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Books Models Highlights Cars
of 1998 More
information can be found here:
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Car
of the Month - November 2004 |
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 The first production series of the new Rolls-Royce Phantom showed chassis numbers starting with a “UH” letter combination (chassis numbers of pre-series models started with a single “U” preceding a sequence of figures). Hence this Chassis No. 00005 is one of the first cars that were completed at the new Goodwood plant. This could be recognised, too, from an external feature – the “RR-motif” covering the wheels’ centre. PR-material of the manufacturer, basis of almost all media reports, stated as special feature that the entwined RR of the wheel centre due to an ingenious mechanism always remained in vertical position; even when the car was moving. Obviously the first cars had been delivered to dealer showrooms lacking this special feature. Hence it is a fair guess that it was a last minute alteration which had not been on the original list of specifications. The „switchbox“ in the new Rolls-Royce Phantom for operating the starter and the lights is a reminder of the Rolls-Royce 20 H.P. that was introduced in 1922. The violin tuning key-style switches on the fascia are taking up a design familiar from the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, that made its debut during the 50ies. The chromium “bull’s eye” air vents were first seen in the Silver Shadow and have been found in later model series, too.
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No reason though to suspect such styling details had been included to transfer nostalgia. Just the opposite: these details are proof of the fact that there didn’t exist anything better suited to fulfil the specific function. The team of designers withstood the temptation to change something just for change’s sake with the risk of detracting from its functionality.
As a completely new developed motor car the Phantom does impress with a multitude of innovative design features. Careful inspection reveals that development with no compromise followed the line of including traditional Rolls-Royce values within the new car. Sir Frederick Henry Royce expressed: “Strive for perfection in everything you do!” The latest creation to bear the name of the company’s co-founder obviously had been designed and is built to meet that imperative order.
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