UK vs France — 1946 vs 1956
| Silver Wraith Touring Limousine | Excellence EX1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 135 hp | 325 hp |
| Torque | 207 lb-ft | 400 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,566 cc | 5,801 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 17.5 sec | 9.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 87 mph | 124 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 21.0 sec | — |
| Weight | 4,479 lbs | 4,299 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,226 mm | 3,150 mm |
| Length | 5,283 mm | 5,080 mm |
| Units Produced | 1,883 | 152 |
| Original MSRP | — | $12,700 |
| Value (Excellent) | $350,000 | $500,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 9/10 |
The 1956 Facel Vega Excellence EX1 emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1946 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Touring Limousine 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.
Putting the 1946 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Touring Limousine against the 1956 Facel Vega Excellence EX1 is a comparison that enthusiasts have debated for decades. Each car reflects distinct design philosophies shaped by different automotive cultures — UK versus France. The 1956 Facel Vega Excellence EX1 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 325 hp compared to 135 hp, a 190-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith uses a Inline-6 OHV displacing 4,566 cc, while the Facel Vega Excellence relies on a V8 OHV with 5,801 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1956 Facel Vega Excellence EX1 edges ahead at 9.8 seconds versus 17.5 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 152 units built, the 1956 Facel Vega Excellence EX1 is considerably scarcer than the Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith's 1,883 examples. On the collector market, the 1956 Facel Vega Excellence EX1 commands a significant premium over the 1946 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith Touring Limousine, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.