12/07/2008 03:41.  At a time when everyone’s wallet seems empty, driving a Rolls-Royce Phantom, with a base price of $340,000,   seems smugly indifferent to the nation’s deteriorating economy.

But those who can afford to buy such a car will tell you that this is a typical cycle  and that the economy will rebound. As for me, my test drive coincided with the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars  appearance at the national Rolls-Royce Owners Club  meet in Williamsburg in late June.

Sitting in front of the Williamsburg Lodge, the car’s massive size matched by an equally large price tag, the question arises, “Is this vehicle worth it?”

- Except for the trunk, the entire car, including the hand-welded frame, is made from aluminium . 

- The body and floor are double-walled, with the floor space used as... // The Virginian-Pilot