WORLD BEST

Car price tracker

Track car prices and stay informed on market trends with our comprehensive car pricing tool. See historical prices and compare models to make an informed decision on your next vehicle purchase. Find the best deal on your dream car today!
< Go back
Rolls Royce

Rolls Royce - Pre 1940 (1938)

The heart of automotive luxury that leaps straight out of the 1930s is the iconic Rolls‑Royce from 1938. It sits at the intersection of opulence, engineering craftsmanship, and timeless design. Though it graced the roads of a bygone era, the Rolls Royce Pre 1940 price is now a hot topic for collectors, historians, and enthusiasts seeking the true value of a pre‑war masterpiece.

In this deep‑dive, we’ll walk through the specs that defined the 1938 model, explore depreciation trends typical of premium vintage cars, compare it with its contemporaries, and outline where it fits in today’s niche market. Whether you’re curious about the Rolls Royce Pre 1940 1938 price or simply trying to understand “what is a 1938 Rolls Royce Pre 1940 worth,” this guide offers a clear perspective grounded in both heritage and modern market realities.

Key Specifications

  • Engine: 6‑cylinder, 6.5 L, side‑valve, producing approximately 100 hp at the crankshaft.
  • Transmission: 4‑speed manual with optional steering gearbox; a compound gearbox for smoother drive.
  • Fuel Type: Petrol (gasoline).
  • Dimensions:
    • Wheelbase: 112 in (284 cm)
    • Overall length: 137 in (349 cm)
    • Overall width: 59 in (150 cm)
  • Chassis: Full‑time chassis, forged steel frame, abundant steel reinforcement.
  • Drive Layout: Front‑engine, rear‑wheel drive.
  • Suspension: Independent front suspension with a transverse leaf spring; rear independent with swing-arm.
  • Body: Custom coachwork with lightweight alloys, optional 4‑door saloon or 2‑door coupe.
  • Weight: Approximately 1,150 kg (2,535 lb) depending on body style and fittings.
  • Features: Power steering (rotary), V–shaped bucket seats, wood‑grain dashboards, heating, and vacuum refrigeration.

These core attributes illustrate why the 1938 Rolls‑Royce commands such respect: a blend of mechanical elegance and artisan craftsmanship that pioneered luxury vehicle design.

Depreciation Insight

Vintage luxury models do not follow the same depreciation curves as contemporary cars, yet they still diminish value over time, especially for vehicles that drop below $5 k,000 in market value. A useful rule of thumb for a premium pre‑1940 classic like this is that a Rolls Royce Pre 1940 depreciation scenario often looks like this:

  • Within the first year after purchase: typically loses 15 – 20 % of its value due to initial adjustments, restoration costs, and exposure to market volatility.
  • Years 2‑5: reduces an additional 5 %–8 % per annum as the car ages, hinges on its condition, and experiences historical price appreciation.
  • Beyond Year 5: appears in a stabilization phase, with value change largely dictated by rarity, provenance, and ongoing market demand.

In practice, the specific used Rolls Royce Pre 1940 price hinges upon factors such as originality, mechanical condition, documentation, and provenance. Even the classic Rolls Royce Pre 1940 1938 price can show digits that vary enormously depending on these variables.

Comparison Index

When positioning the 1938 Rolls‑Royce against its contemporaries, we look at a few key pillars: heritage, performance, and mechanical robustness.