What is the history of the Rolls-Royce Phantom?

The Rolls-Royce Phantom, the British ultra-luxury brand's most expensive model, celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025. For a century, the Phantom has been a symbol of wealth, power, and fame, owned and customized by celebrities like Fred Astaire, Marlene Dietrich, and Elton John.

How have celebrities like Fred Astaire and Marlene Dietrich been associated with the Rolls-Royce Phantom?

In the early days of Hollywood, celebrities like Fred Astaire and Marlene Dietrich were often seen driving Rolls-Royce Phantoms, which enhanced their celebrity status. Astaire bought a custom-bodied 1927 Phantom I Town Car in 1928, while Dietrich was greeted with a green Phantom I convertible when she arrived in Hollywood in 1930.

What is the significance of the Rolls-Royce Phantom for musicians and artists?

The Rolls-Royce Phantom has been a favorite of musicians and artists, who have used the car to showcase their wealth and success. Big band leaders Duke Ellington and Count Basie traveled by Rolls-Royce, while Elvis Presley and Elton John customized their Phantoms with unique features.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Rolls-Royce Phantom: 100 Years of Celebrity Status and Conspicuous Consumption

Rolls-Royce Phantom: 100 Years of Celebrity Status and Conspicuous Consumption

19 Oct

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Summary

Rolls-Royce Phantom, the British ultra-luxury brand's most expensive model, celebrates 100 years
Celebrities like Fred Astaire, Marlene Dietrich, and Elton John have owned and customized Phantoms
Phantoms have been a symbol of wealth, power, and fame for musicians, actors, and rulers

Rolls-Royce Phantom: 100 Years of Celebrity Status and Conspicuous Consumption

In 2025, the Rolls-Royce Phantom, the British ultra-luxury brand's most expensive and exclusive model, celebrates its 100th anniversary. For a century, the Phantom has been the ultimate celebrity status symbol, owned and customized by some of the biggest names in entertainment and politics.

The Phantom's association with fame and wealth dates back to the early days of Hollywood. In 1928, Fred Astaire bought a custom-bodied 1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Town Car while performing in London, later shipping it back to the States. Similarly, when Marlene Dietrich arrived in Hollywood from Germany in 1930, Paramount executives greeted her with a green Phantom I convertible, which even appeared in her debut film, Morocco.