1959-1968 Rolls-Royce Phantom V

The 1959-1968 Rolls-Royce Phantom V was the successor to the Phantom IV. This massive limousine shared the chassis and running gear of the Series II Bentley S-Type/Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, but used an appropriately longer wheelbase. The chassis was the familiar, old-fashioned affair (beam rear axle, drum brakes, mechanical brake servo) that had been around for years, but was thoroughly developed and very reliable.

Power for the Phantom V was provided by the firm's new light-alloy V-8 engine with what the factory described as "adequate" output, though Rolls-Royce continued to refuse stating precisely what "adequate" meant. All V’s had custom-crafted bodies by "approved suppliers," mainly Mulliner and Park Ward. Rolls-Royce built the rolling chassis only.

The V was similar in general appearance to -- but much larger than -- the Silver Cloud. Almost all had seven-passenger seating, division window, and chauffeur equipment: many had air conditioning and all were equipped with a General Motors-based Hydra-Matic transmission.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom V was lofty, stately, and extremely dignified, yet capable of 100-plus mph. It was produced in greater numbers than the Phantom IV, and is still the ultimate in "arrival impact" for pop singers and ruling monarchs.

Pluses of the 1959-1968 Rolls-Royce Phantom V:

Active club support in U.S. and Britain
Best of the best
Enormous carrying capacity
Smooth, silent, luxurious
Unmistakably Rolls-Royce, with prestige to match
Yet another Rolls Milestone car

Minuses of the 1959-1968 Rolls-Royce Phantom V:

Big and ponderous to drive, let alone park
Body parts difficult to find at the right price
Costs a bundle to buy and run
Expensive

Production of the 1959-1968 Rolls-Royce Phantom V:
793

Specifications of the 1959-1968 Rolls-Royce Phantom V:
Wheelbase, inches: 144.0
Length, inches: 238.0
Weight, pounds: 5,600-5,800
Price, new: NA