Celebrating a Bond Between Luxury and Legend.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is celebrating a momentous milestone as they mark 60 years since the release of Goldfinger, the iconic James Bond film that premiered on September 17, 1964. The movie, renowned for its suave spy, eccentric villains, and luxurious cars, featured one of the most memorable Rolls-Royce appearances in cinematic history. The 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Sedanca de Ville, driven by the villain Auric Goldfinger, became an essential character in the film, symbolizing power, wealth, and intrigue.
The Phantom III was the perfect accomplice for Goldfinger’s gold smuggling operations. Not only did its generous proportions and luxurious design command attention, but it was also the first Rolls-Royce to feature a V12 engine. Powered by a 7.3-liter engine producing 165 horsepower, the Phantom III was a force to be reckoned with, capable of handling even the treacherous roads of the Furka Pass where Goldfinger conducted his nefarious schemes. The car's presence was so significant that it caught the attention of James Bond, who couldn’t resist remarking on its beauty when encountering the villain for the first time.
One of the key features of the film’s Phantom III is its AU 1 numberplate, a nod to the chemical symbol for gold. While it seems like a perfect choice for the gold-obsessed antagonist, the plate's origins lie in the British registration system, having been issued in Nottingham in 1901. The car itself had a rich history before its big-screen debut, originally commissioned by Lord Fairhaven of Anglesey Abbey. Painted predominantly in black with subtle chrome accents, the vehicle’s finish was later modified to a two-tone yellow and black for its cinematic role.
Beyond its cinematic glory, the Phantom III holds a special place in Rolls-Royce history as the last model personally developed by Sir Henry Royce before his passing in 1933. The car incorporated several engineering innovations, including adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers, ensuring Goldfinger’s smuggling runs were as smooth as possible. Its iconic status in the Goldfinger film franchise, coupled with its historical significance, cements its legacy in both the automotive and film industries.
In honor of this legacy, Rolls-Royce plans to make a special announcement on October 25, 2024, furthering the story of the AU 1 Phantom and its connection to the James Bond universe. As fans await this exciting news, the Rolls-Royce Phantom III continues to stand as a timeless symbol of luxury, innovation, and cinematic legend.
