Rolls-Royce Phantom: eight generations of luxury

PHANTOM V - 1959: Numerous compared with the fourth Phantom, the Phantom IV’s production run extended to 516 units. John Lennon’s psychedelic example helped to seal the model’s place in history.

PHANTOM VIII - 2018: The latest Phantom will arrive on roads in 2018 with promise of unprecedented levels of comfort, interior luxury and quality. The second Phantom to be built under BMW ownership has been developed through a six year programme.

PHANTOM VII - 2003: BMW bought the Rolls-Royce name and other intellectual property in 1998, and five years later, the Phantom VII was born. Its 13-year production run made it one of the longest-serving cars on the market at the time.

PHANTOM VI - 1968: Using an updated Phantom I engine with a brand new chassis, the Phantom II’s appeal was further strengthened by being gifted to Marlene Dietrich in 1930. That car last changed hands in 2012, for just over £400,000.

PHANTOM IV - 1950: The first Phantom IV was delivered to Princess Elizabeth in 1950, after Rolls replaced Daimler as the Royal Family’s preferred supplier of cars. Only 18 were built, exclusively for royalty and heads of state.

PHANTOM III - 1936: The Phantom III was a landmark, being the first V12 Rolls and the last car to be overseen by Henry Royce. Autocar recorded 87.5mph during testing. It was also famously driven by Auric Goldfinger.

PHANTOM II - 1929: Using an updated Phantom I engine with a brand new chassis, the Phantom II’s appeal was further strengthened by being gifted to Marlene Dietrich in 1930. That car last changed hands in 2012, for just over £400,000.

PHANTOM I - 1925: The Phantom I, built in both the USA and the UK, replaced the Silver Ghost. It had a lot to live up to, the latter having been named ‘best car in the world’ after the 1913 Alpine Trial.