Commissioned by a Rolls collector, and snappily dressed in dark blue finish, the last Phantom VII has rolled off the Rolls-Royce assembly line.
The custom vehicle marks a fitting end to a long reign for the VII. At thirteen years, the production run is in keeping with the history of the model, which has seen iterations patiently persist for between five and 22 years before being replaced. The suggestion of substantiality via tradition is always represented by the sterling Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament (which has been automatically and mechanically retractable, by the way, since BMW took ownership of the marque and produced its first Phantom VII in 2003). While the world rolls chaotically on, a Rolls—like a good tweed suit or an ashplant—remains an icon of stability. Albeit a pricey one, at around $425K.
The theme of the final VII is a long-lost era of romantic sea-travel, when steamer trunks and luggage stickers from foreign ports beckoned an open horizon. Of course, it’s tastefully rendered in hand-inlaid wood ornamentation; a steamship sails out of a blazing sunrise on the dashboard. The powder-blue leather upholstery is embroidered into a two-tone, wave-like texture, the lambwool carpeting is hand cut to simulate a wake, and the analog world dash clock may be adjusted according to location.
Ready to evolve, Rolls is preparing to unveil the Phantom VIII. The new model will surely continue the marque’s success in the 21st century; 2016 saw nearly unprecedented sales for the company.
