A dream like this comes with a value, and for the Rolls-Royce Phantom VII, it begins at precisely 100,000 euros. After twenty years, the first Rolls-Royce crafted below BMW’s course has already grow to be a legend—a dream automotive the ultimate, as a journey from Munich to Bastad in Sweden demonstrates.
The Legacy of the Rolls-Royce Phantom VII
In Munich, it’s not at all times straightforward to face out with a Rolls-Royce—particularly not within the metropolis’s south, on the unique Maximilianstraße, or within the snobbish Bogenhausen district. The so-called entry-level fashions, such because the Ghost, Wraith, or Daybreak, barely trigger anybody to look away from their cargo bikes. However the Phantom is totally different. It’s uncommon and uniquely putting, even with its grandiose understatement, effortlessly evoking desires of royalty and megastars.
When new, this chauffeur-driven mannequin for the richest and most lovely might simply price half 1,000,000 euros—or considerably extra, relying on the extent of customization. But, the truth that this Phantom VII is already 20 years outdated just isn’t obvious in its design or situation. If you wish to deliver such a British-Bavarian dream on mighty 21-inch wheels into your personal driveway, you will discover one for round 100,000 euros—usually well-maintained, with manageable mileage and a whole service historical past. Not some huge cash for five.83 meters of automotive luxurious with no earthly limits.
The discerning buyer would sit within the rear right-hand seat, snugly nestled in supple leather-based, with toes tucked into deep, plush flooring mats—the place even small cats might simply cover. However what if the equally discerning and well-heeled used automotive purchaser needs to take the skinny leather-based steering wheel into their very own fingers? What can a automotive just like the seventh Phantom, painstakingly created from a clean sheet of paper on the finish of the Nineteen Nineties with none main price constraints, supply on lengthy journeys and in on a regular basis use?
A Journey Begins: Munich to Berlin
Three days, over 1,500 kilometers, and a assorted route from Munich by way of Berlin to Hamburg, then onward to Copenhagen and the Scandinavian luxurious seaside resort of Bastad, ought to reveal what this 2003/2004 icon is actually able to. Is it merely a showpiece, or can it genuinely shine?
The drive, beginning within the north of Munich, begins removed from cozy. The rain is coming down in torrents, and the 336 kW / 460 hp 6.8-liter V12 tackles the primary few kilometers via town earlier than heading north on the A9, with windshield wipers working diligently. The spacious inside is huge, and the leather-covered consolation seats—crafted from 18 flawless hides—let properly earlier than Nuremberg that this tour could possibly be accomplished in a single go, whereas the twelve-cylinder engine purrs so quietly within the background that it feels such as you’re in an electrical automotive.
Efficiency and Consolation on the Open Highway
Forty-five minutes south of Berlin comes the primary, considerably untimely, refueling cease. Consumption has dropped from 22.5 to simply over 17 liters per 100 kilometers—regardless of a brisk tempo. Contemplating the automobile’s dimension, the two.6 tons of mass it strikes, and the general circumstances, it’s laborious to complain. Rolls-Royce usually invokes historical past when discussing quotes, applied sciences, or the model’s aspirations. Nonetheless, to be impressed by this automotive, one doesn’t want to listen to quotes like “no matter is rightly accomplished, nevertheless humble, is noble” by Sir Henry Royce or “attempt for perfection in every little thing you do. Take the perfect that exists and make it higher. When it doesn’t exist, design it.” The 20-year-old Phantom is spectacular and spectacular with out taking your breath away, and tales from the early days of motoring would possibly now put some folks to sleep.
From Hamburg to Copenhagen: Rain and Roads
The danger of boredom is equally low throughout the stopover in Potsdam, a brief detour to the comfy Pfaueninsel, or on the “Curry 195” hotspot on the well-known Ku’Damm, as it’s the subsequent day when the journey continues towards Hamburg within the morning. It’s raining once more, making it simpler to bypass Hamburg and exit the A24 early to take the federal highways 404 / 205 northbound. The stopover in Unhealthy Segeberg reminds us that, apart from petrol stations and supermarkets, the Winnetou Pageant holds a distinguished place within the annual calendar right here. Again on the A7 autobahn, the youngtimer—able to reaching speeds as much as 240 km/h—makes swift progress, delighting its occupants with grand journey consolation, intrigued glances from onlookers, and its spectacular 720 Nm of torque, which is accessible from 3,500 rpm and lifts the imposing radiator grille into the airflow throughout every overtaking maneuver.
Debate persists over whether or not BMW’s rotary pushbutton management, which folded out of the entrance heart armrest, was a big innovation on the time, whether or not the storage compartments had been ample, and whether or not the operation of sure features adhered an excessive amount of to the model’s historic roots. Passengers would have appreciated extra intuitive management of the automated air-con, heated seats, and different driving features, akin to a BMW of that period. Nonetheless, Rolls-Royce selected its personal path and continues to take action at present—usually to the gentle annoyance of consumers. This doesn’t apply to the sensible gas consumption, which settled at 15.3 liters of Tremendous per 100 kilometers.
Crossing Borders: Into Denmark and Sweden
The brisk tempo of the V12 colossus abruptly ends past the Danish border, with the speedometer needle displaying much less enthusiasm than it had an hour earlier than. The eye that the Rolls-Royce Phantom VII, obtainable from 2003, instructions right here on the roads, in parking tons, and at filling stations is noticeably higher than in Germany. The E45 takes us southeast by way of Odense and Ringsted to Copenhagen. Right here, within the bike-friendly Danish capital, not simply the lodge parking storage within the metropolis heart feels cramped—the mighty Rolls-Royce takes up two parking areas in a row, simply because it did close to Potsdam.
Last Vacation spot: Bastad’s Luxurious and Magnificence
The following morning, the ultimate leg of the journey crosses the almost eight-kilometer-long Öresund Bridge, passing Malmö and the ferry port of Helsingborg, earlier than arriving in Bastad. Right here, in the summertime, the well-heeled society of Gothenburg gathers for tennis tournaments, music festivals, and even royal household visits on the weekends. Generally, they arrive in newly constructed armored luxurious limousines, which don’t supply the identical consolation as a 20-year-old Phantom VII and are much less conspicuous amidst the attractive gardens of Norrvikens Trädgårdar. Every year, it’s not apple timber, flowers, or the reminiscence of founder Rudolf Abelin that take heart stage right here, however the huge concours, celebrating sports activities automobiles and traditional automobiles from yesterday and at present—just like the Rolls-Royce Phantom VII.
[Photos and Story: Stefan Grundhoff; press-inform]
