Rolls-Royce had an unwritten rule regarding its first post-war version of the Phantom, the Phantom IV: all cars were sold exclusively to royalty and heads of state. Only 16 examples of the Phantom IV survive, making it one of the hardest Rolls models to acquire, but all have been preserved in excellent condition. This particular car was built for HRH Princess Margaret in 1954; it was finished in black and had power-operated windows, which was an incredible example of technological innovation for the time. Several adaptations were made to fit the owner’s royal status, including a double-radio setup that would switch off the chauffeur’s radio when Princess Margaret switched on her own in the back seat.
The Phantom IV was the only Rolls-Royce model with an eight-cylinder engine; the power output was 164 hp, and an automatic transmission was fitted according to Princess Margaret’s preference, as she occasionally enjoyed driving the car herself.
You’ll also notice it doesn’t have a Spirit of Ecstasy – one of the things you can ask for when you’re royalty.
