Today's car of the day is Yat Ming's 1970 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI.
The Phantom VI was an ultra-exclusive Rolls-Royce model made from 1968-1991.
Based on the Phantom V, the Phantom VI had a re-styled facia and was powered by an engine derived from the current Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow. Most of the coachwork was done by Mulliner Park Ward, usually in limousines form, though a few landaulettes were made.
For more information and pictures of the real car please visit: Rolls-Royce Phantom VI
The Yat Ming is a fairly straightforward copy of the Tomica. This one is a recent purchase from Pegers (thanks Dan!) and apparently in need of a sponge bath. I didn't notice the dirt until I was uploading the pics, so I apologize for that. The silver hides it well.
The Phantom VI was the last Rolls-Royce with separate chassis. It featured coil springs in front, leaf springs in rear, and drum brakes all round. The car was powered by a twin SU carburettors 6,230 cc (380 cu in) 90 degree V8 with a bore of 104 mm (4.1 in) and stroke of 91.5 mm (3.60 in), coupled to a 4-speed automatic gearbox. In a 1979 upgrade engine capacity was increased to 6,750 cc (412 cu in), a 3-speed automatic gearbox with torque converter was substituted, and separate front and rear air conditioning units were provided. Inclusion of the engine from the Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit in 1982 increased engine displacement once more, to 6,750 cc.
A total of 374 Phantom Vs were made. Design of a Phantom VII based on the Silver Shadow's body was discussed in the 1970s, but plans were dropped.
Queen Elizabeth II's fleet of cars includes two Rolls-Royce Phantom VIs, the custom-built 'Silver Jubilee Car' presented by the British motor industry to celebrate her 25th anniversary on the throne in 1977, and a more conventional 1986 model. The Silver Jubilee, with its raised roof and enlarged glazed area, was the 'Number One State Car' until the introduction of the two Bentley State Limousines in 2002. Like the other state cars, the Phantom VIs have no registration plates and a special mount for a Royal Standard and coat of arms. When in use by the Queen, the Spirit of Ecstasy is replaced by a custom-made solid silver model of St George slaying the dragon. On the evening of 9 December 2010, the car was attacked by student protestors as it carried Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall to the Royal Variety Performance in London. The couple were unhurt, but the car was spattered with paint and one of the side windows was smashed. Whilst the cars windows were toughened, it wasn't an armoured car.
On September 2010 a Phantom VI which belonged to Mohammad Reza Pahlavi the late Shah of Iran was put on display in Niavaran Palace Complex in Tehran.
A Rolls-Royce Phantom VI dating to 1970 is the State Car of the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia. It is typically used only on rare occasions, such as the State Opening of Parliament or the swearing-in of a new Governor-General.
No comments:
Post a Comment