1965 Rolls-Royce Phantom V

While the sheet metal that flowed from the factories of Detroit was reaching for the stars, with its towering tailfins, an abundance of chrome trim, and jet-inspired design cues, the Rolls-Royce Phantom V drew inspiration from its past. With restrained styling and elegant proportions, the Phantom V was designed for the transportation of royalty, dignitaries, and heads of state. It was among the most expensive and exclusive luxury cars of the era, fully embracing the tradition and spirit of the classical pre-war Rolls-Royce motorcar. With modern amenities, power accessories, and elaborate interiors, the Phantom V far exceeded the pre-war creations in every detail.

The Phantom V's predecessor, the Phantom IV, had been built strictly for the ruling heads of state, and just 18 examples were built. With the Phantom V, Rolls-Royce catered to a wider audience of affluent buyers. It was based on an all-new chassis design used on the Cloud II, but strengthened and modified for the nearly 20-foot-long platform. Its 145-inch wheelbase was the same as the Phantom IV, and it stood 69 inches tall, 79 inches wide, and had an overall length of 238 inches. It was suspended by an independent front setup with coil springs and anti-roll bars, while the rear had a rigid axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs. Four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes with servo-assist provided the stopping power. Power-assisted steering was standard. The engine, the same one powering the Silver Cloud II and Bentley S2 sedans, was a 6,230cc, twin SU carbureted V8 paired with a four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic gearbox.

Since many Phantom V's were used for parade duties, they had a shallow gear which gave them a walking speed suitable for ceremonies and processions. A lower final drive ratio ensured that the top speed remained in excess of 100mph.

The bespoke aluminum coachwork was finished in the owner's choice of paint colors and trim. Although custom creations, the bodies produced for the Phantom V eventually became 'factory' bodies that were produced along the same basic lines and in relatively large numbers. Additionally, numerous unique styles were offered to suit the needs and desires of its clients.

Between 1959 and 1966, just 832 examples would roll out of the Crewe facilities and receive either Park Ward or James Young coachwork. The latter would be responsible for clothing 217 examples while Park Ward (owned by Rolls-Royce) created 607 bodies. Eight examples were bodied by H.J. Mulliner prior to the merger with Rolls-Royce in 1962, forming Mulliner Park Ward.

Coachbuilder James Young Ltd. offered three versions of the Phantom V, a touring limousine, a seven-passenger limousine, and a Sedanca de Ville. Describing the Phantom V, the James Young catalogue stated 'This luxuriously equipped limousine is designed to provide the maximum comfort, whether owner or chauffeur driven… The coachwork on this magnificent car is recognised as the finest to be found anywhere in the modern world. It is the culmination of a century of superb craftsmanship which began with the Bromley Brougham.'

The bodies created by James Young featured square push-button door handles, 'bustle-trunk' rear styling, and sharp-edge fender crowns. The interiors were fitted with the most luxurious and finest materials available, with seating trimmed in thick English Connolly hides. The carpeting was done in Wilton wool with lambs wool overlay. The nearly forty individual pieces of fitted wood trim were from exotic veneers, and beneath the division window was a bar with cocktail requisites, picnic tables and jump seats. Befitting these bespoke creations, specifications, and materials varied upon the client's request.

by Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2022