Differences in Phantom year models

I am considering buying a Phantom. Can anyone give me some advice about the relative differences in year models 2004-2008? I'd like someone else to take the depreciation hit, but want to avoid problem or poor years. Any advice? Any year model to avoid? Was there any dramatic mechanical improvement? Or are they pretty much the same?

 

There are no "problem year" Phantoms. All are good. Seriously. Changes from 04-08 basically amounted to paint schemes and a few preferential options (i.e., exposed exhaust, seat configuration, camera system, etc...) No major improvements, really none needed.
Ours is '05 Cornish White. Special edition units are always nice if you can find them. Centenary edition, though I didn't care for pinstriping.
'06 Black edition in Diamond Black's debut color, if you like black.
'07 Silver edition in the bespoke Ghost Silver paint.
Yada yada.

Mechanical enhancements? None. Seriously. The 2004s and 2012s use the same 6.75liter V12. RR corporate told me directly, these engines are so vastly de-tuned you would be frightened. After they dropped the original 9.0liter V16 prototype engines (BMW's decision, not Rolls), they developed an incredible V12. I was told horsepower and torques of the original designs were both "into the 700s" but BMW worried about long-term reliability.

First-hand notes on maintenance? Don't let a relative back them into a palm tree. They're very costly to fix.

 

Hi John,

Jeff has my number. Get it from him and call me about a phantom. You are too hard to catch at your office. See you at Celebration.