By far the most expensive car that money could buy when launched in 1968, the Rolls-Royce Phantom VI remained in production for twelve years (although the final few examples were not finished until 1991/92 due to the model’s handbuilt nature).

Notable as the last Rolls-Royce to employ a separate chassis, the majority were bodied by Mulliner Park Ward as seven-seater limousines, though a hearse and even convertible versions were constructed (the latter conceived by the Italian carrozzeria Frua).

Equipped with independent front suspension, a leaf-sprung back axle and four-wheel drum brakes, the Phantom VI was all about passenger comfort and boasted the world’s first dual zone air-conditioning system.

Powered by a 6,230cc (later 6,750cc) OHV V8 engine allied with an automatic transmission, gearing was chosen so that it could be driven at anything from walking pace to 100mph.

Customers were encouraged to test the ingenuity of Rolls-Royce’s in-house craftsmen to the extent that very few...