His Highness the Aga Khan III was among just 18 Royalty and Heads of State to bespoke commission a Rolls-Royce Phantom IV.
His Highness was the 48th Imam to the world’s 15 million Nizari Ismaili Muslims, President of The League of Nations from 1937 to 1938, owner of 5 Derby winners and named Champion Owner no fewer than 13 times.
The Aga Khan’s impeccable eye for pedigree and quality extended beyond racehorses to motor cars …
The Great Eight Phantoms
To celebrate the arrival of the latest flagship model, Rolls-Royce is showcasing iconic versions of all seven generations of Phantom that proceeded it over a 92-year history, in an exhibition that will only last 5 days in London. The Great Eight Phantoms exhibition is taking place at Bonhams on Bond Street from the 27th of July until the 2nd of August, 2017.
At The Great Eight Phantoms exhibition, one of each generation of the Phantom are joined by the all new eighth generation model. All seven generations of the flagship Rolls-Royce herald significant owners or moments in history including the iconic Aga Khan III’s Phantom IV, John Lennon’s Phantom V and the Queen’s Phantom VI limousine.
THE AGA KHAN III PHANTOM IV
1952 ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM IV SEDANCA DE VILLE LIMOUSINE
COACHWORK BY HOOPER
Born Sultan Muhammad Shah in 1877 in Karachi (then part of undivided India), the Aga Khan III became the 48th Imam to the world’s 15 million Nizari Ismaili Muslims when he was just eight years old. He received a modern western education as well as a traditional religious training, and fulfilled both his secular and spiritual roles with great skill until his death in 1957.
A celebrated international statesman of immense influence, His Highness Aga Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah, Aga Khan III was the President of The League of Nations from 1937 to 1938, championing world peace – a legacy that has continued in the life of his two sons and grandsons – Prince Aly Soloman Khan Khan (Pakistan’s permanent Ambassador to the United Nations) and Prince Sadruddin (the longest serving United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees). Today, this continuing legacy for peace is reflected in the works of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV and his younger brother Prince Amyn Mohammed, the grandsons of Aga Khan III.
In the UK, His Highness Aga Khan III is particularly remembered for his devoted patronage of English flat racing. He owned 5 Epsom Derby winners and was named Champion Owner no fewer than 13 times.
His Highness Aga Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah, Aga Khan III’s impeccable eye for pedigree and quality extended beyond racehorses to motor cars; and with its beautiful flowing lines, his Phantom IV is a true Thoroughbred. It’s one of only 18 ever built, including two test models which were not offered for sale: the remaining 16 were all bespoke commissions for Royalty and Heads of State, and every one still survives.
This car, restored to its original green finish, was the only Phantom IV to be built in the Sedanca de Ville style. The Hooper coachwork of the Aga Khan’s Phantom IV has remarkable flowing lines, and the interior features sumptuous red leather, using Connolly hides. It took two years to build, from 1950 to 1952, thanks to its many bespoke additions, which are engraved with the Aga Khan’s royal crest and are also to be seen on the doors – as well as a built-in Dictaphone.
Discover, explore and learn more by visiting ‘The Great Eight Phantoms’ exhibition at Bonhams in 101 New Bond St, Mayfair, London W1S 1SR. The 5-day exhibition will run from the 27nd of July until the 2nd of August, 2017.
Via:
- The Great Eight Phantoms
- The Great Eight Phantoms: London exhibition shows the 92-year road to the new £350,000 Rolls-Royce launched this week
About Rolls-Royce Phantom
From the moment Sir Henry Royce introduced the Rolls-Royce Phantom in 1925 it was judged ‘The Best Car in the World’ by the cognoscenti. As a result it has conveyed some of the world’s most influential and powerful men and women to the most defining historical moments over the last 92 years.
Every new Phantom that has subsequently appeared has successfully retained the title of ‘Best Car in the World’ as a result of Rolls-Royce’s tireless pursuit of perfection, visionary engineering, aesthetic acuity and deep understanding of what the world’s leading luxury item should be. Quite simply, Rolls-Royce has innovated for almost a century to set the benchmark and satisfy the most discerning luxury patrons.
“The global introduction of a new Rolls-Royce is always a very special moment within the BMW Group.
This particular occasion is all the more special because we are introducing an all-new Phantom, the flagship of the Rolls-Royce brand and the world’s foremost luxury product.
New Phantom is a powerful statement of design, engineering and Bespoke expertise and I am delighted with the response we have received from our many highly discerning customers worldwide.
The BMW Group remains fully committed to the future of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and is proud of the many achievements made by the brand since its acquisition.”
– Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Research, Insight & Perspective by A. Maherali
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Ismailimail 
Old is Gold. Beautiful Aga Khan III’s Rolls Royce Phantom IV. Hope it stays that way always.
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