Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost
Known as 'the best car in the world,' the Silver Ghost established Rolls-Royce's reputation for silent operation and supreme reliability. It's a cornerstone pre-war collectible, with values dictated by its unique coachwork and documented history.
Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost sold for a median of $184,800 over the last 12 months, based on 14 auction sales; the middle 50% sold between $103,615 and $260,773. 16 currently for sale.
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Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost prices by year
| Year | Median (3 yrs) | Middle 50% | Sales (3 yrs) | For sale now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1908 | $444k | – | 1 | 0 |
| 1909 | $621k | – | 1 | 0 |
| 1910 | – | – | 0 | 0 |
| 1911 | $280k | – | 1 | 0 |
| 1912 | $262k | – | 2 | 2 |
| 1913 | $296k | – | 2 | 0 |
| 1914 | $347k | $273k–$781k | 4 | 0 |
| 1915 | – | – | 0 | 0 |
| 1919 | $341k | – | 1 | 0 |
| 1920 | $215k | – | 2 | 0 |
| 1921 | $138k | – | 2 | 1 |
| 1922 | $92k | – | 1 | 0 |
| 1923 | $129k | $122k–$179k | 5 | 2 |
| 1924 | $154k | $132k–$258k | 5 | 0 |
| 1925 | $213k | $212k–$218k | 4 | 7 |
| 1926 | $95k | – | 1 | 3 |
Auction sales in the last 3 years; prices leave out salvage and other branded titles.
Listings
The Rolls-Royce 40/50 hp, universally known as the Silver Ghost, cemented the company's reputation as the builder of 'the best car in the world.' The name originated from a specific 1907 demonstrator, chassis 60551, which was silver-plated and ran silently, earning it the 'Ghost' moniker. The car's legendary durability was proven in events like the Scottish Reliability Trials and a subsequent 15,000-mile endurance run, setting a new standard for automotive engineering and luxury.
Collectors prize the Silver Ghost for its foundational role in automotive history and its unmatched pre-war craftsmanship. Each chassis was typically fitted with unique, custom-built coachwork from famed builders like Barker, Hooper, or Brewster, meaning no two cars are exactly alike. This bespoke nature, combined with a car's specific history and originality, are the primary drivers of its value and desirability among top-tier collectors.
The market for the Silver Ghost is mature, with values heavily dependent on provenance, the originality of the chassis and coachwork, and the car's overall condition. Cars with well-documented histories and original, desirable bodies command significant premiums. While some examples are available for under $200,000, exceptional and historically significant Ghosts can fetch well over $500,000, reflecting their status as true automotive icons.
Buying Tips
- Verify chassis, engine, and body numbers against Rolls-Royce factory records. Provenance is everything with these cars.
- A huge part of the value is in the coachwork. Determine if the body is original to the chassis, a period re-body, or a modern creation.
- The 7.0L and later 7.4L straight-6 engines are robust but extremely expensive to rebuild. A thorough mechanical inspection is essential.
- Inspect all wood structural components of the body for rot or damage, as this is a common and costly issue.
- Research the coachbuilder. Bodies by renowned firms like Barker, Park Ward, or Brewster often carry a premium.
Recent sales show prices ranging from $132,000 to nearly $660,000, reflecting the wide variation in coachwork, condition, and provenance.
376 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 16 currently live.
Data sourced from auction results and dealer and private listings, including Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, Mecum, RM Sotheby’s and eBay Motors. Updated daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost cost?
Over the last 12 months, Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost sold for a median of $184,800 across 14 auction sales tracked on Hypercars; the middle 50% sold between $103,615 and $260,773. There are 16 currently for sale.
How many Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost listings are for sale right now?
There are 16 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost listings currently live across auctions, dealers, and marketplaces tracked by Hypercars.