Unbelievable Luxury Deal: Own a 2006 Rolls-Royce Phantom V12 for Less Than a New BMW 5 Series
For those with an eye for unparalleled opulence, a stunning Royal Blue 2006 Rolls-Royce Phantom is currently up for sale on Bring a Trailer. What makes this listing truly remarkable is its current bidding price: a mere $53,000 with three days remaining (at the time of writing). This figure places the legendary V12-powered luxury sedan at less than the cost of a brand-new 2025 BMW 5 Series, which starts at $58,700. Despite its 68,157 miles, averaging a modest 3,587 miles per year, this nearly two-decade-old Phantom retains much of the majestic charm and bespoke luxuries that define the Rolls-Royce marque.
Source:Â Bring a Trailer
Effortless Power and Timeless Elegance
The 2006 Rolls-Royce Phantom is more than just a car; it’s a statement of automotive artistry and engineering.
- V12 Powerhouse: Under its hood, protected by the retractable Spirit of Ecstasy mascot, lies a formidable 6.75-liter V12 engine. This powerhouse originally produced 453 horsepower and a colossal 531 lb-ft of torque, channeled through a smooth six-speed automatic transmission. The relatively low mileage suggests plenty of life left in this magnificent powertrain.
- Recent Maintenance: The current owner has ensured the Phantom is in prime condition, with recent service including belt replacements and fluid flushes, aiming to preserve its factory-rated output and legendary smoothness.
- Exquisite Exterior: The chosen Royal Blue paint, complemented by a delicate double “coachline” pinstripe, exudes timeless sophistication. The 21-inch wheels, with their restrained chrome accents, perfectly complete the classy aesthetic.
A Cabin of Bespoke Luxury: Where Every Detail Matters
Stepping inside the Phantom is an experience in itself, reflecting Rolls-Royce’s unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and passenger comfort.
- Luxurious Materials: The cabin is sumptuously appointed with Cornsilk leather and rich Bird’s Eye Maple trims, a color combination that remains as elegant today as it was nearly 20 years ago.
- Signature Rolls-Royce Features: True to its heritage, this Phantom comes with the expected luxuries:
- Power-assisted rear-hinged doors (coach doors) for graceful entry and exit.
- Hidden Rolls-Royce umbrellas within the rear doors, a thoughtful touch for inclement weather.
- Plush lambswool rugs, offering unparalleled comfort underfoot.
- Unique Interior Highlights: This particular Phantom boasts some rare and advanced features for its time:
- An ultra-rare six-zone automatic climate control, a feature whose specifics (potentially relating to front/rear footwell air conditioning) are intriguing, as no contemporary Rolls-Royce offers this exact configuration.
- A premium Lexicon Logic7 sound system for an immersive audio experience.
- A rotating dashboard display and clock, a sophisticated detail that predates similar features in modern luxury cars like some Bentleys and even the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail.
- Minor Imperfection: It is noted that the sunroof’s fabric is sagging, indicating it’s not a “perfect” example, but this is a minor issue in an otherwise highly maintained vehicle.
The Price of Presence: Considerations for Ownership
While the bidding price is incredibly attractive, prospective owners should be prepared for the realities of maintaining a Rolls-Royce.
- Well-Maintained Example: This Phantom appears to have been well cared for, coming with original books, a car cover, a tool kit, and three key fobs. Recent services include an oil change, serpentine belt replacement, brake fluid flush, and new tires in May of this year. The Carfax report shows no damage, and there are no reported issues with the air-sprung front suspension or electronically controlled dampers.
- Known Reliability (with caveats): The 2006 Phantom is generally considered reliable for a car of its complexity.
- Potential Maintenance Costs: Despite its reliability, owning a Rolls-Royce means premium maintenance. Known issues for this model include:
- Valve covers that may “sweat” oil.
- Cracking strut tops.
- Potential transmission cooler leaks.
- The inherent costliness of original Rolls-Royce parts.
For those willing to embrace the potential maintenance costs, acquiring a Rolls-Royce Phantom for under six figures offers an unmatched level of road presence, luxury, and V12 power that no contemporary sedan, even from top German luxury brands, can rival at this price point. It truly is a lot of car for not a lot of money.
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