Here’s a somewhat soothing picture of a fleet of Rolls-Royce Phantoms being guided through procession over at the Forest Lawn Cemetary in Los Angeles. The cars are transporting mourners, mostly the family of Michael Jackson.
We know MJ had a lot of nice cars even though he wasn’t a petrolhead as such. And even though it’s too late it’s comforting to know that what is probably the most luxurious car in the world was involved in sending him to his final home.
The Phantom was launched in 2003 after BMW and Volkswagen finally agreed on how to split Rolls with Bentley, with the former going to BMW and the latter to VW. It measures 5.8 metres, stands at 1.6m high and has a wheelbase of 3.6m.
Go is provided by a 6.75-litre V12 naturally aspirated engine that makes 338kW (460hp) and 720Nm of torque. They say it will run from 0 – 100km/h in 5.8 seconds has a top speed of 240km/h.
RR gave it the finest leather upholstery, cashmere trim and the highest levels of equipment possible. One of the highlights for lucky owners is the electronically-retractable Spirit of Ecstacy which has symbolised super luxury car making since RR came into being.
If the King of Pop was to be accompanied in this final journey in a manner fitting of his historical significance then the Rolls-Royce should certainly be the one to drive by his side.
*Picture by GETTY Images
