The Goodwood Phantom - Dawn of a New Era

Author: Malcolm Tucker, ISBN: 9781854432100, Hardcover, Published in 2004,

In 1998, the German car manufacturer BMW acquired the rights to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd., that most British of institutions whose name has been a byword of engineering excellence for one hundred years. In less than five years, BMW has re-launched the company as an independent entity, albeit with access to the resources of its new parent. A completely new Rolls-Royce, the Phantom, has been designed and produced, along with the building of a brand new manufacturing plant.

The Project Rolls-Royce team members were recruited from all over the world, the only common requirement being that each of them was the best person for the particular job. To produce a new car of any type from scratch in such a short time is an achievement, but one such as the Phantom is truly amazing.

The purpose designed manufacturing plant and head office, on the Goodwood Estate near Chichester is a triumph in its own right. Serving all the needs of the new company, it was also constructed to minimise the impact upon the environment and the surrounding South Downs.

This book tells the story of these challenges, the personalities who took them on and how they succeeded. Although it is only just over a year since the first production Phantom was delivered to its proud owner, an exciting experimental car — codenamed 100EX — has already been produced.

The Goodwood Phantom is the first book to contain details of this outstanding car.

Perhaps, of most interest, it will allow readers to judge for themselves whether or not the Goodwood Phantom is a worthy car to bear the name of Rolls-Royce and proudly carry the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot.