1970 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI State Landaulettes

The Phantom IV was introduced in the pre-World War II era, and powered by a straight 8 cylinder engine. It was made available to heads of state and royalty, and only 16 examples were produced. It was followed by the Phantom V, and then a mechanically updated Phantom VI in 1968.

This example was the first of eight State Landaulettes built on the Phantom VI chassis. It was a 'company car' to be used by Queen Elizabeth on her tour of Australia in 1970. However, royalty plans changed and the queen used local cars. This car features an electrically operated top opening just behind the driver's compartment, a rear seat that hydraulically rises four inches, a grab rail for standing passengers and extra illumination for the rear compartment. Built before today's security-conscious era, it was one of the last cars designed so the public could get a better view of the occupants.

This Mulliner Park Ward State Landaulette coachwork is the first of eight State Landaulettes built on the Phantom VI chassis. The car features fender-mounted flagstaffs, a roof mount, illumination for the royal coat of arms, as well as a blue police light. Additional features include a rear seat that hydraulically rises four inches, a grab rail for standing passengers, and extra interior illumination for the rear compartment. Sadly royal plans changed, and Queen Elizabeth used local State cars for her tour. This car was used, however, by Princess Anne during her visit to the United States in 1983. In addition, Lady Margaret Thatcher and Sir Dennis were passengers during their visit to Fulton, Missouri, for Lady Thatcher's speech commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of Winston Churchill's famous 'Iron Curtain' speech at Westminster College.