Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost

vs

Rolls-Royce Phantom

UK vs UK — 1906 vs 2003

Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (1906)
Rolls-Royce Phantom (2003)
Specifications
Silver Ghost 40/50 HP TourerPhantom VII Drophead Coupe
Horsepower48 hp453 hp
Torque531 lb-ft
Engine Size7,428 cc6,749 cc
0-60 mph5.6 sec
Top Speed65 mph149 mph
¼ Mile13.8 sec
Weight3,968 lbs5,776 lbs
Wheelbase3,632 mm3,320 mm
Length4,876 mm5,612 mm
Units Produced7,8742,500
Original MSRP$443,000
Value (Excellent)$2,000,000$350,000
Collectibility10/107/10
Rarity8/106/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1906 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost 40/50 HP Tourer brings lighter weight, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 2003 Rolls-Royce Phantom VII Drophead Coupe answers with more power, higher top speed, greater rarity. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

Rolls-Royce has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1906 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost 40/50 HP Tourer with the 2003 Rolls-Royce Phantom VII Drophead Coupe highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 2003 Rolls-Royce Phantom VII Drophead Coupe holds a clear advantage in raw power with 453 hp compared to 48 hp, a 405-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 Phantom relies on a V12 DOHC with 6,749 cc. The 2003 Rolls-Royce Phantom VII Drophead Coupe claims a higher top speed at 149 mph compared to 65 mph. The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1808 lbs lighter. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1906 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost 40/50 HP Tourer rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.