Rolls Royce - Pre 1940 (1927)

Discover the timeless allure of the 1927 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost. This iconic pre‑1940 model is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, legendary smoothness, and the prestige that comes with owning a piece of automotive history. When you ask about the Rolls Royce Pre 1940 price or what is a 1927 Rolls Royce Pre 1940 worth, you’ll find that value is tied to the car’s condition, provenance, and the market demand for vintage luxury automobiles. The price range for a used Rolls Royce Pre 1940 varies by region, restoration level, and ownership history— generally, you will see estimates that match the level of preservation and authenticity the vehicle retains.

• Model: Rolls Royce Silver Ghost (1927)
• Engine: 6 L V‑12, 330 hp (early 192 models), 360 hp (later 1927 iteration)
• Transmission: 3‑speed non‑synchromesh manual
• Fuel Type: Petrol (crude gasoline)
• Dimensions: Length 179 in (4 545 mm) – Width 61 in (1 553 mm) – Height 72 in (1 830 mm)
• Wheelbase: 138 in (3 510 mm)
• Weight: 50 000 lb (22 680 kg) – Four‑door, closed sedan
• Chassis: Unique button‑hook coil‑spring frame, renowned for its “no‑shock” design
• Amenities: Hand‑finished leather upholstery, brass fittings, silk headliner, and a sealed cabin with a two‑handled “Optimus” door (the first automatic sliding door)
• Notable Features: Built on a custom chassis with a volume of 300 litres and a 12‑bone liveried tailcoat finish, the vehicle’s engine was “sealed under a completely covered engine...” emphasizing superior insulation and performance.
• Sales & Auction Highlights: Previous auctions showed a 1927 Rolls Royce Pre 1940 price at £1.8 million (USD 2.2 million) depending on restoration status, while a lightly repaired example sold for £2.3 million (USD 2.8 million).

Depreciation

Unlike modern vehicles that depreciate rapidly, vintage luxury cars follow a different trajectory. A Rolls Royce Pre 1940 depreciation curve typically shows significant value retention as long as the car maintains its original character. General guidelines for classic luxury vehicles indicate:

• First Year: 15–20 % of original market value – this accounts for initial wear and eligibility for restoration.
• Years 2–5: 5–10 % per year – value may actually appreciate if the car is kept in pristine condition and documentation is verified.
• Beyond Year 5: Value can plateau or slightly rise if the car becomes rarer, especially as models with well-preserved mechanical and cosmetic originality become scarce.

Keep in mind that used Rolls Royce Pre 1940 price is heavily influenced by collector interest and the competition at auctions. Preventing expensive depreciation involves proactive maintenance, climate-controlled storage, and periodic full inspections by certified specialists.

Comparison Context

Compared to similar models – such as the Rolls Royce Silver Shadow (1959) or the Bentley 3 Litre (1932) – the 1927 Silver Ghost typically retains a higher perceived prestige due to its pioneering engineering and the limited production cycle (only 122 units were made after the original 1915 version). While the Silver Shadow offers a more modern interior and a less extreme mechanical layout, it fails to match the luxury of the Silver Ghost’s hand‑finished aluminum bodywork and the “no‑shock” chassis that granted the 1927 model its legendary driving silence.

When evaluating a Rolls Royce Pre 1940 1927 price, dealers and collectors often benchmark against other vehicles from the same era, noting how the 12‑cylinder V‑12 outperformedaries like the 24‑cylinder Rolls Royce Silver Ghost (a different variant from 1915). This older variant remains popular among European collectors and corporate livery programs that favor historic vehicles for prestigious events.

Market Position Statement

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