Rolls-Royce Phantom Celebrates 100 Years With Eight Generations at Pebble Beach

Photo Credit: Rolls Royce

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has marked an extraordinary milestone at the 2025 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, celebrating 100 years of the Phantom, the marque’s most iconic and enduring nameplate. Introduced in 1925 as the successor to the Silver Ghost, the Phantom has become synonymous with engineering brilliance, technical refinement, and bespoke craftsmanship. Across eight generations, the Phantom has defined ultra-luxury motoring, establishing itself as the ultimate standard of automotive excellence.

To honor this legacy, Rolls-Royce curated a special “Phantom Centenary” class, assembling historically significant examples that span a century of innovation and elegance. For the first time in history, all eight generations were brought together for an exclusive photo and video shoot, including past Pebble Beach award winners and vehicles once owned by the British Royal Family and global leaders.

1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Brewster Ascot Phaeton – Nicholas & Shelley Schorsch, Audrain Collection

The Phantom I Ascot Phaeton is one of just 21 examples produced, combining performance upgrades such as aluminum cylinder heads and servo-assisted four-wheel brakes with exquisite design. Built in Springfield, Massachusetts, this car exemplifies American coachbuilding artistry with Murphy Coachworks modifications and remains a celebrated piece of Rolls-Royce history.

1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Gurney Nutting Sedanca Drophead Coupé – Peter Reynolds, Cardiff, Wales

Built on the Phantom II Continental chassis, this Sedanca represents the height of 1930s design. Crafted by Gurney Nutting and designed by A.F. McNeil, its long sweeping bonnet and timeless proportions are widely regarded as the pinnacle of pre-war luxury automotive styling. All 18 examples built still survive, underlining its lasting importance.

1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III H.J. Mulliner Sedanca de Ville – The Nethercutt Collection, California

As the last model developed with input from Henry Royce himself, the Phantom III introduced a V12 engine that set new standards of refinement. This Mulliner-bodied Sedanca de Ville embodies gothic elegance and once won Best of Show at Pebble Beach in 1957, reinforcing its legendary status.

1954 Rolls-Royce Phantom IV Hooper Landaulet – Stephen Brauer, St. Louis, Missouri

Exclusively reserved for royalty and heads of state, only 18 Phantom IV cars were ever built. This particular example, commissioned for Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, was code-named “Jubilee.” With Hooper Landaulet coachwork, it traveled worldwide aboard the royal yacht Britannia, serving the Palace for over four decades.

1961 Rolls-Royce Phantom V James Young Touring Sedanca – Stephen Brauer, St. Louis, Missouri

The Phantom V marked the close of the coachbuilt era at Rolls-Royce. This Touring Sedanca, one of only 11 built, features bespoke details tailored to its original owner, Mrs. Elsie Richter Tritton. Displayed at Earls Court prior to delivery, it represents a unique bridge between traditional craftsmanship and modern luxury.

1972 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI Mulliner Park Ward State Landaulette – Jim George & Pete DeAngelo, Michigan

Reserved for state and ceremonial use, the Phantom VI remains an enduring symbol of authority and prestige. This example, the only left-hand-drive State Landaulette built, was originally commissioned for the Republic of Ivory Coast. Its electrically operated convertible roof underscored Rolls-Royce’s technical mastery of the era.

2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom VII Coupe – The Richardson Collection, Los Angeles

A rare and exclusive model of the Goodwood era, the Phantom VII Coupe combined effortless power with bespoke artistry. With just 550 produced between 2006 and 2016, it remains the most exclusive modern Phantom. Its pillarless two-door design, V12 engine, and Starlight Headliner redefined grand touring for a new generation.

2023 Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII Platino – Private Collector, Washington D.C.

The Phantom VIII Platino epitomizes contemporary Rolls-Royce luxury, blending heritage with modern innovation. Limited to only 10 examples, it features platinum-inspired detailing, bespoke silk interiors, and the Series II update refinements. Powered by a twin-turbo V12, the Platino stands as the pinnacle of today’s Phantom family.

The centenary celebration at Pebble Beach highlighted not only the Phantom’s historic past but also its continued role as the benchmark of ultra-luxury motoring. By uniting all eight generations, Rolls-Royce underscored a century-long commitment to excellence and a future that continues to honor tradition while embracing innovation.