Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow

vs

Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith

UK vs UK — 1965 vs 1946

Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow (1965)
Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith (1946)
Specifications
Silver Shadow StandardSilver Wraith Touring Limousine
Horsepower220 hp135 hp
Torque332 lb-ft207 lb-ft
Engine Size6,750 cc4,566 cc
0-60 mph10.9 sec17.5 sec
Top Speed118 mph87 mph
¼ Mile17.8 sec21.0 sec
Weight4,647 lbs4,479 lbs
Wheelbase3,038 mm3,226 mm
Length5,169 mm5,283 mm
Units Produced30,0571,883
Original MSRP$18,900
Value (Excellent)$80,000$350,000
Collectibility6/108/10
Rarity4/107/10
The Verdict

On balance, the 1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Standard makes a stronger case on paper with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. However, the 1946 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Touring Limousine counters with greater rarity, stronger collectibility, and its appeal extends beyond mere numbers. Choose the 1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Standard for outright capability, or the 1946 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Touring Limousine for a more distinctive ownership experience.

Overview

Few model names carry as much weight as the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow. The 1965 and 1946 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Standard holds a clear advantage in raw power with 220 hp compared to 135 hp, a 85-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow uses a V8 OHV displacing 6,750 cc, while the Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith relies on a Inline-6 OHV with 4,566 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Standard edges ahead at 10.9 seconds versus 17.5 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,883 units built, the 1946 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Touring Limousine is considerably scarcer than the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow's 30,057 examples. On the collector market, the 1946 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Touring Limousine commands a significant premium over the 1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow Standard, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1946 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Touring Limousine rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.