They are both divas with bank balances bigger than their celebrated derrires but it's not just music that Beyonc Knowles has in common with rival Jennifer Lopez.

The R'n'B star, whose solo single Crazy in Love topped the UK charts in July, has splashed out £250,000 on a Rolls-Royce Phantom, the same model bought for J-Lo by her film star fiancee Ben Affleck.

Beyonc had the luxury car flown in from the company's plant in Goodwood, near Chichester, West Sussex, to her home in California, reportedly after hearing J-Lo had one.

The Phantom, which has a top speed of 149 miles per hour, is a popular vehicle among celebrities and the rich and famous.

Chelsea soccer boss Roman Abramovich, who lives in nearby Rogate, owns the prestige six-speed car.

Rolls-Royce never comments on individual customers but a spokesman said: "Throughout history, celebrities have been attracted to the Rolls Royce.

"In terms of production, we are now at around the rate of five per day.

"In terms of sales, the Detroit Motor Show recently announced 300 had been sold in 2003, half of them in the United States. If you ordered one today, you would be able to pick it up in early summer."

The Argus reported in July that actor Ben Affleck had bought girlfriend Jennifer Lopez a silver Rolls Royce Phantom, costing £250,000, which was delivered to her Hollywood home the day before she turned 33.

The couple, whose first film together, Gigli, has been slated by critics, went for a drive in the Phantom on her birthday and were apparently delighted with the investment.

Britain's most celebrated motor marque was taken over by Germany's BMW and opened a £65 million, purpose-built assembly plant in Goodwood at the start of last year.

Almost 350 staff produce about 1,000 cars annually for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, which has been established as a standalone UK subsidiary of the Munich-based group.

The Phantom was unveiled last January as part of a formal relaunch aimed at winning back glory to a brand tarnished by underinvestment and ownership changes.

Sir Henry Royce, who founded the company with Charles Rolls 100 years ago, lived in West Wittering from 1917 until his death in 1933.

On Tuesday, employees at Rolls-Royce celebrated the completion of the 500th Phantom to be built at Goodwood.

Tony Gott, Chairman and Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: "It has been an incredible 12 months for everyone at Goodwood."