1974 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI Formal Limousine

Coachwork by Mulliner Park Ward

6,230 cc OHV V-8 Engine
Twin SU Carburetors
Adequate Horsepower
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Front Independent Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes


*Ordered new by the British Foreign Office
*Originally used in Moscow by the British Ambassador to Russia
*Subject of a three-year restoration by marque specialist Vantage Motorworks
*Documented by copies of extensive factory build records


THE ROLLS-ROYCE VI

Rolls-Royce's new limousine model, the long-wheelbase Phantom V, effectively replaced both the royalty/heads of state-only Phantom IV and the Silver Wraith. Built on a much modified and strengthened Silver Cloud II chassis enjoying the same 145 inch wheelbase as the IV, the new Phantom measured over 6 meters (19' 6") in length and enabled coachbuilders to combine the desirable qualities of spacious interior accommodation with generous boot space and graceful lines. Now built by the combined firm of H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward Ltd., the car lived on into the 1990s as the Phantom VI with 374 built in total, its passing in 1992 marking the final demise of the separate-chassis Rolls-Royce.

THE MOTOR CAR OFFERED

This Phantom VI was ordered new by none other than the British Foreign Commonwealth Office for use of the British Ambassador to Russia at its Moscow Embassy in October of 1973. Specified in left hand drive, it was optioned with a number of special features including heavy duty suspension, a custom externally plugged Peregrine engine block heater, flag masts at the front corners, and loads of spares given the limited Rolls service facilities in Russia. Coming in at £10,430.90, the people of the United Kingdom should be delighted to hear that Rolls provided a 33% discount on the original MSRP to come down to that still-lofty figure. Throughout the 98 pages of the build sheet, the extensive pre-delivery testing—and multiple telex wires from Moscow reminding Rolls as to just how bitingly cold it gets in Russia in addition to the fact that tires, quality gasoline, and just about every other basic essential was not available there—speak to the specialness of this commission.

Finished in the diplomatically appropriate color scheme of black over Natural leather hides throughout, the Rolls served with distinction in Russia and even appeared in the 1979 film Utrenniy obkhod. There is no doubt the car stood out amongst the drab and staid offerings available to folks actually living in communist Russia.

The Phantom VI eventually made it stateside and was subject of an extensive, three-year restoration by Rolls specialists Vantage Motorworks in Miami, Florida in the early 2000s. During this restoration, the Phantom received several upgrades including a modern stereo, air conditioning, a color change to two-tone Black over Garnet, and a rear compartment retrim in what is said to be the last bolt of authentic broadcloth. Acquired by the present owner in 2008, only a few years after the restoration was completed, the limousine has been on static display since being purchased. Still showing nicely cosmetically, recommissioning is recommended before being driven to the next diplomatic gala.