Rolls-Royce Phantom VI

Rolls-Royce Phantom VI
1977 Silver Jubilee car carrying Kate Middleton
Overview
Manufacturer	Rolls-Royce Ltd (defunct 1973) Rolls-Royce Motors
Production	1968–1990 374 produced
Body and chassis
Body style	Limousines and other styles to buyer's choice
Related	Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow
Powertrain
Engine	6.2-liter (380 cubic inch) Rolls-Royce V8 (1968-1978) 6.75-liter (412 cubic inch) Rolls-Royce V8 (1979-1990)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	145 in (3,700 mm)
Length	238 in (6,000 mm)
Width	79 in (2,000 mm)
Height	69 in (1,800 mm)
Curb weight	2.5 tons (approx)
Chronology
Predecessor	Phantom V
Successor	none

The Phantom VI was an ultra-exclusive rolling chassis made from 1968-1990. From 1968 to 1973 it was manufactured by Rolls-Royce Ltd, and 1973-1990 by its successor Rolls-Royce Motors. Most were bodied as limousines, a few landaulettes, and at least one as a convertible.

The Phantom VI was used until 2002 as official state car by the British queen Elizabeth II.

Construction

Phantom VI at Windsor Castle

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 Landaulette by Mulliner-Park Ward — invoice price £498,365

Based on the Phantom V, the Phantom VI had a re-styled fascia (dashboard) and was powered by an engine derived from the current Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow. Most of the coachwork was created by Mulliner Park Ward, usually in limousines form, though a few landaulettes were made. At least two convertibles were built, one with two doors and the other with four, both by Frua of Italy.

The Phantom VI was the last Rolls-Royce with separate chassis. It featured coil springs in front, leaf springs in rear, and drum brakes on all four wheels. The car was powered by a twin SU carburettors 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), coupled to a 4-speed automatic gearbox. In a 1979 upgrade, 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.^[1] Inclusion of the engine from the Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit in 1982 increased engine displacement once more, to 6,750 cc.

A total of 374 Phantom VIs were made. 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.

Famous customers

Queen Elizabeth II's fleet of cars includes two Rolls-Royce Phantom VIs, the 'Silver Jubilee Car' presented by the British motor industry to celebrate her 25th anniversary on the throne in 1977, and a more conventional 1986 model. The Silver Jubilee Car, with its raised roof and enlarged glazed area, and the 1986 car were the official state cars until the introduction of the two Bentley State Limousines in 2002. Like all British state cars the Phantom VIs have a special mount for a Royal Standard and coat of arms. When in use by the Queen, the Spirit of Ecstasy is replaced by a custom-made solid silver model of St George slaying the dragon and the car carries no registration plates.

On the evening of 9 December 2010, one of these state limousines was attacked by student protestors as it carried The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall to the Royal Variety Performance in London. The couple were unhurt, but the car was spattered with paint and one of the side windows was smashed. Whilst the car's windows were toughened, it wasn't armoured.^[2][3] The Silver Jubilee car was used to carry Catherine Middleton to her wedding to Prince William, Duke of Cambridge.

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

A Rolls-Royce Phantom VI dating to 1970 is the State Car of the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia. It is typically used only on rare occasions, such as the State Opening of Parliament or the swearing-in of a new Governor-General.

Post manufactured Phantoms

Three other Phantoms 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.^[4] The exterior reminds one 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. "Used Car Test: Rolls-Royce Phantom V". Autocar. 134 (nbr 3904): 47–49. 21 January 1971.
2. "Could Charles and Camilla have been better protected?". BBC News. 10 December 2010.
3. "Royal car attack: Prince Charles and Camilla's Rolls Royce withstands student fees protesters. Daily Telegraph, 10 November 2010". Telegraph.co.uk. 2010-12-10. Retrieved 2011-05-01.
4. "Rolls-Royce Cloudesque 1995 - 1997". Retrieved 3 October 2012.

External links

• Rolls-Royce Phantom VI