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.”