Rolls-Royce has announced that it’s to end production of the Phantom this year after more than 13 years of production.
The current seventh-generation Phantom was launched back in 2003 and has since become the foundation upon which Rolls’ renaissance was built on after being bought by BMW in 1998.
According to Rolls-Royces’ CEO Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes, although the marque will introduce a new aluminium architecture from 2018, neither the Phantom Coupe nor Drophead will be renewed.
Phantom 'will not be renewed'
Production of the Phantom range is due to end this November, but it’s not all bad news as Rolls has announced a limited-edition run of 50 farewell models called the Phantom Zenith.
Available in both Phantom Coupe and Drophead Coupe formats, the Zenith models will aim to combine the best features of the seventh-generation Phantom series into one commemorative car.
Giles Taylor, Rolls-Royce’s director of design, said: “As the name promises, Zenith will be the pinnacle; the best of its kind; the highest standard achievable by which everything else is judged.
Limited-edition Phantom Zenith models
“Zenith will be the sum of all the best features of Phantom Coupe and Drophead Coupe, with a few surprises added. We expect huge demand for these 50 fine motor cars as we shall not look upon their like again.”
According to the marque, some of these surprises will include laser etched armrests depicting the original launch locations of the Phantom, plus custom instrument dials and more.
Each buyer will also receive what Rolls calls a “money cannot buy” portable memento of their purchase, and the Phantom Zenith will also be available in an otherwise exclusive colour palette.
