1971 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI

Introduced in 1959, Rolls-Royce's new limousine model, the long-wheelbase Phantom V, effectively replaced both the Phantom IV and the Silver Wraith. Built on a much modified and strengthened Silver Cloud II chassis, the new Phantom measured over 6 metres in length and enabled coachbuilders to combine the desirable qualities of spacious interior accommodation with generous boot space and graceful lines. A lower final drive ratio ensured that, while top speed was a little down on that of its stablemates, though still in excess of 100mph, the new Phantom could all but match them for acceleration.

With so few produced and with such a serious price tag, the Rolls-Royce Phantoms of 1959 to 1991 were made for a very special type of customer. Being a Head of State seemed a prerequisite for owning a Phantom. HM Queen Elizabeth II has a Phantom V, and her mother owned one as well. A Phantom VI State Limousine was presented to The Queen in 1978 for her Silver Jubilee by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and is still in service today. The Phantom name was resurrected by the, now BMW owned, Rolls-Royce Motors and it's worldwide success has secured the Marque's future.

This imposing 1971 Phantom VI was delivered new to the 'AVIS' car rental company as a "limousine for hire" to facilitate appropriate travel arrangements for visiting dignitaries and diplomats at smaller Embassies and Consulates without their own fleet. Purchased from Ghost Motors of Kent in 2006 by a PLC, to which it is still registered, the car has been rigorously maintained by Rolls-Royce specialists Shadow Vehicle Services of Pudsey, Leeds. The interior has standard Phantom VI refinements, with black leather in the front driver's compartment and Magnolia leather piped in Burgundy with complementing carpets to the rear, separated by the privacy glass division. Two 'jump seats' trimmed in matching magnolia leather are neatly stowed in the division.

Presented to auction with 41,000 miles on the odometer at a realistic guide price, taking in to account the potential corrective works required to the sills and paintwork, the car has a receipted history file with ten year's worth of bills totalling some £20,000 and an MOT until 2017.

Should you have a need to make a real and lasting impression on new customers or old friends, then this regal Phantom is probably the most sensible way to do it.