Rolls-Royce recently commemorated the 60th anniversary of the iconic James Bond film Goldfinger.
The spy thriller, which premiered in 1964, featured the 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III, used by the villain Auric Goldfinger. This vehicle, like the Aston Martin DB5 featured in the same film, has become legendary in both automotive and cinematic history.
The perfect accomplice
The Phantom III in Goldfinger served as a cunning tool for the titular character's nefarious plans.
The car's coachwork, made from two tonnes of solid 18-carat gold, was integral to the plot. Goldfinger smuggled gold across Europe, utilising the Phantom III's power and storage capacity. With a 7.3-litre V12 engine producing 123kW, the Phantom III was well-suited for carrying such weight without compromising performance.
This model also holds a significant place in Rolls-Royce history as the last vehicle personally developed by Sir Henry Royce before his death in 1933. It incorporated advanced features for its time, such as adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers, enhancing its ride quality.
In the film, the Phantom III's imposing presence is undeniable, prompting Bond himself to acknowledge, “She’s a beauty… Phantom III ‘37, isn’t she?”
A lasting legacy
The car used in the film featured a ‘Sedanca de Ville’ body by the coachbuilders at Barker, with an open front and enclosed rear.
Initially commissioned by Lord Fairhaven of Anglesey Abbey, it sported a striking black and yellow finish for its cinematic role. Its original registration plate, ‘AU 1,’ cleverly referenced the chemical symbol for gold.
While Rolls-Royce vehicles have appeared in multiple Bond films, the Goldfinger Phantom III remains the most memorable. This enduring connection continues as Rolls-Royce plans to make a special announcement on October 25th.
Could it be a special edition based on the current Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII? We'll have to wait and see.
