Rolls Royce Phantom 2004

It's interesting to note that BMW (along with a few other Germans) have almost single handedly saved the British motorcar industry. From the 75, Rover's first decent model in quite a while, to the Range Rover, to the Mini, the trademark of British Britishness, BMW has made it all happen. Even Morgan's new Aero 8 uses a Bimmer engine. So when it came time to design a car worth of Her Majesty, there was little anxiety: sure, an elongated 7-series wouldn't do, but those blokes from Crewe and Munich seem like a pretty smart bunch who wouldn't have many worries getting it all sorted.Enter the Rolls Royce Phantom! Squatting on its 22-inch wheels, occupying 19 feet of tarmac and weighing it at a not quite feather-light 5,478lb, the Phantom has the road presence to demean and render insignificant every other motor vehicle in its path. Maybach included. Too bad then that it looks like the box the Maybach comes in: the Phantom is impressive, but it isn't by any means pretty.Underneath is a surprisingly modern structure: an aluminium space frame provides the backbone for the composite and aluminium body panels, self-leveling air springs, electronic dampers and multi-link rear, double wishbone front suspension. Since the majority of owners will be driving themselves most of the time, the Phantom intends to be rewarding and, above all, easy to drive. Under the bonnet, 453 horses and 531 lb-ft of torque await the orders from your right foot; a respectable output from BMW's 6.75-litre V12.The dash resembles a beautifully handcrafted cabinet (although the steering wheel has quite an aura of go-kart about it) and the interior features the finest leather, hand-shaped wood accents (all of which can be personally selected by the owner), Cashmere trim and a lack of gaudy gadgets. The Phantom really is an exemplary Rolls Royce; a pretty incredible feat considering it's a BMW. And what's in a look anyway? Ugly is one thing. Other people's impressions yet another. And sheer excessiveness and being able to participate in that activity is another still. - by Traian Popescu

See more: Rolls Royce Phantom 2004 Photos, Rolls Royce Phantom 2004 Technical Data