UFC star Connor McGregor has quite an affection for the Rolls Royce Phantom VIII.
In 2013 Conor McGregor launched to fame like a rocket, putting not only his name on the fighting map but helping put his sport on the map as well. That rocket is none other than Conor himself, his combination of skill and personality is electrifying and has created millions of fans around the world, turning the UFC into a multi-billion dollar empire. Like a lot of hyper successful people, Connor has carved a piece of that for himself, a fortune of no less than $120 million, achieved not just because of his performance in the ring, but through a carefully managed image of a man some love to hate.
Regardless, it is McGregor who laughs all the way to the octagon, leveraging on his image to create his own whiskey label, Proper Job, a drink that is just as contentious as the man himself.
The UFC lightweight division is as much about bravado and theatrical showmanship as it is about mixed martial arts accomplishment. That might explain the Irishman’s reverence for the Rolls Royce automobile. McGregor owns over a dozen of them, worth up to $10 million. The most recent addition to his collection is the 2018 Rolls Royce Phantom VIII, which he says is, “the creme da la creme of chauffeur-driven vehicles, truly magnificent”. Why does he like them? “It’s like driving a bouncy house with wheels.” That’s quite the comparison, so let’s look into this particular edition of the Phantom series, the ultimate status symbol.
The Rolls Royce Phantom has served as a luxurious ornament of the elite for generations. The British-made Phantom was born in 1925, after World War I, and its prestige and reverence survived the war that was to follow it next in the series, WWII. Amazingly, it is still associated with class and status and has long been a favourite of celebrities and royalty. The Phantom VIII is the eighth generation of the car and is a tribute to its history since the latest edition is filled with new features and improvements, combing modernism with the past.
Phantom VIII Features
When compared with its predecessor, the VIII doesn’t look all that different. The large coupe still retains its boxy iconic profile, even though some minor details were changed, such as the grille becoming slightly taller and blending with the body more. These tweaks may seem minor but they actually add to the character and profile of the car. That said, the exterior style cannot to be played with too much, as the design has a loyal following, making it almost heritage protected.
Then there is the Phantom’s interior cabin, which is perhaps responsible for the Rolls Royce’s success. Their cars are famously luxurious and over the top, which of course, is popular with celebrities who love to flaunt their flashy cars. In fact, the cabin area feels more like a V.I.P lounge than just a passenger space, the seats and arm rests have heating controls and there is even a mini bar between them too. Besides these luxuries, there are also flat screen monitors attached to the rear of the front seats. The whole interior is completely sound proof and with the abundance of space inside, this car is perfect for after-parties.
There have been some stylistic updates to the dashboard as well, having been given digital instrumentation, in contrast to the previous analogue style. In the middle, the dashboard now also features a screen, known as ‘The Gallery’, which displays art, a quite flashy addition. The Phantom is more about class and comfort than it is about driving performance, just think of it as a V.I.P area on wheels. Most certainly, its popularity amongst the rich and famous further adds to its reputation as a symbol of status.
The Phantom series, then, is timeless and has a legacy of nearly a century. Its style has not changed much over the years, which is exactly the way Rolls Royce wants to keep it, ‘cos if it ain’t broke, why fix it’?
