Since 2009 to the present day, Rolls-Royce has had 2 main models in its lineup (excluding the Cullinan SUV, which was a more recent addition) ; The flagship Phantom and The Ghost, with cars like the Wraith, Coupe, Drophead Coupe and the Dawn being derivatives of them. But I have always felt that the Ghost is a car that is quite misunderstood. And this goes all the way back to the beginnings of Rolls-Royce itself.

When Sir Henry Royce had the original Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost built between 1906 and 1907 to 1926, it was named so not by the company, but by the press and all those who experienced it, because the official demonstrator car happened to be silver in colour and the engine was so quiet and refined in comparison to its contemporaries that it felt like a ghost was transporting them on a ‘Magic carpet’.

In fact, this was the car that put Rolls-Royce on the map when it was entered in the Scottish Reliability Trials of 1907, where even after crossing 11,000 Km, the car showed extremely little mechanical wear, costing a measly 2.13 Pounds to bring back to basically new condition. Now even if that amount is adjusted for inflation, it really is tiny for a luxury car back then. Ah, the good old days when driving a high end automobile was more affordable than something less cheaper, but that which requires constant maintenance.

Turn the clock forward and the Phantom I was born in 1925, which created a new era for Rolls-Royce. It has been Rolls-Royce’s flagship from that year, all the way to 1990 with the Phantom VI. It was reborn in 2003 as the Phantom VII after BMW’s acquisition of Rolls-Royce and its incorporation as a subsidiary in 1998 and continues to be the flagship Rolls-Royce to this day (as at the end of 2020), while the new Ghost, which was launched in 2009, has always been looked at as a bit of a second choice to the Phantom.

This is sad because I personally feel Rolls-Royce made the Phantom as the flagship to demonstrate a sense of progression instead of relying on the same old “Ghost” name, while simultaneously deciding not to drop the Ghost entirely, but offer it as a car which is lower priced, more younger looking and all, but with a name with a great amount of heritage to it. This makes their lineup quite balanced in that way.

I personally think this is a wonderful manner of nomenclature as it ensures that all of Rolls-Royce’s products can be considered special, but in their own ways. But unfortunately only the people who know the history of Rolls-Royce can understand this. Others might just look at the Ghost as nothing more than a cheaper alternative to the Phantom (Still doesn’t make it objectively “cheap” in any way). But thinking about it, does this opinion matter really? I would say absolutely not for very obvious reasons.

This car may look a tad similar to the Phantom at a quick glance, but when examined properly, the differences in details become quite apparent. The headlights for instance are hexagonal in the later versions and even with the rectangles in the earlier versions, they are integrated in such a way that they look more modern, younger and sportier than the Phantom’s classic simple rectangles. The Ghost’s grill is much more smoothly integrated and flowing through to the rest of the body, whereas the Phantom’s grill is more upright and has more presence. The Phantom is also quite larger than the Ghost in terms of dimensions. The Ghost’s body is more curvy and softer, as opposed to the almost monolithic, straighter, and more prominently defined lines of the Phantom that gives it its famous stately stature. All in all, the Ghost looks like a car much younger in age than the Phantom. And I would say they have done a brilliant job with its design.

This is how I would describe them apart.

The Ghost is the new, young professional, freshly graduated, stands apart from the crowd by being smooth and refined in mannerism, unique, but at the same time, not arrogant or overbearing. Not necessarily humble, but classy. Distinctive, yet manages to blend in.

The Phantom is the Senior Authority. Experienced and mature. Commands respect. Distinct and has an impressive presence. Has an air of pride and condescension, but not necessarily arrogant. Classy.

Keep in mind that my descriptions here, apply only to the Phantom VII (2003 to 2017) and the Ghost (2009 to 2020). In 2017, The Phantom VIII was launched and in 2020, The new Ghost was introduced. I’ll write about them separately as I notice a massive change in the air these new cars come with. For the better, I assure you!

But what can be concluded from this comparison between the Phantom and the Ghost? We can say for sure that they are both absolutely special in their own way, and only tastes and personalities should guide anyone interested in ownership and not the price tag. After all, in both the cases, you get a car not just built for you, but gracefully tailored for you. Just like a fine suit from Saville Row. And that is priceless.

–  Abhyjith. K. Ashokan

Here’s a wonderful video from Petrolicious with the Phantom, and the wonderful story of a self made family :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74e7mXFlF0Y

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