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Rolls-Royce Phantom III: The Dawn Of V12 Engine Excellence
The Rolls-Royce Phantom III, introduced in 1936, holds a unique place in the brand's history. It was the first model to feature a V12 engine, setting a precedent for future Rolls-Royce vehicles. This model also marked Sir Henry Royce’s final major design before his death in 1933.
Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations & Heritage at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, stated, "Launched in 1936, Phantom III has a special place in the pantheon of great Rolls-Royce motor cars. It was the first to be powered by a V12 engine, setting the template for every Rolls-Royce up to and including the modern era, while also incorporating suspension and chassis technology that secured the marque’s enduring reputation for both peerless comfort and outstanding performance. There is a certain poignancy to this motor car, too. Production ceased in 1939 and, despite its technical advances and immense potential, never resumed, leaving a question of what might have been. It was also Sir Henry Royce’s last major design, which his death in 1933 meant he never saw completed. But, visionary that he was, he had established fundamental technical and design tenets that still hold true today."
Royce realised by 1930 that his six-cylinder engines were reaching their limits. American competitors were already producing luxury cars with more powerful V8, V12, and even V16 engines. Drawing from his experience with V12 aero engines, Royce designed a new V12 engine for the Phantom III.
This new engine was shorter than its predecessor's six-cylinder unit but had a capacity of 7.3 litres compared to 7.6 litres. The compact size allowed for a shorter bonnet and larger passenger compartment. Initially producing 165 H.P., it later reached 180 H.P., significantly more than the Phantom II's 120 H.P.
The Phantom III featured independent front suspension for improved ride comfort and steering control. Numerous smaller engineering advancements reduced noise and vibration from poor road surfaces. These innovations made it one of the quietest and smoothest-riding cars of its time.
The first production chassis with a saloon-with-division body by H.J. Mulliner was delivered in August 1936. A total of 710 units were produced before production ceased in 1939 due to World War II.
Legacy and Influence
The directors at Rolls-Royce knew post-war conditions would demand different models more suited to the times while maintaining quality standards. Despite its brief production run, the Phantom III's influence persists in modern V12-powered Rolls-Royce models built at Goodwood.
The name "Spectre" used for ten experimental Phantom III cars between 1934 and 1937 now lives on in Rolls-Royce's first all-electric model.
In 2024, Rolls-Royce will celebrate the 120th anniversary of Henry Royce meeting Charles Stewart Rolls on May 4th, 1904. This meeting led to the creation of what became known as "the best car in the world."
The year-long retrospective marks this milestone by celebrating landmark models from the marque’s history through their ‘Models of the Marque’ series.
Rolls-Royce continues to define superluxury motoring globally with handcrafted bespoke products created at their Goodwood facility in West Sussex.
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