Rolls-Royce Phantom

Rolls-Royce has been a byword for privilege for a hundred years now.

In 1904, engineer Frederick Henry Royce met salesman Charles Stewart Rolls to discuss their mutual desire to create a special kind of motorcar. Two years later, the Silver Ghost rolled off the production line in Derby, effectively confirming their status as manufacturers of the world's best cars.

During the next two decades, over 6,000 of these six cylinder Rollers were snapped up by wealthy motorists. The owners included royalty, industrialists, and a new moneyed set - movie stars. Everything about these cars oozes class. From the magnificent 'Spirit of Ecstasy' mascot, to the sumptuously upholstered interior. From the hushed purr of the engine, to the muffled thump of its closing door. All the more ironic then that the company is now owned by Volkswagen.

The German manufacturer, whose name literally translated means 'people's car', paid £430 million for the company in 1998. Nevertheless, the RR reputation endures - their latest Phantom testifies to that. Its near silent 6.75 litre, V12 engine has a top speed of 150mph and produces enough power to embarrass the most macho sports car. Not that the occupants would ever lower themselves to gloat.