. Showmanship.” John Lennon: Love Me Do In 1964, John Lennon commissioned a Phantom V in all black – windows, hubcaps, bumpers – complete with a cocktail cabinet, television, and even a refrigerator in the trunk. A few years later, reflecting his new minimalist aesthetic alongside Yoko Ono and The White Album, Lennon ordered a white Phantom V, which he used as both transportation and personal statement during a transformative period in his life. Sir Elton John: A Ride for the Rocketman Liberace’s influence carried into the next generation, inspiring a young Reginald Dwight – later known as Sir Elton John. By the 1970s, Elton had amassed his own collection of Phantoms. In one memorable story, while en route to a concert in Manchester in 1973 in his white Phantom VI, he spotted a newer Phantom in a showroom, ordered his chauffeur to stop, bought it immediately, and drove it to the show. Hip-Hop and Modern Music Icons The Phantom’s reputation has only grown in the modern era. Since the brand’s move to Goodwood in 2003, Rolls-Royce has been increasingly embraced by contemporary artists. By 2016, it had become the most name-checked luxury brand in hip-hop lyrics, appearing in songs by everyone from 50 Cent to Pharrell Williams. That lyrical dominance is no accident – the Phantom’s presence communicates success, artistry, and influence in a way no other automobile can match. A Century of Creative Expression Across generations, genres, and continents, Phantom has remained far more than a luxury car. From Dietrich and Presley to Lennon, Liberace, Elton, and today’s hip-hop stars, Rolls-Royce represents the ultimate canvas for personal expression and the definitive reward for creative brilliance. A century after its debut, the Phantom remains the “icon of icons” – forever linked with the legends who shaped the sound of modern music. View All Rolls-Royce Phantoms For Sale Source: Rolls-Royce Motors Cars

A classic Rolls-Royce Phantom is parked in a gravel driveway, featuring a colorful, psychedelic paint design with intricate patterns and motifs reminiscent of its famous celebrity owners.

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 02, 2025

Rolls-Royce Recaps The Phantom's 100 Years Of Celebrity O...

Rolls-Royce tells the century-long story of the Phantom. Very few automotive manufacturers in the history of the industry have been around for a hundred years, let alone a legendary flagship model nameplate. That is, however, the case for the Rolls-Royce Phantom, which has represented the pinnacle of the brand’s ultra-luxury approach to design, engineering, and craftsmanship for 100 years since first being introduced in 1925. Throughout that time, the Rolls-Royce Phantom has remained a mainstay in pop culture and a shining symbol of automotive excellence throughout the industry, and Rolls-Royce is honoring the incredible centenary by telling the story of the Phantom’s cherished legacy. Nicknamed ‘the Spartan General,’ Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery, 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein, who played an instrumental role during World War II, used two Rolls-Royce Phantoms, not only as his personal transport, but as a symbol of solidity and authority during the dark times of the war. A 1936 Phantom III was his day-to-day car, which was used to bring Winston Churchill, General Eisenhower, and even King George VI to planning sessions in the lead-up to D-Day. Another Phantom III assigned to the Chief of the Imperial General Staff was also used during wartime, with prominent passengers in that car, as well. The Royal Family of the United Kingdom made use of the Rolls-Royce Phantom throughout the flagship’s history, as well. The Duke of Edinburgh’s car was the first Rolls-Royce Phantom IV chassis, with the codename “Maharajah of Nabha” to keep it secret during development. The “Majarajah” car remains in active service at the Royal Mews today. Other Royal Phantoms include another Phantom IV, two Vs, and two VIs. However, the Phantom V has an impact in the UK beyond the Royal Family, with John Lennon of the Beatles famously commissioning one, originally in all black. However, the car’s most famous appearance came from a rebirth in 1967, when it was repainted yellow with an intricate floral motif. Silent film stars owned Phantoms, including Mary Pickford’s, which had a secret compartment for alcohol during the Prohibition years, and old Hollywood legends like Greta Garbo and Fred Astaire had Phantoms, as well. However, an incredibly notable appearance for the Phantom on screen was in Goldfinger, where the 007 film’s titular villain drove one to carry out his gold smuggling scheme. Over the years, Rolls-Royce would make 12 appearances in 007 films. The Yellow Rolls-Royce, a film that also premiered in 1964, also starred a Phantom as the connecting thread between its anthology of three stories. Elvis Presley also famously owned a Phantom, which was commissioned with touches reminiscent of his rock’n’roll legend status. In the 2000s, Goodwood became a new home for Rolls-Royce, and with it came an entirely new Phantom, one that has since transformed and become an even more permanent fixture in pop culture as an ultra-luxury car, with appearances in music videos like Snoop Dogg’s Drop It Like It’s Hot, and Drake’s Started From The Bottom. Brands like Hermès and visionary haute couture designers like Iris Van Herpen have used the Phantom as a canvas for stunning expression and avant-garde beauty, and its incredible craftsmanship and opulence have served as inspiration for fans and the basis for stunning commissions, one-offs, and luxurious automotive expressions. With over a hundred years of history, the Rolls-Royce Phantom shines as one of the greatest aspirational automotive icons and a representation of the best the luxury automotive industry has to offer throughout that entire century. Below are some of the best examples of the Rolls-Royce Phantom for sale right now, listed on duPont REGISTRY, the source for supercars since 1985. View All Rolls-Royce Phantoms For Sale 2017 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe View Listing 2019 Rolls-Royce Phantom View Listing 2006 Rolls-Royce Phantom View Listing 1969 Rolls-Royce Phantom V View Listing 2016 Rolls-Royce Phantom EWB View Listing 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe View Listing 1962 Rolls-Royce Phantom V View Listing 2024 Rolls-Royce Phantom View Listing 2025 Rolls-Royce Phantom View Listing 2024 Rolls-Royce Phantom EWB View Listing Image Source: Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe