UK vs UK — 1906 vs 1946
| Silver Ghost 40/50 HP Tourer | Silver Wraith Touring Limousine | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 48 hp | 135 hp |
| Torque | — | 207 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 7,428 cc | 4,566 cc |
| 0-60 mph | — | 17.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 65 mph | 87 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 21.0 sec |
| Weight | 3,968 lbs | 4,479 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,632 mm | 3,226 mm |
| Length | 4,876 mm | 5,283 mm |
| Units Produced | 7,874 | 1,883 |
| Value (Excellent) | $2,000,000 | $350,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 7/10 |
The 1946 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Touring Limousine emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, higher top speed, greater rarity. The 1906 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost 40/50 HP Tourer counters with lighter weight, stronger collectibility, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
Tracing the evolution of the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost from 1906 to 1946 offers a compelling look at how automotive design and engineering progressed. These two variants showcase the changing face of Rolls-Royce. The 1946 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Touring Limousine holds a clear advantage in raw power with 135 hp compared to 48 hp, a 87-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost uses a Inline-6 Side-Valve displacing 7,428 cc, while the Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith relies on a Inline-6 OHV with 4,566 cc. The 1946 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Touring Limousine claims a higher top speed at 87 mph compared to 65 mph. The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 511 lbs lighter. 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 Ghost's 7,874 examples. On the collector market, the 1906 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost 40/50 HP Tourer commands a significant premium over the 1946 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Touring Limousine, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1906 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost 40/50 HP Tourer rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.