Photos : 20 Cars For 20 Year : The Evolution Of Rolls-Royce, 2003-2023

Photos : 20 cars for 20 year: The Evolution of Rolls-Royce cars, from 2003 to 2023. 

The seventh-generation Rolls-Royce Phantom was the only model produced as the Goodwood when the British luxury marque began full-scale manufacturing at its new home in 2003.

Under BMW Group ownership, no fewer than 20 different Rolls-Royce models and variants have been created and handmade at Goodwood since 2003 – which equivalent to one car for every year.

Looking back to the last twenty years, here are some truly exemplary examples that have been built at the Goodwood, according to Rolls-Royce.

1. Phantom, 2003

The original ‘Goodwood Phantom’ was the seventh generation to wear what is now the longest-established nameplate in automotive history. With its marriage of technology, comfort, performance and the signature ‘Magic Carpet Ride’, it set a new standard for every model that has followed.

2. 100EX, 2004

The 100EX unveiled in 2004 was first Experimental Car produced by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars under BMW Group ownership. It was produced to mark the centenary of the first meeting between Charles Rolls and Henry Royce.

3. Phantom Extended, 2005

Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2005, Phantom Extended was 250 mm longer than the ‘standard’ Phantom. This created additional legroom in the rear cabin, making it popular with clients who prefer to be chauffeur-driven.

4. 101EX, 2006

Like 100EX, this experimental prototype was built on a shortened version of Phantom’s aluminium space frame. It would find enduring life and global fame in its eventual production guise as Phantom Coupe.

5. Phantom Drophead Coupé, 2007

The Phantom Drophead Coupé with its distinctive styling derived from 100EX, is one of the most sought-after models ever produced at Goodwood. Its defining feature is the interior wood veneering that flows around the cabin into the teak tonneau cover, inspired by a racing yacht deck.

6. Phantom Coupé, 2008

The Phantom Coupé is the first Rolls-Royce of its type to be produced in more than two decades. Like its drophead sibling, the hardtop two-door coupé incorporated many of the design found on the experimental 101EX.

7. 200EX, 2009

200EX, presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2009, was the experimental car that responded to client feedback for a more approachable and driver-orientated Rolls-Royce.

8. Ghost, 2010

The Ghost sedan, designed for a new generation of ascendent Rolls-Royce clients, won praises for its contemporary design and dynamic performance. To date, the Ghost is the most commercially successful model in Rolls-Royce history.

9. 102EX, 2011

Known as the Phantom Experimental Electric (EE), the 102EX is a one-off electric prototype version of Rolls-Royce Phantom. 102EX began Rolls-Royce’s exploration into suitable technology to power future generations of its motor cars.

10. Ghost Extended, 2011

Rolls-Royce introduced an Extended version of Ghost 4-door sedan in 2011 in response to feedback from clients who prefer to be chauffeur-driven. It offers additional space and comfort for rear-seat passengers.

11. Wraith, 2013

The fastback Wraith was intended as the ultimate gran turismo — a car that embodied the bold, pioneering spirit, sense of adventure and love of speed that inspired the marque’s co-founder, The Hon Charles Stewart Rolls.

12. Dawn, 2016

Dawn, a super-luxury four-seater convertible, was designed to enable four adults to travel sociably together in complete comfort. Its roof is a design and engineering masterpiece : dubbed ‘the Silent Ballet’ the mechanism operates in complete silence in just 22 seconds.

13. Black Badge Wraith and Black Badge Ghost, 2016

The Black Badge variants of Rolls-Royce cars are more powerful and specifically engineered to deliver an even more engaging driving experience. In Black Badge guise, both Wraith and Ghost received additional torque and more urgent 8-speed automatic transmission.

14. 103EX, 2016

The Rolls-Royce Vision Next 100, codenamed 103EX, is perhaps the most radical experimental car ever produced at Goodwood. 103EX presented the marque’s future direction, both in terms of electric power and effortless, highly personalised travel.

15. ‘Sweptail’, 2017

Rolls-Royce revived the art of coachbuilding with the magnificent ‘Sweptail’, described at the time as ‘automotive Haute Couture’. This unique two-seat coupé was inspired by coachbuilt Rolls-Royces and racing yachts of the 1920s and 30s.

16. Phantom 8, 2017

Phantom 8, the eighth and current generation of the Rolls-Royce Phantom, made its public debut in 2017 at a special event, dubbed “The Great Eight Phantoms”. It is the second launched by Rolls-Royce under BMW ownership, after Phantom 7.

17. Cullinan, 2018

Dubbed the ‘Rolls-Royce of SUVs’, the Cullinan is designed and built to take younger, successful high-net-worth individuals to the ends of the Earth in ultimate comfort.

18. Black Badge Cullinan, 2019

Black Badge Cullinan, the alter ego of Cullinan, revelled in its new, darker persona, which included a more powerful 6.7-litre V12 engine, black 22-inch forged alloy wheels, Pantheon grille and Spirit of Ecstasy mascot.

19. New Ghost, 2020

The latest Rolls-Royce Ghost sedan made its public debut in 2020, replacing the first-generation model launched in 2009 that later became the brand’s best-selling car ever. It shares only 2 parts, the Spirit of Ecstasy and the two umbrellas, with its predecessor.

20. Boat Tail, 2021

Rolls-Royce in 2021 revealed its latest custom creation, the Boat Tail, a unique coachbuilt creation inspired by the boats and everything nautical. The 19-foot long automotive masterpiece took Rolls-Royce four years to design from the ground up.

• See Also : Rolls-Royce Celebrates 20 Years Of Making Hand-built Cars At Goodwood – Its Home Since 2003