The final seventh-generation Rolls-Royce Phantom has set sail from Goodwood, marking the decommissioning of the Phantom production line after 13 years. An all-new Phantom MkVIII is due to be unveiled later this year.
FEB 01st 2017
Rolls‑Royce bids farewell to the Phantom... for now
The last example of the car that put Rolls-Royce back on top as builder of the best car in the world is bowing out in grand style – 1930s ocean liner style.
To reflect its owner’s fascination for that golden age of travel, the extended wheelbase model – with Blue Velvet bodywork and Powder Blue leather interior – showcases a full range of the arts and crafts that have distinguished the Goodwood-built Rolls-Royces since the first under BMW’s watch was unveiled in 2003.
Marquetry inside the cabin depicts a stylised 1930s ocean liner, embroidery evokes the movement of the sea, the clocks display different time zones, lambswool rugs have been cut for an effect like a ship’s wake, and there are ocean-liner motifs in the coachlines – as well as a solid silver Spirit of Ecstasy.
It all amounts to a tribute to the craftspeople – many originally from the area’s boat-building and saddle-making industries – at what Rolls-Royce calls “a true global centre of luxury excellence in West Sussex.”
“Phantom has reset the standard by which all other luxury goods are judged,” said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars chief executive officer. “We look forward to building on Phantom VII’s remarkable success with the imminent arrival of its successor. A bold, new statement built on an all-new architecture promises to light the future of the world’s most celebrated name in luxury.”

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