Founded in 1904, following a meeting between Charles Rolls and Henry Royce, the marque quickly defined automotive luxury. The 1906 Silver Ghost established their reputation for “the best car in the world” through unprecedented silence and reliability.
Post-WWI, they expanded with the Phantom series and US production in Springfield. After acquiring Bentley in 1931, they pivoted toward the advanced Phantom III V12. By 1939, Rolls-Royce shifted focus to aero-engines, like the Merlin, to support the war effort.
Rolls-Royce 10 HP
Made by Royce in Manchester, based on his earlier prototype; sold by Rolls. Discontinued before the planned 20 were made because, tellingly) a twin was felt less appropriate than the larger models.
Years
1904-06
Engine
1800/1995cc S2
Body Style
Tourer
Production
16
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Photo: Wikipedia
Rolls-Royce 15 / 20 / 30 HP
Suitable for larger bodies. The 15 HP (shown) followed a 3-cylinder fashion but quickly discontinued as the remaining models were modular 2, 4 or 6 cylinders.
Years
1905/1905-08/1905-06
Engine
3000cc S3
Body Style
Various
Production
6/40/37
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Photo: Flickr
Rolls-Royce 40/50 ‘Silver Ghost’
Produced in Derby from July 1908. ‘Silver Ghost’ was a demonstrator – the 12th car built: only becaming official for the range retrospectively. Autocar called it the “best car in the world” – a phrase which has stuck for the brand.
Years
1906-14
Engine
7036/7428cc S6
Body Style
Various
Production
7874
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Rolls-Royce 40/50 ‘Alpine Eagle’
Another unofficial moniker – this was the Continental model – productionised from the 4-speed higher tune car prepared for the team’s splendid performance in the Alpine Trial of 1914.
Years
1914
Engine
7428cc S6
Body Style
Sports tourer
Production
Inc above
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Rolls-Royce Twenty
The economy Rolls-Royce, intended to appeal to owner-drivers. New single-casting engine with removable head. Could do 60 mph with recommended body weight – but this weight was often exceeded.
Years
1922-29
Engine
3127cc S6
Body Style
Various
Production
2940.
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Rolls-Royce 40/50 Silver Ghost
The Silver Ghost developed over time, and by 1919 had electric lighting and starting. They had much more power than the early cars, allowing for heavier bodies on longer wheelbases. More standardised, also suiting USA production.
Years
1918-26 (1921-26 in US)
Engine
7428cc S6 SV
Body Style
Various
Production
Inc above
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Rolls-Royce 40/50 New Phantom
Replacement for the Silver Ghost, with a new OHV engine, cast in 2 groups of 3 cylinders with a single head (aluminium from 1928). Chassis largely unchanged. Improved brakes. Cantilever rear springs like later Silver Ghosts.
Years
1925-31
Engine
7668cc S6 OHV
Body Style
Various
Production
3512
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Rolls-Royce 20/25
Bored out to achieve more power to carry larger bodies. The most successful inter-war Rolls-Royce, and the basis of the ‘silent sportscar’ Bentley, to retain the resources and market of that newly acquired company.
Years
1929-36
Engine
3669cc S6
Body Style
Various
Production
3827
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Rolls-Royce Phantom II
All new underslung chassis with semi-elliptic leaf springs all round, gearbox bolted to engine. With open drive shaft, this allowed car to sit lower improving handling and looks. Continental had shorter wheelbase and stiffer springs.
Years
1929-35
Engine
7668cc S6
Body Style
Various
Production
1681 (inc 281 Continental)
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Rolls-Royce Phantom II Tourer
One of the pinnacles of pre-war design, the sleek and ‘majestic’ tourers could cruise in near-silence at 70 mph, with notably good handling.
Years
1929-35
Engine
7668cc S6
Body Style
Various
Production
Inc above
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Rolls-Royce 25/30
Another bore out for more power for bigger bodies.
Years
1936-38
Engine
4257cc S6
Body Style
Various
Production
1201
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Photo: Flickr
Rolls-Royce Phantom III
Royce’s last design, using aero experience and W. O. Bentley consultancy, the new aluminium alloy V12 engine offered peerless smoothness and performance. Complications such as 2 ignition and 3 oil systems though. Very heavy car too!
Years
1936-39
Engine
7338cc V12 OHV
Body Style
.
Production
727
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Various
Rolls-Royce Wraith
25/30 replacement. Welded chassis, front coil springs, crossflow head. Speed-adaptive damping, like the Phantom.
Years
1938-39
Engine
4257cc S6
Body Style
Various
Production
492
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Photo: Flickr
Leave a Reply