Monday, 13 December 2010

Rolls-Royce Phantom IV

Arguably the most sought after of the Phantom lineage, the Phantom IV was built between 1950-1956. Only 18 were made, and all were sold to royal familes and heads of state, including General Franco of Spain, who bought himself a total of 3 H. J. Mulliner-bodied limousines!

The traditionally crafted Phantom IV allowed purchasers to specify almost any conceivable luxury, and the ability to choose one of the many available coach-builders meant that all were hand built and no 2 of the 18 were the same. Park Ward, Mulliner and Hooper were popular choices, although Prince Talal of Saudi Arabia ordered a cabriolet to be built built by Franay (the company responsible also for the shark-like 1947 Bentley Mark VI.)

The IV was available as a limousine, sedanca de ville, laundulette or cabriolet. It is probably more accurate to say that it was available in ANY form, so long as the buyer could afford it...

Below is HRH The Princess Margaret, The Countess of Snowdon's H. J. Mulliner Phantom IV in black. Note the mascot, Pegasus, instead of the flying lady.The body shape shown is in my opinion the best looking bodywork on any Phantom IV, and maybe even on any Phantom!