Phantom has featured in some of music’s most iconic moments.Rolls-Royce is celebrating the centenary of its flagship Phantom model by highlighting its deep ties with the world of music, from jazz and rock to rap and R&B.
Since its debut in 1925, Phantom has been embraced by legendary figures across generations – from Marlene Dietrich and Duke Ellington to Elvis Presley, John Lennon, Elton John and more recently, global rap stars. Often more than just a car, it became a canvas for personal expression and a symbol of creative success.
Phantom has featured in some of music’s most iconic moments. Marlene Dietrich’s Phantom appeared on screen in Morocco (1930). Elvis Presley customised his Phantom V with in-car recording tools. John Lennon famously repainted his Phantom in psychedelic colours during the Summer of Love, turning it into one of rock’s most recognisable symbols. Elton John’s bespoke Phantoms, including a striking pink-and-white model, became part of his flamboyant legacy.
The brand has also been immortalised in rock folklore through tales such as The Who drummer Keith Moon’s infamous poolside car stunt, and in hip-hop culture where Rolls-Royce remains one of the most name-dropped brands in lyrics, often linked with its signature Starlight Headliner.
“Over the last 100 years, artists have used Phantom to project their identity and challenge convention. Their cars often became icons in their own right,” said Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
To mark the milestone, Rolls-Royce recreated Moon’s legendary story by submerging a Phantom prototype in Plymouth’s Tinside Lido, connecting the car’s mythology with its enduring role in music culture.
As Phantom enters its second century, Rolls-Royce says it remains the ultimate symbol of artistry, individuality and aspiration in modern music.
