At one minute past midnight on 1 January 2003, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars ushered in a new era with the delivery of the first Phantom VII.
The model, built at the brand’s new Goodwood headquarters, marked the rebirth of Rolls-Royce under BMW ownership and set the standard for modern luxury, engineering, and bespoke craftsmanship.
Developed in secrecy and guided by traditional design principles, Phantom VII was shaped by historical influences, including the Silver Cloud, Silver Shadow, and coachbuilt Phantom II.
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Chief Exterior Designer Marek Djordjevic crafted its silhouette using classic Rolls-Royce proportions, such as the iconic ‘waft line’ and large, commanding presence, while integrating state-of-the-art technology and modern materials.
The car was built around comfort and elegance, both for driver and passengers, using an innovative aluminium spaceframe chassis—now the foundation of the brand’s scalable Architecture of Luxury. Inside, the Authority Concept placed controls intuitively for the driver and ensured effortless elegance for rear-seat passengers, with wide coach doors and elevated seating for a commanding view.
Under the bonnet, Phantom VII introduced a new 6.75-litre V12 engine, ensuring the effortless performance associated with Rolls-Royce.
It quickly became the preferred platform for the brand’s most bespoke expressions, with commissions like Phantom Aviator, Serenity, and the Art Deco Collection showcasing unmatched craftsmanship and creativity.
The influence of Phantom VII extended across the range, inspiring the Phantom Drophead Coupé, Extended Wheelbase, and Coupé—each maintaining exclusivity and desirability. It also debuted key features such as the now-iconic Starlight Headliner.
In production until 2017, Phantom VII was more than a car—it was the foundation of the modern Rolls-Royce era, establishing the marque’s reputation anew and proving that the spirit of the world’s finest motor car was not only alive but evolving.
Source: Rolls-Royce Phantom VII: Iconic Model of the 2000s from the Legendary Marque
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