Best Rolls-Royce Models Through the Years

Rolls-Royce started to make luxury cars in 1904 and since then the manufacturer has come a long way. Over the past 100 years, Rolls-Royce throughout time has established itself as the premier maker of luxury vehicles with superior engineering. Year after year, Rolls-Royce cars have been voted the best in the world, and for good reason. The quality of their vehicles is exceptional, and reliability is second to none. Every inch of the car is given the highest priority for aesthetics and functionality. For the past few decades, between 3,000-5,000 Rolls-Royce models have been made each year. In fact, the car is only made after the order is received. Anywhere from 700-1,000 Rolls Royce cars are sold in America each year, with the majority located in California. Here we look back at some of the iconic Rolls-Royce models that have captivated millions of people around the world.

Silver Ghost 1907

Silver Ghost is considered by many car experts as the best Rolls-Royce ever produced. Close to 7,874 Silver Ghost models were sold globally and even today some are still in working order. Every detail of the car was exquisitely created making the car simply the best of all time. The car was originally made in 1907 and its production lasted about two decades.

Phantom ll

Phantom II replaced the New Phantom in 1929 and it was the last of the Rolls-Royce 40/50 HP models. The Phantom ll has appeared in several movies, including “Morocco,” “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.” and “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.” From 1929 to 1936, 1,680 Phantom II models were sold but production of the luxury car ceased in 1936 because it was not reliable.

Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit

The Rolls-Royce Silver Spirit was one of the best Rolls-Royce full-sized luxury cars made from 1980 to 1987. It was the first of the SZ series models with a long wheelbase, and it also featured the retractable Spirit of Ecstasy. The Flying Spur evolved in the early ‘90s from the Silver Spirit.

Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith

The Silver Wraith was the first Rolls-Royce to be built after the second world war. It appeared in 1946 and its production lasted until 1958. It had undergone significant changes to enhance its performance. The Silver Wraith was exceptionally beautiful and became the Irish presidential car. It also appeared in the movie “Batman.”

Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud

The Rolls Royce Silver Cloud model was only a limited-edition production from 1955 to 1966. At this time, the company was in transition and just recovering from the effects of the second world war. The Silver Cloud was a replacement for the Silver Dawn and only 2,338 were made. Several body types were made, including a 4-door sedan, 2-door coupe, and 2-door convertible. The Silver Cloud never caught on and was eventually replaced by the Silver Shadow.

Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow

The Silver Shadow was one of the best Rolls-Royce luxury vehicles, produced as full-size, in various styles from 1965 to 1976 and as the Silver Shadow ll from 1977 to 1980. It was the first of the Rolls-Royce cars to utilize chassis construction and unitary body. The key feature about this particular Rolls-Royce model was that it was less expensive than all previous models. The manufacturer designed the car so that both the “old guard” and “nouveau riche” could afford it. The Silver Shadow was produced from 1965 to 1980 and a remarkable 38,000 were sold despite the price. It still remains the company’s marquee car from which others have evolved.

Rolls-Royce Corniche

The Rolls-Royce Corniche is a two-door, rear-wheel-drive vehicle that was first produced as a hardtop coupe (71-80) and then as a convertible (71-95). Over the decades, several generations of the Corniche have been made, with the last one appearing in 2000. At a base price of $359,000, it was once the most expensive Rolls-Royce on the market. After Volkswagen took over production in 2002, the Corniche was relegated to the historical archives. The Corniche was hand-made at the London factory and was described as a luxurious “Sunday car” that was used for strolling the countryside. It was not a speedy car, but its classic Rolls-Royce design made heads turn.

Rolls-Royce Phantom 2003

You cannot talk about Rolls-Royce throughout time with talking about the Phantom models.  The Rolls-Royce Phantom 2003 was the first Rolls-Royce to be manufactured after BMW obtained the rights to use the logo and name. The Rolls-Royce Phantom was one of the best Rolls-Royce vehicles produced and was also the one car that saved the Rolls-Royce brand and its reputation as a manufacturer of luxury cars. From the Phantom 200 evolved two other models — the drophead coupe and the Phantom coupe — which were two-door Rolls-Royce models. The Phantom Vll was a solid luxury car with a double-wishbone suspension and a powerful 6.75-liter V12 engine. It was a smooth car with elegance. Nearly 10,000 Phantoms were sold over 14 years, which is a remarkable feat considering that the starting price of the car was well over $400,000 in those days.

Rolls-Royce Phantom Convertible Drophead Coupe 2007

The Phantom Convertible Drophead Coupe made its debut in the U.S. in 2007 but only 253 were sold worldwide. The Drophead Coupe was modeled after the 2003 Rolls-Royce Phantom and was heavily influenced by the 100EX. Both the exterior and interior were nothing short of opulent and it was a car that reflected luxury and wealth. 

Rolls-Royce Cullinan 2018

The Cullinan is a full-size SUV that was first produced in 2018. It was the first all-wheel drive for Rolls-Royce that was named after the largest rough diamond ever discovered – the Cullinan Diamond.  Along with the Phantom and the Ghost, it is considered to be one of the best Rolls-Royce models ever produced. The inside and outside of this car reflect grandeur and opulence. The craftsmanship of the Cullinan 2018 is second to none. Unlike other Rolls-Royce vehicles, the Cullinan 2018 can also be driven off-road. The Cullinan has a camera fitted to scan the road ahead and this allows the car to adjust the suspension accordingly. The ride has been described as if you are sitting on a “magic carpet.”  Since 2018, anywhere from 3,000 to 5,000 Cullinans have been made each year at an average cost of $450,000 without the accessories.

Visit Braman Motorcars Rolls-Royce in West Palm Beach or call 1-561-203-8780 to learn more about the unique history of Rolls-Royce throughout time and see one for yourself.