Rolls-Royce Phantom VI
Encyclopedia
The Phantom VI was an ultra-exclusive Rolls-Royce model made from 1968-1991.
Based on the Phantom V
, the Phantom VI had a re-styled facia 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.
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 6230 cc 90 degree V8 with a bore of 104 mm (4.1 in) and stroke of 91.5 mm (3.6 in), coupled to a 4-speed automatic gearbox. In a 1979 upgrade, engine capacity was increased to 6750 cc, a 3-speed automatic gearbox with torque converter was substituted, and separate front and rear air conditioning units were provided. 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.
Queen Elizabeth II's
fleet of cars includes two Rolls-Royce Phantom VIs, the custom-built '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, was the 'Number One State Car' until the introduction of the two Bentley State Limousine
s in 2002. Like the other state cars, the Phantom VIs have no registration plates and 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
. On the evening of 9 December 2010, the car 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. The 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.
Based on the Phantom V
Rolls-Royce Phantom V
The Phantom V was a large, ultra-exclusive four-door saloon made by Rolls-Royce from 1959 to 1968.Based on the Silver Cloud II, it shared a V8 engine and General Motors Hydramatic automatic gearbox with its smaller sibling. Rolls-Royce assembled the cars' chassis and drivetrains with bodies made to...
, the Phantom VI had a re-styled facia and was powered by an engine derived from the current Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow
Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow
The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow is a luxury car that was produced in Great Britain in various forms from 1965 to 1980. It was the first Rolls-Royce to use a monocoque chassis, a response to concerns that the company was falling behind in automotive innovation....
. Most of the coachwork was created by Mulliner Park Ward
Mulliner Park Ward
Mulliner Park Ward was a bespoke coachbuilder in Hythe Road, Willesden, London UK.Mulliner now is the personal commissioning department for Bentley....
, usually in limousines form, though a few landaulettes were made.
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 6230 cc 90 degree V8 with a bore of 104 mm (4.1 in) and stroke of 91.5 mm (3.6 in), coupled to a 4-speed automatic gearbox. In a 1979 upgrade, engine capacity was increased to 6750 cc, a 3-speed automatic gearbox with torque converter was substituted, and separate front and rear air conditioning units were provided. Inclusion of the engine from the Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit
Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit
For the cruise ship see MS Silver SpiritThe Silver Spirit is a British saloon automobile made by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, in England. It was launched in 1980.The Silver Spur was a long-wheelbase version of the Silver Spirit, produced at the same time....
in 1982 increased engine displacement once more, to 6,750 cc.
Queen Elizabeth II's
Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom
Elizabeth II is the constitutional monarch of 16 sovereign states known as the Commonwealth realms: the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, Barbados, the Bahamas, Grenada, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Belize,...
fleet of cars includes two Rolls-Royce Phantom VIs, the custom-built '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, was the 'Number One State Car' until the introduction of the two Bentley State Limousine
Bentley State Limousine
The Bentley State Limousine is an official state car created by Bentley for Queen Elizabeth II on the occasion of her Golden Jubilee in 2002.The vehicle's twin-turbocharged, 6.75-litre V8 engine has been modified from Bentley's Arnage R version to produce and of torque. Its maximum speed is . The...
s in 2002. Like the other state cars, the Phantom VIs have no registration plates and a special mount for a Royal Standard
Royal Standard
The Royal Standard of the United Kingdom is the flag used by Elizabeth II in her capacity as Sovereign of the United Kingdom and its overseas territories...
and coat of arms
Coat of arms
A coat of arms is a unique heraldic design on a shield or escutcheon or on a surcoat or tabard used to cover and protect armour and to identify the wearer. Thus the term is often stated as "coat-armour", because it was anciently displayed on the front of a coat of cloth...
. When in use by the Queen, the Spirit of Ecstasy
Spirit of Ecstasy
The Spirit of Ecstasy is the name of the hood ornament on Rolls-Royce cars. It is in the form of a woman leaning forwards with her arms outstretched behind and above her...
is replaced by a custom-made solid silver model of St George
Saint George
Saint George was, according to tradition, a Roman soldier from Syria Palaestina and a priest in the Guard of Diocletian, who is venerated as a Christian martyr. In hagiography Saint George is one of the most venerated saints in the Catholic , Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, and the Oriental Orthodox...
slaying the dragon
Dragon
A dragon is a legendary creature, typically with serpentine or reptilian traits, that feature in the myths of many cultures. There are two distinct cultural traditions of dragons: the European dragon, derived from European folk traditions and ultimately related to Greek and Middle Eastern...
. On the evening of 9 December 2010, the car was attacked by student protestors as it carried The Prince of Wales
Charles, Prince of Wales
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales is the heir apparent and eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Since 1958 his major title has been His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. In Scotland he is additionally known as The Duke of Rothesay...
and The Duchess of Cornwall to the Royal Variety Performance
Royal Variety Performance
The Royal Variety Performance is a gala evening held annually in the United Kingdom, which is attended by senior members of the British Royal Family, usually the reigning monarch. In more recent years Queen Elizabeth II and The Prince of Wales have alternately attended the performance...
in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
. 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. The car was used to carry Catherine Middleton to her wedding
Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton
The wedding of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine Middleton took place on 29 April 2011 at Westminster Abbey in London. Prince William, the eldest son of Charles, Prince of Wales, first met Catherine Middleton in 2001, when both were studying at the University of St Andrews. Their...
to Prince William, Duke of Cambridge.
On September 2010 a Phantom VI which belonged to Mohammad Reza Pahlavi
Mohammad Reza Pahlavi
Mohammad Rezā Shāh Pahlavi, Shah of Iran, Shah of Persia , ruled Iran from 16 September 1941 until his overthrow by the Iranian Revolution on 11 February 1979...
the late Shah of Iran was put on display in Niavaran Palace Complex
Niavaran Palace Complex
thumb|right|350px|The "Kushak" of Ahmad Shah, or [[Ahmad-Shahi Pavilion]] |PavilionNiavarān Palace Complex is a historical complex situated in the northern part of Tehran, Iran. It consists of several buildings and a museum. The Sahebqraniyeh Palace, from the time of Naser al-Din Shah of Qajar...
in Tehran
Tehran
Tehran , sometimes spelled Teheran, is the capital of Iran and Tehran Province. With an estimated population of 8,429,807; it is also Iran's largest urban area and city, one of the largest cities in Western Asia, and is the world's 19th largest city.In the 20th century, Tehran was subject to...
.
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.