Rolls-Royce cars are the epitome of luxury and sophistication in the automotive world. Known for their iconic design and unparalleled performance, these vehicles have captivated car enthusiasts for years. Let’s look at the top Rolls-Royce cars that have set new standards of opulence and craftsmanship.
Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (1906–1926)
The car that truly made Rolls-Royce famous was the original Silver Ghost. In 1907, it was declared “the best car in the world.” At that time, all cars were loud and unreliable, making the Silver Ghost’s claim of being reliable and quiet a risky one. However, after covering 7,000 miles of actual driving, the maintenance costs were fairly reasonable compared to the others in its class, proving that cars could indeed be dependable. This groundbreaking achievement showcased the Silver Ghost’s exceptional reliability and set a new standard for automotive excellence.
Over 20 years, which included a short break during World War I, Rolls-Royce produced fewer than 8,000 Silver Ghost models (approximately 400 per year). As a result, it is one of the rarest collector cars today. In fact, the first prototype holds the title of the world’s most valuable car, with an insured value exceeding $35 million. While it might not be the fanciest or most technologically advanced car bearing the Rolls-Royce name, it is undeniably the most significant one ever to showcase the iconic Double-R badge.
Rolls-Royce Phantom (2003-Present)
While the Silver Shadow is often considered the official signature Rolls-Royce car, the Phantom stands out as the most modern and contemporary option. With a history dating back to 1925, the Phantom holds the record as the longest-established nameplate in automotive history.
The Phantom has consistently showcased exceptional, custom features that few other cars can match, setting the standard for luxury and exclusivity. Consider the impressive list of commissionable features found in the full-size 2017 Phantom Series II, such as:
– Starlight Headlights featuring 580 individual laser-cut stars
– Privacy Suite equipped with an electrochromic glass divider and intercom system
– Illuminated front Pantheon Grille
– Shooter Star Headliner adorned with many fiber-optic lights
Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow (1965-1980)
The unibody Silver Shadow, also known as the Silver Wraith II or Silver Mist, played a vital role in shaping Rolls-Royce into the modern luxury car company we know today. Compared to the previous Silver Cloud model, the Silver Shadow was smaller, sleeker, and faster. This made it highly popular among high-end car enthusiasts during the 1970s. The Silver Shadow offered unmatched ride quality with its 172-horsepower 6.2L V8 engine, impressive Turbo Hydramatic 400 automatic gearbox, and advanced high-pressure, self-leveling suspension system. Even 50 years after producing over 30,000 models, it remains an iconic and signature vehicle in the Rolls-Royce lineup.