Rolls-Royce Phantom 1925

The 1925 Rolls-Royce Phantom Base version is the inaugural member of the Phantom lineage, retrospectively referred to as the Phantom I. It builds directly on the legacy of the Silver Ghost, renowned for its quietness and durability, while bringing key mechanical advancements. A significant update is the introduction of an overhead valve engine, representing a technical milestone for the model. Though the chassis and general architecture remain closely related to its predecessor, the Phantom Base of 1925 signals the beginning of a new chapter in Rolls-Royce’s engineering evolution.

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History

In 1925, Rolls-Royce launched the first Phantom to evolve the formula established by the Silver Ghost while maintaining the essential qualities of quietness and durability. This generation follows closely the architecture of the legendary 40/50 H.P. Silver Ghost. A critical advancement was the introduction of an overhead valve engine, marking a significant mechanical improvement over previous models. This technical refinement set the foundation for the subsequent development of the Phantom line, leading to later generations such as Phantom II and III. The 1925 Phantom Base stands as a key milestone in the history of Rolls-Royce luxury automobiles.

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Evolution

The 1925 Phantom Base initiates the classic era of Phantom models. It maintains the Silver Ghost’s legacy while introducing a pioneering overhead valve engine. This generation laid the technical groundwork that would be refined in later models, including the completely redesigned chassis of the Phantom II in 1929 and the introduction of a V12 engine with the Phantom III in 1936. The Phantom Base is characterized by a design and mechanical layout closely related to the Silver Ghost, preceding the major technical shifts that defined subsequent generations.

1929Phantom Base

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1936Phantom Base

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1950Phantom Base

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1959Phantom Base

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1968Phantom Base

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2003Phantom Base

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2012Phantom Base

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2017Phantom Base

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Variants

Within the first generation, the 1925 Phantom Base serves as the fundamental version. It retains a technical architecture close to the Silver Ghost but introduces an overhead valve engine. At the time, coachbuilders often created varied body styles on the same mechanical and chassis base, resulting in multiple silhouettes coexisting. However, the primary differences for this version remain mechanical and structural before stylistic and usage variations became more prominent in later generations.

References

Rolls-Royce Phantom: 100 Years of PerfectionRolls-Royce Motor Cars PressClub
Supports the 1925 launch, New Phantom name, coachbuilt origins, Phantom IV, Phantom V, Phantom VI, Phantom VII, Phantom VIII and the continuity of the Phantom as Rolls-Royce’s flagship.
Models of the Marque – The 2000s: The Rolls-Royce Phantom VIIRolls-Royce Motor Cars PressClub
Supports Phantom VII production from 2002/2003 to 2017, Goodwood manufacturing, aluminium spaceframe construction, 6.75-litre V12, Extended Wheelbase, Drophead Coupé and Coupé derivatives.
1925 Rolls-Royce New PhantomNational Motor Museum
Supports the technical distinction between the New Phantom and Silver Ghost, including the overhead-valve engine, 7.7-litre six-cylinder layout and early coachbuilt-body practice.