Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud

vs

Rolls-Royce Dawn

UK vs UK — 1955 vs 2015

Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud (1955)
Rolls-Royce Dawn (2015)
Specifications
Silver Cloud IIIDawn Black Badge
Horsepower220 hp593 hp
Torque335 lb-ft620 lb-ft
Engine Size6,230 cc6,592 cc
0-60 mph10.8 sec4.8 sec
Top Speed115 mph155 mph
¼ Mile18.0 sec13.0 sec
Weight5,644 lbs
Wheelbase3,124 mm3,112 mm
Length5,410 mm5,285 mm
Units Produced2,044
Original MSRP$356,500
Value (Excellent)$250,000$380,000
Collectibility5/107/10
Rarity5/106/10
The Verdict

The 2015 Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1955 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III counters with better value, 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.

Overview

The 1955 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III and 2015 Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge share a manufacturer in Rolls-Royce, but that's where the similarities get interesting. These two models reveal the versatility and ambition of the Rolls-Royce brand. The 2015 Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge holds a clear advantage in raw power with 593 hp compared to 220 hp, a 373-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud uses a V8 OHV 16V displacing 6,230 cc, while the Rolls-Royce Dawn relies on a V12 Twin-Turbo with 6,592 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2015 Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge edges ahead at 4.8 seconds versus 10.8 seconds. On the collector market, the 2015 Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge commands a significant premium over the 1955 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 2015 Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.