Rolls-Royce Phantom V 1960

History and Background

The Rolls-Royce Phantom V was introduced in 1959 as the successor to the Phantom IV. Whereas the Phantom IV was built exclusively for royal families and heads of state, the Phantom V was also available to private customers. The model was developed as a prestigious limousine and found its way into royal households, diplomatic services, government institutions and the hands of wealthy private individuals. A total of 832 examples were produced between 1959 and 1968. In 1968, the Phantom V was succeeded by the Phantom VI, which was technically closely related to its predecessor and remained in production until 1990.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom V was built according to the traditional principle of a separate chassis onto which a body could be fitted to the customer's specifications. Rolls-Royce supplied the rolling chassis to specialist coachbuilders, who were responsible for the final design and finish. The principal coachbuilders were Park Ward, H.J. Mulliner and James Young. In 1961, H.J. Mulliner and Park Ward were merged to form Mulliner Park Ward. The various body styles ranged from conventional limousines to versions featuring a raised roofline or special equipment for ceremonial use.

The 1960 Rolls-Royce Phantom V belongs to the model's early production years. During this period, traditional coachbuilding still played an important role at Rolls-Royce. The Phantom V therefore represented a generation of automobiles in which the manufacturer developed the technical foundation, while the bodywork was largely entrusted to specialist companies. The model was used by the British Royal Family, among others, as well as by various foreign heads of state.

Features and Special Characteristics

The Rolls-Royce Phantom V was equipped with a 6.2-litre V8 engine, which was also used in other Rolls-Royce models of the same period. The engine was paired with an automatic transmission. The separate chassis had a wheelbase of approximately 3.68 metres and accommodated the substantial limousine bodies. The front wheels featured independent suspension, while the rear employed a solid axle with leaf springs. The suspension was designed to accommodate the vehicle's relatively high weight while ensuring passenger comfort. One of the Phantom V's distinctive features was a separate heating and ventilation system for the rear passenger compartment.

During the development of the Phantom V, considerable attention was paid to its role as a chauffeur-driven car. The body layout provided a separate driver's compartment and a spacious passenger compartment. Depending on the coachbuilder, variations could be found in the roofline, window configuration and interior fittings. In this respect, the Rolls-Royce Phantom V differed from the more conventional Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, which was produced during the same period and occupied a different position within the model range.

This 1960 Rolls-Royce Phantom V is in running condition. The interior appears original and complete. The paintwork and chrome show some imperfections but are otherwise in neat condition.

Summary

This 1960 Rolls-Royce Phantom V belongs to the early production years of this prestigious limousine, which was manufactured between 1959 and 1968. The model combines a separate chassis with a V8 engine and traditional coachbuilding. The car is in running condition, features an interior that appears original and complete, and has paintwork and chrome that present well despite a few imperfections. To gain a proper impression of this lot, we recommend attending the viewing day.