UK vs UK — 1925 vs 2003
| Phantom III V12 | Phantom VII Drophead Coupe | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 165 hp | 453 hp |
| Torque | 350 lb-ft | 531 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 7,340 cc | 6,749 cc |
| 0-60 mph | — | 5.6 sec |
| Top Speed | 92 mph | 149 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 13.8 sec |
| Weight | 5,732 lbs | 5,776 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,810 mm | 3,320 mm |
| Length | 5,740 mm | 5,612 mm |
| Units Produced | 727 | 2,500 |
| Original MSRP | $15,000 | $443,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $1,500,000 | $350,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 6/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1925 Rolls-Royce Phantom III V12 brings greater rarity, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 2003 Rolls-Royce Phantom VII Drophead Coupe answers with more power, higher top speed. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Rolls-Royce Phantom III. The 1925 and 2003 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 2003 Rolls-Royce Phantom VII Drophead Coupe holds a clear advantage in raw power with 453 hp compared to 165 hp, a 288-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Rolls-Royce Phantom III uses a V12 OHV displacing 7,340 cc, while the Rolls-Royce Phantom relies on a V12 DOHC with 6,749 cc. The 2003 Rolls-Royce Phantom VII Drophead Coupe claims a higher top speed at 149 mph compared to 92 mph. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 727 units built, the 1925 Rolls-Royce Phantom III V12 is considerably scarcer than the Rolls-Royce Phantom's 2,500 examples. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1925 Rolls-Royce Phantom III V12 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.