Rolls-Royce Phantom centenary celebrations at Breakfast Club

Celebrating 100 years of the Phantom was all the excuse we needed to invite nine of Rolls-Royce's models to our Classic Sunday Breakfast Club earlier this month, with the 20HP, Silver Wraith, Silver Cloud, and Silver Shadow showcasing how Rolls-Royce's interpretation of luxury motoring has evolved through the decades.

The 1926 Rolls-Royce 20HP was built to appeal to customers who wanted the workmanship you'd expect of a Rolls-Royce but in a smaller package than the Silver Ghosts of the time. It features a 3,127cc six-cylinder engine, four-speed gearbox and servo-assisted brakes on all four wheels. Barker & Co of London completed the car's open tourer coachwork before it was shipped to Singapore, returning to the UK in 1999. 

While the 20HP was lucky to survive WWII, a beautiful 1952 Silver Wraith avoided it altogether as the first new model Crewe built at the end of hostilities. It was the first car Rolls-Royce delivered in 'chassis only' form, allowing distinguished owners to have their coachbuilder provide the bodywork. It was initially offered with a 4,275cc straight-six based on the engine in the Wraith, only with a new cylinder head with overhead inlet valves and side exhaust valves. From 1951, the car got an upgraded 4,887cc version of the engine.

A 1971 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Drophead Coupé (wearing a Corniche badge) was another of our favourites with a silver-and-blue exterior, blue roof and thick blue Connolley leather seats on the inside, complementing its burr walnut veneers. It is easy to understand why the Drophead cost 50 per cent more than a Silver Shadow saloon. 

A quick scan of the classifieds confirms you could have a classic machine like this Shadow Drophead for less than the price of a new Mini Convertible — no prizes for guessing which is more likely to be around in another 50 years.

Photography by Joe Harding and Toby Whales.