Beschreibung:

An historic model in the continuing history of the Rolls-Royce marque, the Phantom was the first all-new design to be introduced by the company following its takeover in 1998 by BMW. Produced at a new factory near Goodwood in Sussex, the Phantom revived a great name from Rolls-Royce’s past that had always been synonymous with unrestrained luxury. At 140.5”, the new car’s wheelbase was only fractionally shorter than that of the superseded Phantom VI that had ceased production in the 1990s; gone however, was the old pushrod V8 engine, its place being taken by an all-new 48-valve V12 of 6.7 litres capacity. Despite being normally aspirated, the latter produced 460bhp, comfortably exceeding the old engine’s maximum when turbo-charged, albeit at a high (by Rolls-Royce standards) 5,300 revolutions. This abundance of power was transmitted to the rear axle via a six-speed automatic gearbox, while air-sprung suspension and automatic level control ensured that ride quality remained uncompromised. A top speed of 149mph put the 2½-ton Phantom within sight of the supercar league, though models destined for North America were electronically limited to 130mph. Rolls-Royce’s relatively small size and resulting lack of development funding had meant that evolution rather than revolution had characterised the progression of its cars; under BMW’s stewardship however, the company was able to start afresh, embracing the best of modern technology. Thus the Phantom’s bodyshell was a state-of-the-art aluminium space frame structure, stiffer yet lighter than the equivalent steel body, whose rear-hinged rear doors revived a practice from bygone days. This arrangement not only provided easy access for rear-seat passengers but also enabled photographs of the occupants to be taken unobstructed by the open doors, a positive advantage for a ‘media savvy’ clientele. While the body structure represented the ultimate in automotive technology, its accoutrements remained entirely traditional in choice of materials, consisting of the finest hide trim, genuine woollen carpets and carefully selected wood veneers. Certain dashboard features recalled those of earlier models, while there was a choice of five-seater (‘Lounge’) or four-seater (Theatre’) accommodation. Owned from new by the vendor, this Rolls-Royce Phantom has covered circa 80,000 kilometres and comes with one year’s remaining warranty. Maintained by Rolls-Royce Monaco, the car is offered with service invoices, roadworthiness certificate and Monaco registration papers. Acquise neuve par le Vendeur, cette Rolls-Royce Phantom qui a couvert environ 80 000 km est mise en vente avec encore un an de garantie. Entretenue par Rolls-Royce Monaco, elle est accompagnée de son dossier de factures d'entretien, d'un contrôle technique et des papiers d'immatriculation à Monaco. Une Très belle occasion de sa rendre acquéreur du vaisseau amiral de la marque à un prix bien en dessous du marché.