Written by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars builds some of the world’s most expensive cars by hand at Goodwood in England, and the name has stood for luxury since 1906. This guide covers the current Rolls-Royce lineup, including the electric Spectre, as well as the brand’s history and ownership, its most famous cars and its biggest achievements.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars at a Glance
Founded 1906 Rolls and Royce first met in 1904
Founders Charles Rolls and Henry Royce Rolls-Royce Limited
Headquarters Goodwood West Sussex, England, since 2003
Owner BMW Group Since 2003
Deliveries 2025 5,664 cars Record year: 6,032 in 2023
Leadership Chris Brownridge CEO since December 2023
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Model Lineup
Rolls-Royce builds only a few models, and most cars are made to each buyer’s order. Therefore, the list below shows the four core models in 2026. In addition, Black Badge versions offer darker styling and more power, while one-off coachbuilt cars such as Project Nightingale are made for a few clients.
Electric (1)
Electric coupe
Rolls-Royce Spectre
Electric Two doors
Above all, the Spectre is the first fully electric Rolls-Royce, revealed in 2022. Later, the Black Badge Spectre arrived in 2025 with 659 hp, the most powerful Rolls-Royce so far.
V12 (3)
Luxury sedan
Rolls-Royce Ghost
Gas V12
Meanwhile, the Ghost is the most driver-focused Rolls-Royce sedan, and the updated Ghost Series II arrived in 2024. It is also offered as a Black Badge model.
Luxury SUV
Rolls-Royce Cullinan
Gas V12 All-wheel drive
In addition, the Cullinan was the first Rolls-Royce SUV in 2018, and the Series II update followed in 2024. In 2025 it was the brand’s best seller, with 3,291 delivered.
Flagship sedan
Rolls-Royce Phantom
Gas V12 Extended version
Above all, the Phantom is the flagship Rolls-Royce, and the current eighth generation was updated as the Series II in 2022. The name celebrated its 100th year in 2025.
What Is Rolls-Royce Motor Cars?
Car dealer Charles Rolls met engineer Henry Royce in Manchester in May 1904, and they formed Rolls-Royce Limited in 1906. Soon after, the Silver Ghost earned the company a reputation for building “the best car in the world”. Later, Rolls-Royce bought Bentley in 1931, while it also became famous for aircraft engines.
However, the original company went bankrupt in 1971 because of the cost of its jet engines. As a result, the car business became a separate company in 1973, and Vickers bought it in 1980. In 1998 Volkswagen bought the Crewe factory and Bentley, while BMW secured the Rolls-Royce name from 2003.
Today Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is a BMW Group company based at Goodwood, where it builds up to 28 cars a day. It delivered 5,664 cars in 2025. In addition, the car company is separate from Rolls-Royce plc, the aircraft engine maker.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars History
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars traces its roots back more than 120 years, through several owners and two famous factories.
- 1904 First, Charles Rolls and Henry Royce meet in Manchester.
- 1906 Then Rolls-Royce Limited is formed, and Rolls wins the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy.
- 1907 A Silver Ghost completes a 15,000-mile reliability trial.
- 1925 The first Phantom is launched.
- 1931 Next, Rolls-Royce buys Bentley.
- 1946 Car production moves to Crewe.
- 1971 The company goes bankrupt, and in 1973 the car business is split off.
- 1980 Later, Vickers buys Rolls-Royce Motors.
- 1998 Volkswagen buys the Crewe factory, while BMW gets the Rolls-Royce name.
- 2003 The first Phantom built at Goodwood is delivered.
- 2018 The Cullinan becomes the first Rolls-Royce SUV.
- 2021 Meanwhile, the coachbuilt Boat Tail is revealed.
- 2023 The electric Spectre arrives, and Rolls-Royce delivers a record 6,032 cars.
- 2026 Finally, Rolls-Royce reveals Project Nightingale and drops its all-electric target for 2030.
Iconic Rolls-Royce Models
These six cars shaped the legend of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, from the Silver Ghost to the coachbuilt Boat Tail.
1907–1926
Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost
Reliability legend 7,874 built
Above all, the Silver Ghost made Rolls-Royce famous after a 15,000-mile reliability trial in 1907. In total, 7,874 were built, including 1,701 in the United States.
1925–1931
Rolls-Royce Phantom I
First Phantom 3,512 built
The Phantom I replaced the Silver Ghost, and it was also built in Springfield, Massachusetts. Many, like this tourer, had custom bodies.
1959–1968
Rolls-Royce Phantom V
V8 518 built
Later, the Phantom V was a large limousine favored by royalty and celebrities. Only 518 were built, so it is a rare classic today.
1965–1980
Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow
Monocoque 30,057 built
Later, in 1965, the Silver Shadow became the first Rolls-Royce with a monocoque body. As a result of its success, it became the best-selling Rolls-Royce ever, with 30,057 built.
2003–2017
Rolls-Royce Phantom VII
First BMW-era car 10,327 built
Later, the Phantom VII was the first car built at Goodwood under BMW. In addition, it introduced the umbrellas stored in the doors.
2021
Rolls-Royce Boat Tail
Coachbuilt 3 built
Meanwhile, the Boat Tail is a coachbuilt convertible, and only three were made. Its price was reported at about $28 million.
Who Owns Rolls-Royce Motor Cars?
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is a subsidiary of the BMW Group, which has built Rolls-Royce cars at Goodwood since 2003. When AutoGathering has a page for a brand, its name below links to that page.
Parent company BMW Group Munich, Germany · owner since 2003
This page Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Goodwood, West Sussex, England
Plant Goodwood Builds every Rolls-Royce car
Division Bespoke Custom colors, materials and details
Division Coachbuild One-off cars such as Boat Tail and Droptail
Range Black Badge Darker, more powerful versions
Sister brands
As a result, Rolls-Royce shares its parent with other BMW Group brands.
In addition, Rolls-Royce plc, the aircraft engine maker, is a separate company, and it licenses the Rolls-Royce name to BMW.
Former owners
- Rolls-Royce Limited (1906–1971) The original company built cars and aircraft engines until it went bankrupt.
- Rolls-Royce Motors (1973–1980) After that, the car business was split off as a separate company.
- Vickers (1980–1998) Vickers owned Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars until it sold the business in 1998.
- Volkswagen (1998–2002) Volkswagen built Rolls-Royce cars at Crewe until BMW took over the brand in 2003.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Accomplishments
The record of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars rests on legendary reliability, hand craftsmanship and some of the most expensive cars ever built.
15,000 miles
Silver Ghost trial
In 1907 a Silver Ghost drove 15,000 miles, including 27 trips between London and Glasgow.
1906
Tourist Trophy win
In fact, Charles Rolls won the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy race in a Rolls-Royce.
1913
Alpine Trial
Factory Silver Ghosts won six awards in the Austrian Alpine Trial, which led to the Alpine Eagle model.
6,032
Record deliveries
Rolls-Royce delivered a record 6,032 cars in 2023.
28 a day
Goodwood output
Goodwood now builds up to 28 cars a day, against one a day when it opened.
659 hp
Most powerful Rolls-Royce
The Black Badge Spectre of 2025 is the most powerful Rolls-Royce so far.
30,057
Silver Shadows built
In addition, the Silver Shadow family is the best-selling Rolls-Royce ever.
1911
Spirit of Ecstasy
Finally, the famous hood mascot by Charles Sykes was registered in 1911.
Talk Rolls-Royce With Other Owners
Rolls-Royce owners have plenty to share, whether it is a classic Silver Shadow or a new Spectre. Soon, AutoGathering will connect this page to a Rolls-Royce community space where owners and enthusiasts can compare models, share maintenance tips and plan meetups.
- Classic Rolls-Royce ownership
- Silver Shadow and Silver Spirit
- Spectre and electric luxury
- Bespoke commissions
- Maintenance and servicing
- Buying used
- Coachbuilt cars
- Rolls-Royce clubs and events
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars FAQ
Who owns Rolls-Royce cars?
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is owned by the BMW Group. However, the aircraft engine maker Rolls-Royce plc is a separate company.
Where are Rolls-Royce cars made?
In fact, every Rolls-Royce car is built at Goodwood in West Sussex, England.
How many cars does Rolls-Royce make a year?
Rolls-Royce delivered 5,664 cars in 2025, and its record is 6,032 in 2023.
How much does a Rolls-Royce cost?
In the US, prices start at about $377,000 for the Ghost and reach about $560,000 for the Phantom, before bespoke options.
Does Rolls-Royce make an electric car?
Yes. The Spectre is the first fully electric Rolls-Royce, although the brand dropped its plan to go all-electric by 2030.
What is the Spirit of Ecstasy?
It is the famous hood mascot, designed by Charles Sykes and registered in 1911. On modern cars it retracts into the grille.
Why do Rolls-Royce cars have umbrellas in the doors?
Since the 2003 Phantom, Rolls-Royce cars have had umbrellas stored inside the doors for the passengers.
What is the Starlight Headliner?
It is a roof lining with more than 1,340 hand-woven fiber-optic lights that look like a night sky.
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Photo credits
- Header image: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped and resized.
- Rolls-Royce Spectre electric coupe at IAA Mobility…: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Black 2025 Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost: Oleg Yunakov, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- White 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II SUV: This picture has been taken by Oleg Yunakov.…, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended Series II in Dark…: Damian B Oh, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- 1912 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost open tourer: MrWalkr, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Ascot Tourer with…: Rex Gray, CC BY 2.0, cropped and resized.
- Rolls-Royce Phantom V Sedanca de Ville by…: Rex Gray from Southern California, CC BY 2.0, cropped and resized.
- Silver 1971 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow saloon: SG2012, CC BY 2.0, cropped and resized.
- White Rolls-Royce Phantom VII saloon: Alexandre Prévot from Nancy, France, CC BY-SA 2.0, cropped and resized.
- Blue Rolls-Royce Boat Tail coachbuilt convertible: pelican-actor, CC BY 2.0, cropped and resized.