Best Rolls-Royces Ever Made
Updated October 2023 by Eduardo Zepeda
Rolls-Royce has been synonymous with luxury, craftsmanship, and exclusivity for over a century
About Our Selections
Rolls-Royce is well recognized as a symbol of luxury and status. The name Rolls-Royce has been shorthand for superior quality and a privileged few for more than a century. The luxurious interiors, potent engines, and quiet ride are trademarks of their vehicles.
For these reasons and more, Rolls-Royce vehicles command some of the highest prices and demand in the automotive industry. However, for the financially secure, a Rolls-Royce is the pinnacle of prestige symbols. In this article, we'll highlight the mechanical and esoteric features that set these ten Rolls-Royces apart.
Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost
The dark side of Rolls-Royce
Why We Picked It:
Rolls-Royce has had the unique 'Black Badge' finish since 2016. It began aboard the Wraith, spread to the Dawn, and finally reached the Cullinan. The new Ghost now bears the illustrious moniker, bringing increased output, sportier styling, and improved responsiveness.
The new Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge is powered by the same engine as the standard Ghost. An increase of 20 hp and 37 lb-ft of torque brings the total output of this 6.5-liter V12 twin-turbo engine to 600 hp and 663 lb-ft.
In addition, it has a ZF-made eight-speed automatic transmission with a torque converter and a 'Low' gear. Only the 'Black Badge' versions have this feature. A reworked suspension lessens the body roll and aids in steering the Ghost Black Badge.
Rolls Royce claims their 21-inch alloy wheels have the industry's darkest black tone, making them an integral part of the design. A wide variety of seat color combinations are available, including a unique bright teal option.
Specifications:
Price: $350,000
Engine: 6.5L Twin-Turbocharged V12
Power: 600 hp
Torque: 663 lb-ft
Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
Curb Weight: 5,500 lbs
Highlights:
According to Rolls Royce, the Black Badge Ghost started a new design conversation relentlessly pursuing minimalism and purity.
The Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge is an incredibly cool car that oozes style and luxury, can run to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, and has a top speed of 155 mph.
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Rolls-Royce Twenty
A car for a changed world
Why We Picked It:
The Rolls-Royce Twenty was a high-end automobile manufactured by the company from 1922 to 1929. It was released to replace the Silver Ghost. Over 2,940 copies of The Twenty were sold during its manufacturing run, proving its commercial success.
Under the hood, the Rolls-Royce Twenty boasts a 3.1-liter, inline-six-cylinder engine that delivers a respectable 20 horsepower, an impressive figure for its era. It's worth noting that the "Twenty" in its name reflects its taxable horsepower rating rather than the actual power output, which was significantly more substantial.
At nearly 4,000 pounds, the Twenty was a heavy vehicle. Tourer, limousine, and landaulet body styles were all on offer. Power steering, a power roof, and power windows were just a few of the optional extras on the Twenty.
As was standard at the time, Rolls-Royce supplied the chassis, and the coachbuilders customized it to the client's liking, eventually killing the car since many owners opted for heavy bodies that hindered the vehicle's dynamism.
Specifications:
Price: $30,000-$100,000
Engine: 3.1L Inline-Six
Power: 20 hp
Torque: N/A
Transmission: 3-Speed Manual
Curb Weight: 4,255 lbs
Highlights:
The Twenty could reach 70 mph at top speed and 60 mph in about 15 seconds.
The 20/25 H.P., powered by a larger capacity engine, replaced the "Twenty" in 1929.
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Rolls-Royce Spectre
The future of Rolls-Royce
Why We Picked It:
Rolls-Royce is transitioning to an all-electric era, and the Spectre symbolizes that daring and bright future. Their dedication to an electric drivetrain will improve the Rolls-Royce ride. These qualities have defined the Rolls-Royce brand ever since the 1904 H.P. model featured quick torque, a quiet engine, and a sense of one undetectable gear.
Spectre's wide dimensions and split headlamp treatment are obvious nods to the Phantom Coupé, from which it was derived. To further enhance the ride quality for which Rolls-Royce is renowned, the company's Spectre model used a cutting-edge 'Decentralized Intelligence' technology that allowed for the free and direct flow of data across more than a thousand vehicle functions.
The Spectre's advanced extruded aluminum components and battery integration into the vehicle's frame make it 30% stiffer than previous Rolls-Royces. A single charge can take you as far as 260 kilometers. Its 430 kW powertrain can produce a combined output of 577 hp from its two electric motors.
Specifications:
Price: $422,000
Engine: 2 Synchronous AC Motors (Front + Rear)
Power: 577 hp
Torque: 664 lb-ft
Transmission: Direct-Drive ( Front + Rear)
Curb Weight: 6,600 lbs
Highlights:
The Spectre symbolizes Rolls-Royce's bright and bold future as the company transitions to an all-electric age.
The Rolls-Royce Spectre accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph.
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Rolls-Royce Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow
The end of an era
Why We Picked It:
In 2023, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars launched the Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow, signaling the end of an era for the marque's most revolutionary vehicles. As the company enters its daring new electric era, this Bespoke masterpiece—of which there will only be 12 worldwide—is also the final V12 coupé that Rolls-Royce will ever produce.
Wraith, more performance-focused than Phantom and Ghost, completely changed people's opinions of Rolls-Royce and introduced the brand to new, younger target markets. Black Badge Wraith, a potent, subversive, and even more powerful expression of this transformative motor car that offers some of the highest levels of performance ever achieved by a V12-powered Rolls-Royce, was introduced in 2016. Black Badge Wraith's dramatic 'fastback' silhouette signaled the motor car's dynamic intent.
Additionally, despite the engine remaining the same, the 6.6-liter block producing 632 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque is marked as the final V12 with a unique emblem with yellow lettering.
Specifications:
Price: $343,000
Engine: 6.6L Twin-Turbocharged V12
Power: 624 hp
Torque: 642 lb-ft
Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
Curb Weight: 5,379 lbs
Highlights:
The design of Black Arrow's coach doors features over 320 multidirectional and laser-cut marquetry pieces. It's adorned with open-pore Black Wood, simulating the uneven, fractured surface of the Bonneville Salt Flats.
The 2117 fiber-optic 'stars' installed in the Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow's Bespoke Starlight Headliner create a spectacular night-sky atmosphere across the interior suite.
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Rolls-Royce Cullinan
The pinnacle of luxury SUVs
Why We Picked It:
Rolls-Royce wanted to remain at the top of luxury SUV vehicles, so they created the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the most expensive SUV on the market. This luxury SUV represents the pinnacle of this type of vehicle since it's an all-terrain, all-season SUV that Rolls-Royce claims has limitless performance capability.
Under the hood of the Cullinan lies a 6.7-liter twin-turbocharged and intercooled V12 engine, generating 563 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. It has an all-wheel drive and an automated transmission with eight gears.
Over 6,000 pounds of cargo space make the Cullinan a massive SUV. It's 210.3 inches in total length and has a wheelbase of 129.7 inches. The Cullinan has space for five passengers and 62.5 cubic feet of freight.
The Cullinan has many high-end extras, such as a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, and a starry headliner. And with its Immersive Seating option, the Cullinan is the only SUV with a glass divider between the cargo area and the rear seats.
Specifications:
Price: $355,000
Engine: 6.7L Twin-Supercharged V12
Power: 563 hp
Torque: 627 lb-ft
Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
Curb Weight: 6,069 lbs
Highlights:
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan embodies luxury, offering an exquisite driving experience, advanced technology, and the ability to explore various terrains.
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan goes from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds and reaches 155 mph top speed.
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Rolls-Royce Corniche
A rolling work of art
Why We Picked It:
Expanding upon the classic coachbuilt Rolls-Royce models, Mulliner Park Ward created a two-door Silver Shadow, initially available as a saloon/coupe and then as a convertible called Corniche. The Rolls-Royce Corniche was the most expensive automobile ever sold in Britain when it was first introduced.
It featured a similar mechanical layout to the Shadow but more fancier gadgetry. The Corniche wasn't renamed after the upgrade to Shadow II spec in 1977; it was still called that until 1987. Under the hood is a 6.75-liter V8 pumping out 218 horsepower and 215 lb-ft of torque. A three-speed automatic transfers The engine's output to the rear wheels.
The Corniche lasted long after the Silver Spirit had vanished. While the coupe was phased out in 1982, the convertible received enough upgrades in 1987 to warrant a name change to Corniche II. The chrome bumpers have been replaced with alloy and rubber versions.
Specifications:
Price: $37,000-$50,000
Engine: 6.75L V8
Power: 218 hp
Torque: 215 lb-ft
Transmission: 3-Speed Automatic
Curb Weight: 5,357 lbs
Highlights:
With its elegant lines, chrome accents, and handcrafted wood and leather interior, it exudes a timeless charm that continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors.
When it was introduced, the Corniche was the most expensive car sold in Britain.
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Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII
A legendary maverick
Why We Picked It:
The Rolls-Royce Phantom is one of the most luxurious cars in the world. Depending on the version, it is a large sedan between 16 and 19 feet long.
Since the 1920s, Rolls-Royce has marketed eight generations of the Rolls-Royce Phantom. The last one was introduced in 2018 with a completely new platform, plenty of tech goodies, and a greater focus on passenger comfort and personalization. The Phantom is manufactured in Goodwood, United Kingdom, at the headquarters of Rolls-Royce.
The current iteration of the Rolls-Royce Phantom is characterized by a design evolution concerning its predecessor, the Phantom VII, which was the most groundbreaking model of the entire saga as it was the first modern Rolls under the control of BMW.
The heart of the Phantom is a 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged engine that delivers 571 horsepower and 663 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, capable of predicting which is the best ratio to use based on the orography of the terrain, an evaluation carried out using the GPS.
Specifications:
Price: $490,000
Engine: 6.75L Twin-Turbocharged V12
Power: 563 hp
Torque: 663 lb-ft
Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
Curb Weight: 5,754 lbs
Highlights:
The current generation of the Phantom offers unmatched craftsmanship, comfort, and interior luxury.
The Phantom's imposing appearance was one of the first and most crucial design elements that Rolls-Royce understood they had to maintain.
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Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow
The quintessential Rolls-Royce flagship
Why We Picked It:
The 1965 introduction of the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow signaled a radical shift in the company's approach to automobile manufacturing and a slow shift in the demographics of its customer base.
Rolls-Royce created its first monocoque, the Silver Shadow, using knowledge gained from the original Tibet project. It had the same 6.2-liter V8 engine and four-speed automatic transmission as the retired Silver Cloud. Mulliner Park Ward, Rolls-Royce's in-house coachbuilder, quickly reacted with a two-door Silver Shadow of its own, which was renamed the Corniche.
Although the exact engine changed depending on the model year, Rolls-Royce's L-Series V8 powered all Silver Shadows. Crewe developed a pushrod V8 engine with wedge-shaped combustion chambers internally. The engine, a 6230cc twin carburetor unit, was the same as the one found in the departing Cloud model up until the 1970 model year,
Specifications:
Price: $25,000-$35,000
Engine: 6.2L V8
Power: 280 hp
Torque: 398 lb-ft
Transmission: 3-Speed Automatic
Curb Weight: 4,690 lbs
Highlights:
The Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow was the first of the company's luxury sedans to use cutting-edge unibody technology.
The Silver Shadow's 6.2-liter V8 engine was a significant departure from the company's traditional inline-six engines. The V8 was smoother, more powerful, and more fuel-efficient.
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Rolls-Royce Sweptail
A 1920s-inspired one-off coach built
Why We Picked It:
The Sweptail is a one-off model commissioned by one of the brand's most valued customers. The customer's idea was to evoke the 1920s coachwork with clear nautical inspiration and personalized to the extreme, so much so that the Sweptail is unique worldwide.
The owner of the vehicle, a collector of airplanes and superyachts, wanted to be able to drive the equivalent of these two collector's items on the asphalt. The result has been a surprising silhouette: from the front edge of the windshield, the roof line accelerates as it shoots back, overtaking the edge of the trunk to emphasize its length. Literally, from the back, it looks like a sports yacht.
The front-end design is slightly less radical but still noticeable. It includes various bespoke parts, including new headlights and a redesigned bumper. Under the hood, the Sweptail drinks from the Phantom, which equates to a 6.75-liter V12 that generates 460 horsepower.
Specifications:
Price: $12,800,000
Engine: 6.75L V12
Power: 456 hp
Torque: 531 lb-ft
Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
Curb Weight: 5,664 lbs
Highlights:
A super-yacht and aviation expert commissioned the Sweptail for Rolls-Royce in 2013, which features design elements from the 1920s and 1930s.
The Rolls-Royce Sweptail can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and reach up to 155 mph.
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Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail
A dark and dramatic roadster
Why We Picked It:
The Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail is a one-of-a-kind coachbuilt car that a private client commissioned. It is based on the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé but has several unique design elements and features.
The La Rose Noire Droptail is named after the Black Baccara rose, the favorite flower of the client's mother. The car is painted deep black inspired by the rose, and the interior is trimmed in black leather and rosewood.
The La Rose Noire Droptail features several unique design elements, such as a long tail, a unique grille, and bespoke wheels. The car has several special features, such as a starlight headliner with a rose motif and a picnic set in the trunk.
The Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail is a truly unique and special car. It is a testament to the craftsmanship and expertise of Rolls-Royce, and it is sure to be a prized possession for the lucky owner.Do you struggle to find assets on your factory floor and track critical calibration times
Specifications:
Price: $32,000,000
Engine: 6.75L Twin-Turbocharged V12
Power: 593 hp
Torque: 620 lb-ft
Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
Curb Weight: 5,511 lbs
Highlights:
Inside, 1,603 black wood veneer triangles were used to form it, and the image depicts falling rose petals abstractly.
With La Rose Noire Droptail, the roadster is making a comeback. Unlike previous Rolls-Royces, this one only has room for two passengers within the luxurious cabin.