Rolls-Royce Phantom III Stars in Iconic James Bond Film: Celebrating 60 Years of 'Goldfinger
Today celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Rolls-Royce Phantom's iconic appearance in the 1964 James Bond film, 'Goldfinger'. The 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Sedanca de Ville, showcased in the movie, serves as the perfect accessory for the villain, Auric Goldfinger, and continues to inspire our brand. This model also occupies a revered position in the Rolls-Royce legacy as the last vehicle developed by our pioneering founder, Sir Henry Royce. I am thrilled to unveil a new chapter in this remarkable story soon. — Chris Brownridge, CEO, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
"This is gold, Mr. Bond. All my life, I've loved its colour, its brilliance, its divine heaviness." — Auric Goldfinger, Auric Enterprises
Rolls-Royce motor cars have appeared in a dozen James Bond films, but their iconic and memorable appearance remains in the 007 film Goldfinger.
This cinematic classic set the standard for what a Bond film entails, featuring exceptional design, exotic locations, innovative gadgets, and a unique villain. On the anniversary of the film’s premiere on 17 September 1964, Rolls-Royce revisits the story of 'Goldfinger' and the British icon it featured – the Rolls-Royce Phantom.
The film features the villain Auric Goldfinger travelling across Europe, chauffeured by his henchman, Oddjob, in an exquisite 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III Sedanca de Ville. This formidable vehicle hides a secret; its coachwork is crafted from two tonnes of solid 18-carat gold, which Goldfinger smuggles from England across the continent and over the challenging Furka Pass into Switzerland. Once at Auric Enterprises, he uses his alpine smelting plant to dismantle his Rolls-Royce, melting the body panels into gold bars. With a new coachwork installed, he transports the vehicle back to England for another illicit crossing.
Goldfinger’s ultimate scheme, 'Operation Grand Slam', aims to irradiate the U.S. Fort Knox gold reserves with a nuclear device, devaluing it and skyrocketing the worth of his stockpile.
Choosing the Phantom III for his gold smuggling proves as clever as the metal. Its spacious design accommodates a substantial haul, and the gold’s hefty weight scarcely affects the powerful car’s performance, even on the rigorous alpine routes. The Phantom III, the first V12-powered Rolls-Royce, boasts a 165bhp from a 7.3-litre engine, a notable upgrade from the Phantom II.
The Phantom III is also the last car Henry Royce developed before his death in 1933. It features innovations that would have aided Goldfinger’s smuggling. Its adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers, controllable from the driver’s seat, allow adjustments based on load.
The specific Phantom used by Goldfinger, featuring an open front and enclosed rear ‘Sedanca de Ville’ coachwork by Barker, commands attention, prompting Bond to comment, “She’s a beauty… Phantom III ‘37, isn’t she?” as Oddjob loads Goldfinger’s signature gold golf clubs and umbrella at Stoke Park.
Goldfinger’s Phantom sports the numberplate ‘AU 1’, nodding to gold’s symbol on the periodic table. Originally a Nottingham registration, AU 1 became iconic after the film.
Before starring in Goldfinger, this Phantom III was commissioned for Huttleston Rogers Broughton, the first Lord Fairhaven. It was painted nearly all in black for a subdued finish. It featured both imperial and metric gauges, suitable for travel in Britain and across Europe. Its signature two-tone yellow and black livery was later added to the film.
At 14:00 BST on 25 October, Rolls-Royce will further the legacy of the 'AU 1' Phantom, enhancing its storied connection to the James Bond series.
