A Rolls-Royce automobile reflects high-class, wealthy, and even regal motoring. The Rolls-Royce brand is one of the strongest in the world, with their classic cars desired by royalty, sheikhs, billionaires, and celebrities. A Rolls-Royce is the epitome of luxury. In 1959, Rolls-Royce Phantom V was released. The large, ultra-exclusive, four-door saloon included a dashboard featuring gauges designed and manufactured by Smiths Instruments.
The Rolls-Royce Phantom V was powered by a V8, 6,230cc engine with a 4-speed transmission. The Phantom V weighed 2,540kg and had a wheelbase of an incredible 3.658m. The total length of the car was over 6m and it was 2m wide. The Phantom V had a huge presence on any road, exuding importance and status.
In the SMITHS document archive are the original manufacturing instructions for the range of gauges being made for the Phantom V. The documents list the Speedometer, along with a complete panel of gauges that included an Oil Pressure Indicator, Ammeter, Temperature Indicator, Fuel Gauge, Oil Level Indicator, and Electric Clock.
Modified and additional gauges were supplied for models fitted with an extra fuel tank.
In all, 516 Rolls-Royce Phantom V cars were produced. Along with British royalty, including Queen Elizabeth II and her mother, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, famous Phantom owners included Beatle John Lennon.
The Phantom VI replaced the Phantom V in 1968 and was manufactured by Rolls-Royce (1968-1973) and then Rolls-Royce Motors up until 1990. The dashboard was re-styled and, once again, featured Smiths gauges.
Underneath the bonnet was a 6.2-litre V8 engine, modified to a 6.75-litre V8 in 1979. The overall weight and dimensions stayed very close to the Phantom V.
In 22 years, 374 were produced and famous owners included Queen Elizabeth II and the Governor-General of Australia.
The Phantom V and VI were the ultimate ultra-exclusive luxury car to own for over 3-decades. Even today, the sight of a Rolls-Royce Phantom V or VI purring along a highway is something to behold. And it is wonderful to see the dashboards featuring gauges designed and built by SMITHS Instruments in the UK.
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