Cord L-29

vs

Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost

USA vs UK — 1929 vs 1906

Cord L-29 (1929)
Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (1906)
Specifications
L-29 812 Supercharged PhaetonSilver Ghost 40/50 HP Tourer
Horsepower190 hp48 hp
Torque270 lb-ft
Engine Size4,729 cc7,428 cc
0-60 mph13.5 sec
Top Speed110 mph65 mph
¼ Mile0.0 sec
Weight3,968 lbs
Wheelbase3,175 mm3,632 mm
Length4,978 mm4,876 mm
Units Produced7,874
Value (Excellent)$400,000$2,000,000
Collectibility5/1010/10
Rarity9/108/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1929 Cord L-29 812 Supercharged Phaeton brings more power, higher top speed to the table, and the 1906 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost 40/50 HP Tourer answers with stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

The rivalry between USA and UK automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1929 Cord L-29 812 Supercharged Phaeton versus 1906 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost 40/50 HP Tourer is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1929 Cord L-29 812 Supercharged Phaeton holds a clear advantage in raw power with 190 hp compared to 48 hp, a 142-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Cord L-29 uses a V8 L-head Supercharged displacing 4,729 cc, while the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost relies on a Inline-6 Side-Valve with 7,428 cc. The 1929 Cord L-29 812 Supercharged Phaeton claims a higher top speed at 110 mph compared to 65 mph. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1906 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost 40/50 HP Tourer rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.