Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost

vs

Bentley 8 Litre

UK vs UK — 1906 vs 1930

Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (1906)
Bentley 8 Litre (1930)
Specifications
Silver Ghost 40/50 HP Tourer8 Litre WO Bentley Masterpiece
Horsepower48 hp220 hp
Torque430 lb-ft
Engine Size7,428 cc7,983 cc
Top Speed65 mph105 mph
Weight3,968 lbs5,291 lbs
Wheelbase3,632 mm3,810 mm
Length4,876 mm5,300 mm
Units Produced7,874100
Original MSRP$12,000
Value (Excellent)$2,000,000$5,000,000
Collectibility10/1010/10
Rarity8/1010/10
The Verdict

Two outstanding machines, each with compelling strengths. The 1906 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost 40/50 HP Tourer excels in lighter weight, better value, while the 1930 Bentley 8 Litre WO Bentley Masterpiece stands out for more power, higher top speed, greater rarity. The best advice? Drive both if you can, then follow your instincts.

Overview

Among Luxury Car enthusiasts, the matchup between the 1906 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost 40/50 HP Tourer and 1930 Bentley 8 Litre WO Bentley Masterpiece is one for the ages. These Pre-war machines competed directly for buyers' attention and continue to vie for collectors' affections today. The 1930 Bentley 8 Litre WO Bentley Masterpiece holds a clear advantage in raw power with 220 hp compared to 48 hp, a 172-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 Bentley 8 Litre relies on a Inline-6 SOHC with 7,983 cc. The 1930 Bentley 8 Litre WO Bentley Masterpiece claims a higher top speed at 105 mph compared to 65 mph. The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1323 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 100 units built, the 1930 Bentley 8 Litre WO Bentley Masterpiece is considerably scarcer than the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost's 7,874 examples. On the collector market, the 1930 Bentley 8 Litre WO Bentley Masterpiece commands a significant premium over the 1906 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost 40/50 HP Tourer, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.