Phantom VI, The Crown Jewel of Rolls-Royce History

The Rolls-Royce Phantom VI holds a significant place in the marque’s legacy as the last model offered as a rolling chassis, marking the conclusion of a tradition that had endured since 1904.

Produced from 1968 to 1991, Phantom VI represents the zenith of coachbuilt craftsmanship, combining timeless luxury with continuous engineering advancements. Throughout its production, it became a symbol of exclusivity and luxury, adored by royalty and discerning owners alike.

Phantom VI’s introduction in 1968 was a defining moment for Rolls-Royce. As the final model available as a rolling chassis, it brought an end to a long-standing practice where clients could commission bespoke coachwork from independent builders.

This tradition had been integral to Rolls-Royce's identity since its early days, but with the arrival of Phantom VI, the brand moved towards offering complete vehicles. It marked both the culmination of a glorious coachbuilding era and the beginning of a new chapter in Rolls-Royce’s history.

Over its production span of two decades, only 374 units of the Phantom VI were built, with production significantly slowing in the 1980s. Only six units were completed after 1990. The model's most iconic commissions were undoubtedly the ones built for the British Royal Family, many of which continue to serve as part of the Royal fleet today.

Phantom VI was a direct evolution of its predecessor, the Phantom V, featuring numerous enhancements that improved its performance and safety.

Under the hood, a more powerful 6.75-liter V8 engine replaced the previous iteration, while a modernised three-speed automatic transmission took the place of the older four-speed gearbox. The car’s braking system was also upgraded with Silver Shadow-style hydraulics, ensuring better efficiency and heat dissipation.

“The launch of Phantom VI marked a significant chapter in the Rolls-Royce story; it would go on to become the marque’s final model offered as a rolling chassis, ending a line unbroken since 1904. However, the coachbuilding era ended in suitably magnificent style with Phantom VI. Launched in 1968, just 374 were built in a production cycle that extended over two decades; however, the 1980s can be regarded as its true heyday – only six examples were completed after 1990. The last fully coachbuilt Rolls-Royce, Phantom VI, had coachwork by H. J. Mulliner Park Ward, then a wholly in-house operation; the best-known commissions were likely those built for the Royal fleet, which remain in service today. It would be more than 20 years before coachbuilt motor cars of comparable quality and detail would become available when Rolls-Royce began its modern-day coachbuilding operation at Goodwood with ‘Sweptail’ in 2017. This was followed by the announcement of a dedicated department within Rolls-Royce named Coachbuild and the unveiling of Boat Tail in 2021, then Droptail in 2023. Phantom VI is thus an important marker in the Rolls-Royce story, as both the swansong of traditional coachbuilding, and a model for the new generation that would follow.” - Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations and Heritage at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Safety features were also updated to meet new legislation, including front-hinged doors with burst-proof locks, flush interior door handles, and a steering column designed to collapse on impact.

The car’s durability was tested dramatically, with the prototype Phantom VI passing crash tests by colliding with a 100-tonne concrete block at 30mph. Remarkably, the car passed the test with ease and was later rebuilt to continue its service as a courtesy vehicle in Switzerland.

Despite the declining demand for bespoke coachbuilding in the 1980s, Phantom VI remains a testament to this art. The model featured various unique commissions, with the "Special Limousines" standing out.

These vehicles were equipped with enhanced features, including thicker glass and armour plating, making the rear passenger compartment bulletproof and bomb-resistant. These adaptations were made for high-profile clients, though the chauffeurs were not given the same protection.

The Phantom VI also offered the last opportunities for clients to request traditional coachwork styles such as the Sedanca de Ville and Landaulette. Notably, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother chose a Landaulette with a roof design that could be altered for privacy, while her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II, had two Phantom VIs built for the Royal fleet.

As the 1980s progressed, it became increasingly difficult to source components from the Silver Cloud era, which eventually led to the cessation of Phantom VI production in 1991.

The final Phantom VI, a black and red Landaulette with bespoke features, was delivered in May 1991, bringing an end to an era that would not be seen again until Rolls-Royce’s modern-day coachbuilding renaissance began in 2017 with the unveiling of ‘Sweptail’.

In its 23-year production run, Phantom VI left an indelible mark on Rolls-Royce's history. It was a masterclass in traditional craftsmanship and engineering, an epitome of luxury, and the last Rolls-Royce to carry the mantle of bespoke coachbuilding before the brand embarked on a new era of personalised vehicles.

Phantom VI remains an iconic and revered model, both as a significant marker in the marque’s legacy and as a symbol of the pinnacle of craftsmanship in automotive design.