Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost

vs

Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph

UK vs United Kingdom — 1906 vs 1998

Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (1906)
Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph (1998)
Specifications
Silver Ghost 40/50 HP TourerSilver Seraph Standard
Horsepower48 hp322 hp
Torque361 lb-ft
Engine Size7,428 cc5,379 cc
0-60 mph6.9 sec
Top Speed65 mph140 mph
¼ Mile15.2 sec
Weight3,968 lbs5,181 lbs
Wheelbase3,632 mm3,116 mm
Length4,876 mm5,390 mm
Units Produced7,8741,570
Original MSRP$220,695
Value (Excellent)$2,000,000$90,000
Collectibility10/106/10
Rarity8/107/10
The Verdict

The 1998 Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph Standard 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.

Overview

The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost lineage tells a fascinating story of automotive evolution. Comparing the 1906 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost 40/50 HP Tourer with the 1998 Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph Standard reveals how Rolls-Royce refined and reimagined one of its most important nameplates over the years. The 1998 Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph Standard holds a clear advantage in raw power with 322 hp compared to 48 hp, a 274-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 Seraph relies on a V12 SOHC (BMW M73) with 5,379 cc. The 1998 Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph Standard claims a higher top speed at 140 mph compared to 65 mph. The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1213 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,570 units built, the 1998 Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph Standard 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 1998 Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph Standard, 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.