2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost
It has a delightfully old world feel to it, from the real burled walnut trim to the lustrous chrome switchgear and vents, to the aromatic leather that somehow only Rolls-Royce knows how to procure.
The Rolls-Royce Ghost was introduced in 2010 as a smaller companion to the Phantom sedan, although the term “smaller’ is most definitely a relative term. Built for the Rolls-Royce owner who enjoys driving himself rather than being driven, and designed to make the brand more accessible to more people (although at nearly $300,000 new, that’s still a very rarefied clientele list), the Ghost is most certainly best enjoyed from behind the wheel.
Based on many components from BMW’s excellent 7-series, the Ghost is still a very large car, and most observers and even owners, will be hard-pressed to find the German DNA running through this British icon’s veins. It still has a delightfully old world feel to it, from the real burled walnut trim to the lustrous chrome switchgear and vents, to the aromatic leather that somehow only Rolls-Royce knows how to procure. More impressively, it’s astoundingly fast for such a massive vehicle, and its composed demeanor is less about serene “wafting” and more about connecting the driver to the road, although Rolls-Royce has their own definition of “connecting” which seems to mean “only slightly less isolated.”
This 2010 Ghost shows less than 1000 miles on the clock, and is new in every measurable way. The Ghost has vastly more gravitas than any of the senior series German sedans, up to and including the mighty Maybach, and there’s no mistaking it. From the smaller, but still upright and formal Rolls-Royce grille with delicate Sprit of Ecstasy mascot perched on top, to the thick C-pillar designed to shield occupants from prying eyes, there’s no question this is a Rolls-Royce. Handsome and slender headlamps flank the grille and feature LED running lights that give the Ghost a distinctive face. The English White paint is simply flawless, the result of Crewe’s magical elves working their magic on the surface in a way that few other luxury marques can afford. Design is exemplary, both elegant and refined, and the Ghost uses the Phantom’s unique forward-opening coach doors (also known as suicide doors to the those of us making less than seven figures a year) which turn the door handles into a single beautiful design element.
Inside, the Ghost coddles its occupants in the finest Rolls-Royce fashion, with opulent trim, natural materials, and the best craftsmanship in the world. Clearly aimed at the owner/driver, the controls and dashboard are borrowed from the BMW 760, which is certainly not a bad thing. A complete array of lovely white-faced instruments are elegant and easy to read at a glance, while the interactive navigation/entertainment/information system is operated by a BMW-style control knob in the center armrest. Of course, everything is standard equipment in a Ghost, and this one is no exception. In this car, there’s virtually no wear or evidence of use and the interior is beautifully preserved. The rear doors open to almost 90 degrees to facilitate graceful entrances and exits, and close using a power assist button inside, like an invisible chauffeur.
Based on the twin-turbo V12 from the fourth-generation E66 7-Series, the Ghost's engine has been stroked from 6.0 to 6.6 liters and produces 563 horsepower and a towering 575 pound-feet of torque at just 1,500 RPM. The gearbox is based on the excellent ZF eight-speed automatic, and offers quick reflexes, smooth shifts, and fuel economy that Rolls-Royce might refer to as “adequate.” The engine bay looks like modern sculpture, and most of the working components are hidden under black plastic shrouds designed to invoke engines of the past. In reality, the V12 whispers along almost inaudibly under most conditions, but at full song, hurls the 5440-pound Ghost to 60 MPH in a little more than four seconds—performance like this is the ultimate luxury.
The suspension uses air springs and adjustable shocks to create the distinctive Rolls-Royce ride, which, in the Ghost, is tuned for a little more performance than in the Phantom. But only a little. It’s competent and doesn’t seem to mind hustling on a country road, and like any trusted servant, never puts a tire wrong. Brakes are massive discs all around, with the fronts measuring a semi-truck-like 16-inches. They live behind stylish alloy wheels with bearing-mounted Rolls-Royce centercaps that are always right-side-up.
MSRP on the Ghost is nearly $300,000 today, and the specifications have not changed for 2011. This car represents an opportunity to acquire a nearly new 2010 Ghost for a substantial discount. It remains under the original Rolls-Royce warranty, and with under 1000 miles, it is as new throughout. Do not miss this chance to experience state-of-the-art Rolls-Royce craftsmanship and its astounding mixture of performance and luxury. As has been the case for more than a century, there’s truly nothing else like a Ghost.
