Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost

vs

Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn

UK vs UK — 1906 vs 1949

Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (1906)
Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn (1949)
Specifications
Silver Ghost 40/50 HP TourerSilver Dawn Drophead Coupe
Horsepower48 hp130 hp
Torque199 lb-ft
Engine Size7,428 cc4,566 cc
0-60 mph16.0 sec
Top Speed65 mph92 mph
¼ Mile20.5 sec
Weight3,968 lbs3,998 lbs
Wheelbase3,632 mm3,048 mm
Length4,876 mm4,877 mm
Units Produced7,874760
Value (Excellent)$2,000,000$300,000
Collectibility10/108/10
Rarity8/108/10
The Verdict

Numbers favor the 1949 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn Drophead Coupe with more power, higher top speed, greater rarity. The 1906 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost 40/50 HP Tourer offers stronger collectibility, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.

Overview

Few model names carry as much weight as the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost. The 1906 and 1949 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 1949 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn Drophead Coupe holds a clear advantage in raw power with 130 hp compared to 48 hp, a 82-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 Dawn relies on a Inline-6 OHV with 4,566 cc. The 1949 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn Drophead Coupe claims a higher top speed at 92 mph compared to 65 mph. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 760 units built, the 1949 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn Drophead Coupe 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 1949 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn Drophead Coupe, 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.