A brief history of the Rolls-Royce Phantom VI

To this day, the Phantom VI remains Rolls-Royce's final model offered as a rolling chassis, ending a line unbroken since the marque's inception in 1904.

Launched in 1968, only 374 units were built in a production cycle that extended over two decades. The very last example to be completed was a Landaulette finished in black over red, with red leather in the front and red velvet in the rear compartment. Rolls-Royce had originally intended to retain the car itself, but recessionary pressures finally persuaded the company to part with it in 1993.

Like all Rolls-Royce models, the Phantom VI underwent various changes during its lifecycle, including a more powerful 6.75-litre V8 engine and a modern three-speed automatic gearbox to replace the original four-speed version inherited from the Silver Cloud era. It also had specially engineered brakes, which used the Silver Shadow-style high-pressure hydraulics to operate rams connected to twin master cylinders.

Changes in safety legislation required front-hinged doors with burst-proof locks, flush interior door handles, and a steering column that would collapse upon impact. New crash-testing protocols also meant the prototype Phantom VI chassis, PRH1500, suffered the indignity of being driven into a 100-tonne concrete block at 48km/h, one it passed with flying colours, so much so that it was subsequently rebuilt and is still in service as a courtesy car at a Swiss hotel to this day.

Although coachbuilding was by now a niche offer even for Rolls-Royce, the Phantom VI provided a fitting 'last hurrah' for this longstanding traditional craft. It was also the last truly coachbuilt Rolls-Royce to offer both Sedanca de Ville and Landaulette coachwork.

Two Phantom VIs remain in service with the Royal Mews of the British royal family. The first, codenamed 'Oil Barrel', had its roof height raised by 13cm and a Perspex rear cupola that could be quickly covered by a two-piece, black-painted aluminium dome when the occupants required privacy. The second, delivered for the Royal fleet in July 1987, was codenamed 'Lady Norfolk' and had a standard roof height.