Rolls-Royce cars are among some of the most coveted models in the entire world. The company’s vintage models are stunning to look at, comfortable to ride (or so we’ve heard), and wonderful to own! In this article, we’re going to look more closely at some of the oldest Rolls-Royce cars in the world, their histories, and more.
Let’s dive right in.
7 Oldest Roll Royce Cars
7. Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud
Year of introduction: 1955
Designer: John P. Blatchley
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud was first introduced in 1955, and has since been a part of the company’s luxury car fleet. When the Silver Cloud was launched, it replaced the Silver Dawn model. It’s interesting to note that this car has three models, the Silver Cloud, Silver Cloud I, and Silver Cloud II.
It’s interesting to note that this car has played quite a crucial role in popular culture! The 1962 model of the Silver Cloud has appeared in every episode of Burke’s Law, both in the 1963 version and the 1994 version. It has also been featured in The Avengers.
Did you know?
Donald Trump has owned a 1956 Silver Cloud for several decades.
6. Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith
Year of introduction: 1946
Designer: Martin Bennett
Transmission: 4-speed manual with synchromesh and 4-speed Hydramatic automatic optional from 1952
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith was first introduced in 1946, and gone through several adaptations ever since then. When it was first built, it was created only as a chassis. It replaced the 1939 Wraith.
At the time, its engine was a six-cylinder postwar engine. It was built to replace an overhead valve gear that had an F-head configuration. Additionally, when it was first constructed, the chassis had a completely new wheelbase.
Did you know?
The Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith was named the Wraith because at the time, there was a tradition that involved naming various car models after different types of ghosts.
5. Rolls-Royce 25/30
Year of introduction: 1936
Designer: Unknown
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Rolls-Royce 25/30 was first produced in 1936, and unlike its predecessors, has a bigger and more powerful engine. The reason that this car was updated was because previous models had bodies that were too big for the car’s engine.
It’s interesting to note that when this car was manufactured, only its mechanical parts and chassis were manufactured by Rolls-Royce! However, its body was made by an external manufacturer and fitted by its various owners.
Did you know?
The 25/30 Rolls-Royce has appeared in various films. These include Death on the Nile and The Naked Truth.
4. Rolls-Royce 20/25
Year of introduction: 1929
Designer: Unknown
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
When the Rolls-Royce 20/25 first hit the market, it had some big shoes to fill! Its predecessor, the 20 hp, was known for its sleek design and powerful engine. However, the 20/25 proved to be just as successful as the 20 hp, and has been around ever since.
When the 20/25 was first launched, the main goal was for it to have better power and perform more smoothly. It was still targeted at the same audience, one that consisted of luxury car owners. It first debuted at the Olympia Motor Show, and was immediately popular during the World War.
Did you know?
The Rolls-Royce 20/25’s success helped prevent the Roll-Royce company from experiencing economic hardships during the war.
3. Rolls-Royce Twenty
Year of introduction: 1922
Designer: Unknown
Transmission: 3-speed manual and 4-speed manual
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
When the Rolls-Royce Twenty was launched in 1922, the company initially wanted it to be a car for people who could not afford chauffeurs. However, it ended up being a success among the wealthy, and was typically sold to wealthy families with drivers.
Just like some of the other Rolls-Royce models mentioned on this list, this car’s chassis and mechanical parts were manufactured by Rolls-Royce, while its external body was not. During the 1920s, a chassis cost around £1100.
Did you know?
The Rolls-Royce Twenty has made appearances in several movies. These include Battle of the Sexes, Candleshoe, and The Abominable Dr. Phibes.
2. Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost
Year of introduction: 1906
Designer: Unknown
Transmission: 3-speed manual (1909–1913) and 4-speed manual (from 1913 onwards)
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost is one of the brand’s most iconic cars. It’s interesting to note that the name Silver Ghost is a reference both to a specific car from a series, and a specific car model. When it was first launched, it was stated that Rolls-Royce wanted to make the best car in the world. However, it’s worth noting that this statement did not come from the company itself, but rather, an automobile magazine called Autocar.
The chassis was manufactured at the Manchester plant of the Rolls-Royce company, but interestingly enough, production later moved to Derby.
Did you know?
The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost was the last car that President Woodrow Wilson rode in before his death. A group of his friends pooled money to buy him a modified Silver Ghost that would help him enter and exit the car with ease.
1. Rolls-Royce 10 hp
Year of introduction: 1904
Designer: Sir Henry Royce
Transmission: Three-speed
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons
The Rolls-Royce 10 hp was the first ever car that this company designed, produced, and manufactured, and is the oldest Rolls-Royce model in the world! It was designed by Sir Henry Royce, but since this car came out of an agreement between Henry Royce and Charles Rolls, it was labeled a Rolls-Royce car.
This car has a 1800 cc water-cooled twin-cylinder, side exhaust valves, and an overhead inlet. It’s worth noting that its engine was based on a previous Rolls-Royce prototype, but had an improved crankshaft.
Did you know?
When this car was first sold, it was sold for the price of £395.
Conclusion
In this article, we looked more closely at some of the oldest Rolls-Royce models in the world. Some of the cars on this list have been around for over a century, and are considered to be collector’s items today. We hope you learned something new from this article, and that you enjoyed reading it.