2004 Rolls-Royce Phantom Saloon
Registration no. X8 OPS
Chassis no. 4UX07240

Vickers' controversial sale of its Rolls-Royce and Bentley brands in 1997, although acrimonious at the time, allowed the two marques to reaffirm their traditional roles in separate ownership: Rolls-Royce continuing to provide the ultimate in luxurious motoring for the plutocracy under BMW's stewardship, with Volkswagen-owned Bentley catering for the wealthy owner-driver with sporting inclinations. Concluded in 1998, the deal left VW in control of the Crewe factory and it was not until January 2003 that Rolls-Royce would be officially re-established at its new home close to Goodwood in Sussex.

An historic model in the continuing history of the Rolls-Royce marque, the Phantom was the first all-new design to be introduced by the company following its takeover by BMW. To the relief of traditionalists it looked nothing like a BMW, despite the underlying technology. Produced at a new factory near Goodwood in Sussex, the Phantom revived a great name from Rolls-Royce's past that had always been synonymous with unrestrained luxury. In keeping with the tradition established by previous Phantoms, the newcomer was a very large motor car, outstretching the old Silver Seraph (the last Crewe-built Rolls-Royce) by 18" while boasting a radiator shell 4" taller. Priced at around £260,000 at time of launch, it was also 40% more expensive.

At 140.5", the new car's wheelbase was only fractionally shorter than that of the superseded Phantom VI that had ceased production in the 1990s; gone however, was the old pushrod V8 engine, its place being taken by an all-new 48-valve V12 of 6.7 litres capacity. Despite being normally aspirated, the latter produced 460bhp, comfortably exceeding the old engine's maximum when turbo-charged, albeit at a high (by Rolls-Royce standards) 5,300 revolutions. This abundance of power was transmitted to the rear axle via a six-speed automatic gearbox, while air-sprung suspension and automatic level control ensured that ride quality remained uncompromised. A top speed of 149mph put the 2½-ton Phantom within sight of the supercar league, though models destined for North America were electronically limited to 130mph.

Rolls-Royce's relatively small size and resulting lack of development funding had meant that evolution rather than revolution had characterised the progression of its cars; under BMW's stewardship however, the company was able to start afresh, embracing the best of modern technology. Thus the Phantom's bodyshell was a state-of-the-art aluminium space frame structure, stiffer yet lighter than the equivalent steel body, whose rear-hinged rear doors revived a practice from bygone days. This arrangement not only provided easy access for rear-seat passengers but also enabled photographs of the occupants to be taken unobstructed by the open doors, a positive advantage for a 'media savvy' clientele.

While the body structure represented the ultimate in automotive technology, its accoutrements remained entirely traditional in choice of materials, consisting of the finest hide trim, genuine woollen carpets and carefully selected wood veneers. Certain dashboard features recalled those of earlier models, while there was a choice of five-seater ('Lounge') or four-seater (Theatre') accommodation.

Currently displaying 9,630 miles on the odometer, which you should be aware is not the total mileage from new, this left-hand drive model was originally supplied to Manhattan Cars, New York, where five official Rolls-Royce post-production recommendations were carried out. Last taxed for the road to 31st October 2009, the Phantom in black, which has been shod with a set of custom alloys wheels at some time, has just been to R-R marque specialists P&A Wood for servicing and MoT testing (see invoice and remarks concerning suggested re-commissioning on file). Apart from the MoT certificate and associated paperwork, there are no documents with this UK registered motor car, which is sold strictly as viewed.