The range of Rolls Royce on the market means something for everyone. Even so, it’s still possible to prefer one model over another. All models are beautiful, and some stand out among the rest because of what they offer in terms of performance, comfort, and price point.
1. 1931 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental Drophead Coupe
This car was built in 1931 and is the Holy Grail of Rolls-Royce collectors. It was the most expensive car of its time, proving the brand’s luxurious reputation. This one-off car was explicitly made for department store mogul Sir Charles Mendl and was the first car to be fitted with the company’s new V-12 engine. The Phantom II Continental also featured a distinctive design, one not often seen on other Drophead Coupes. This model was also the first Rolls-Royce to be fitted with hydraulic brakes.
2. 1933 Rolls-Royce 20HP
The Rolls-Royce 20HP was the company’s first car to use an engine with a displacement of under 3 liters. It was a very advanced vehicle with many modern safety features like an electric starter, a fuel gauge, and a speedometer. While this is an impressive car, it was also the first model to be fitted with the company’s well-known ‘Silent-Bloc’ engine.
3. 1936-1937 Rolls-Royce Wraith Coupe
The Rolls-Royce Wraith Coupe was a one-off super-luxury model commissioned by an anonymous buyer. It was given a unique design to stand out from the rest of the range, featuring a long bonnet, a subtle greenhouse, and a very low roofline. The car is also famous for being the first model to be fitted with a V-12 with an overhead camshaft.
4. 1938 Rolls Royce Silver Mist Phantom
The Rolls-Royce Silver Mist Phantom was a one-off model built by the company in 1938. It was a design study commissioned by a Japanese company that hosted the country’s first-ever International Exhibition of Science and Technology. This stunning car was fitted with a V-12 engine and a fully-automatic transmission. It was also the first Rolls-Royce to be equipped with a built-in telephone. This car’s design is unique, featuring a long bonnet, a short deck, and a one-piece windshield.
5. 1939 Wraith Silver Ghost Limousine de Ville
Rolls-Royce built this one-off model in 1939. It was a particular version of the Wraith with a more extended chassis and a touring limousine body. This model was commissioned by King George VI and was used by him to tour the country and visit his subjects. It was also used as a royal carriage during weddings, funerals, and coronations. This car is one of the rarest models in Rolls-Royce’s history.
6. 1940 Phantom II Continental by Franay
Coachbuilder Franay built this model in Paris in 1940. It was a particular one-off version of the Phantom II Continental, and it featured a unique design: a very long hood, a very low roofline, and a concise rear section. It was also the first Rolls-Royce car fitted with an all-wheel drive system.
7. 1945 Wraith by Franay, Paris Show Car
Franay built this model in Paris in 1945. It was a one-off version of the Wraith, made to be shown at the Paris Motor Show. It was the first Rolls-Royce ever fitted with a V-16 engine. Other unusual features include that it can be started in any gear has no reverse gear, a top speed of around 100 mph, and doors that open backward.
9.1948 Wraith Lightweight Coupe and Sedan
This model was built in 1948 and was a particular one-off version of the Rolls-Royce Wraith. It was created using the company’s experimental ‘weight-saving’ techniques. It is famous for being the first Rolls-Royce fitted with disc brakes and a fully-automatic transmission.
10. 1948 Silver Wraith II Saloon and Drophead Coupe
This model was built in 1948 and was a particular one-off version of the Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith II. It featured a long hood and a low-riding body, making the car look very imposing. The model was also the first Rolls-Royce fitted with the company’s 6-cylinder ‘Ghost’ engine.
Conclusion
The Rolls-Royce brand is synonymous with opulence and luxury, and therefore the only thing better than a Rolls-Royce is a rare Rolls-Royce. While new models can cost up to $500,000, vintage models are much more affordable and can go for just a few thousand dollars.
