Rolls-Royce Honors Phantom’s Musical Heritage by Submerging It in a Pool
Rolls-Royce conducted an unusual experiment by submerging a prototype of its Phantom car in a swimming pool. This campaign was organized to celebrate the brand’s connection with music culture. Using a crane, the luxury car was carefully lowered into the water, which served as a nod to a famous legend and highlighted the Phantom’s role in popular music.
The Reality of the Submersion and the Car Choice
Unlike modern AI tools that can create a similar image instantly, this event was real. Rolls-Royce even published behind-the-scenes video to confirm the authenticity of the campaign. It is important to note that a decommissioned Phantom prototype, destined for disposal, was used for the submersion. It was a long-wheelbase model, nearly 6 meters long, which took up almost the entire space of the pool.
Musical Context and Historical References
This campaign has direct parallels with music history. According to legend, Keith Moon, the drummer of The Who, allegedly drove a Phantom into a pool during his 21st birthday party in the 1970s. Although the details remain disputed, it was this story that inspired Rolls-Royce as part of its Phantom centenary celebration. The venue – Tinside Lido in Plymouth – also holds musical significance, as The Beatles were once photographed there.
Phantom in Culture and Art
The Phantom car has long been associated with music icons such as Duke Ellington, Elvis Presley, and Elton John. In modern culture, it has become a status symbol among R&B performers, appearing in music videos and on album covers. This is not the first time a Phantom has been submerged in a pool for artistic purposes: the British band Oasis used a similar image for the cover of their 1997 album Be Here Now.
This campaign not only demonstrates Rolls-Royce’s creativity but also highlights how automotive culture can intertwine with art, creating new meanings and inspiring generations. The use of a prototype, rather than a production car, also indicates a responsible approach to resources, even within such large-scale performances.