In 1973, Elton John already owned an earlier white Phantom VI and was travelling through Manchester in that car when he spotted this example in the Lex Mead Rolls-Royce showroom. Bob Stacey, a long-serving member of Sir Elton John’s team, responsible for concert staging and equipment, later recalled how the crew had been expecting Elton to arrive at the venue in the white Phantom, only for him to appear unexpectedly in this car instead. Stacey explained that, on the way to the concert, “they had stopped at some lights next to a Rolls-Royce showroom and there was this big [Phantom], exactly the same model as the white one he was in, but a newer version. He got his chauffeur to drive in, did the deal, put his bag in the new one and off they went. That's Elton all over..surprise”. The warranty documentation was subsequently signed by Elton’s then-manager, John Reid, on 14 March 1973.
Sir Elton retained the Phantom throughout the years, using it regularly and at one point even adding his coat of arms to the driver’s door. During the mid-1990s, the car was maintained by Weybridge Automobiles and underwent a comprehensive restoration between 1995 and 1996 at a reported cost exceeding £100,000.
Today, the Phantom presents in dramatically updated form, transformed from its original specification into a striking modern interpretation. In 2014, the car underwent extensive restoration again by Jack Barclay Rolls-Royce, at a cost exceeding £200k, for which all invoices are present. Finished in Mason’s black with matching black leather upholstery and tinted windows, the car is widely regarded as the ultimate “rock and roll” motor car within Elton John’s collection. The rear compartment has been extensively redesigned and now incorporates two occasional seats and a televsion with video equipment. Most remarkable of all is the enormous bespoke stereo installation, reportedly costing £28,000. Members of Elton’s staff recalled that when the system was first installed, the rear windscreen required reinforcement because the sound pressure threatened to blow it out entirely.
Sir Elton has always regarded the Phantom with particular affection, describing it as one of his favourite vehicles. Members of his staff affectionately nicknamed it “The Bus” and “The Tank”, reflecting both its imposing presence and its regular use. Elton himself once remarked: “I've used this car a lot. It's really comfy, we did tours in the country in it, it's got a great stereo system, thirty-six speakers, a fax machine. I'm attached to it.”