Rolls-Royce Phantom VI

The Rolls-Royce Phantom VI is a high end British car made from 1968 to 1990 by Rolls-Royce. A total of 374 Phantom VIs were made, of which less than ten percent were manufactured in the last decade of production.[1]

For other models sharing the same name, see Rolls-Royce Phantom.

Rolls-Royce Phantom VI
Overview
ManufacturerRolls-Royce Ltd (1968–1973)
Rolls-Royce Motors (1973–1990)
Production
  • 1968–1990
  • 374 produced
[1]
AssemblyWest Sussex, England
Body and chassis
Body styleLimousines and other styles to buyer's choice
LayoutFR layout
RelatedRolls-Royce Silver Shadow
Powertrain
Engine
Dimensions
Wheelbase145 in (3,683 mm)
Length238 in (6,045 mm)
Width79 in (2,007 mm)
Height69 in (1,753 mm)
Curb weight2.5 t (2,500 kg) (approx.)
Chronology
PredecessorPhantom V
SuccessorSilver Spur Touring Limousine

Construction
1970 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI limousine, the official car used on ceremonial occasions to transport the Governor-General of Australia and visiting heads of state
1992 landaulet by Mulliner Park Ward – invoice price £498,365 or in 2018 pounds £1,015,169.40

Most of the coachwork was created by Mulliner Park Ward, usually in limousine form, although a few landaulets were made.

The Phantom VI was the last Rolls-Royce with a separate chassis. It featured coil springs in front, leaf springs and live axle in rear, and drum brakes on all four wheels. The car was powered by a 6,230 cc (380 cu in) 90-degree V8 with a bore of 104 mm (4.1 in) and stroke of 91.5 mm (3.60 in) with twin SU carburettors, coupled to a 4-speed automatic gearbox. In a 1979 upgrade the engine capacity was increased to 6,750 cc (412 cu in), a 3-speed automatic gearbox with torque converter was substituted, and separate front and rear air conditioning units were provided.[2] Inclusion of the engine from the Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit in 1982 increased engine displacement once more, to 6,750 cc. In 1990, the last Rolls-Royce Phantom VI chassis were built. However, as the completion of the coachwork by Mulliner Park Ward took around 18 months, the last cars were made in the period of the next two years.

Design of a Phantom VII based on the Silver Shadow's body was discussed in the 1970s, but plans were scrapped. No prototypes were built. A production Rolls-Royce Phantom VII was rolled out in 2003.

Owners

Queen Elizabeth II has two Rolls-Royce Phantom VIs: the Silver Jubilee Car and a more conventional 1986 model. These two cars were the official state cars until the introduction of the two Bentley State Limousines in 2002.

When in use by the Queen, the hood ornament, Spirit of Ecstasy is replaced by a model of St George slaying the dragon.

  • 1977 Silver Jubilee car carrying Kate Middleton
  • Phantom VI at Windsor Castle

In September 2010, a Phantom VI that belonged to Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the late Shah of Iran, was put on display in Niavaran Palace Complex in Tehran.

Legacy

Three other Phantom models were built between 1995 and 1997, also by order of the Sultan of Brunei. This car was named Rolls-Royce Cloudesque and sometimes referred to as Rolls-Royce Phantom VII.[3] The exterior is reminiscent of a stretched Phantom V Limousine; the extra length being added at the B-pillar. The boot is redesigned, looking more like that of a Silver Seraph. The headlights were designed in a Silver Cloud III style (but with chromed eyelids), hence the name Cloudesque.

References
  1. "Rolls-Royce Phantom VI". www.rrsilverspirit.com. Retrieved 9 March 2019.
  2. "Used Car Test: Rolls-Royce Phantom V". Autocar. 134 (nbr 3904): 47–49. 21 January 1971.
  3. "Rolls-Royce Cloudesque 1995 - 1997". Retrieved 3 October 2012.
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