Rolls Royce is a name that evokes luxury, excellence, and top-of-the-line craftsmanship in the automotive industry. Established in 1904 by Charles Stewart Rolls and Sir Frederick Henry Royce, the British car manufacturing company has earned a well-deserved reputation for providing superior products, not only in automobiles but also in aero engines. Throughout its illustrious history, Rolls Royce has produced several iconic models that have left an indelible mark on the world of luxury automobiles. In this article, we take a journey through the best Rolls Royce models of all time, from the early classics to some of the more popular modern vehicles in use today.

1. Rolls Royce Corniche First appearing in 1971, the Rolls Royce Corniche was a stunning luxury car available in both two-door coupe and two-door convertible styles. Assembled in London, England, this model drew its base design from the Silver Shadow Series. Powered by a 6.75-liter L410 LHV V8 engine and a three-speed automatic transmission, the Corniche boasted a top speed of 118 miles per hour, making it a powerful and elegant automobile.

2. Rolls Royce Twenty Taking us back to the roaring twenties, the Rolls Royce Twenty was built from 1922 to 1929, with only 2,940 of these timeless cars ever made. During that era, the customer chose a coachbuilder to design and construct the body, making each vehicle a unique piece of art. The Twenty featured a 3.1-liter I6 engine with a choice of either a 3 or a 4-speed manual transmission, reaching a maximum speed of 60 miles per hour.

3. Rolls Royce Phantom I The Phantom I, also known as the 40/50 Phantom, succeeded the iconic Silver Ghost in 1925. Sporting a larger engine with a pushrod overhead valve, it boasted impressive features for its time. With 2,269 units manufactured in the United Kingdom and an additional 1,240 cars for the United States, the Phantom I was a luxurious 4-door sedan with a 468-cubic inch I6 engine, and customers could opt for either a 3 or a 4-speed manual transmission.

4. Rolls Royce Phantom II Following the Phantom I, the Phantom II was produced from 1929 to 1936, with a limited run of 1,680 vehicles. The Phantom II was the last of the 40/50 horsepower models by Rolls Royce, featuring a 7668 cc I6 motor bolted to a 4-speed transmission. Noteworthy for its new chassis design, this model appeared in popular movies such as "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" and "The Sorcerer's Apprentice."

5. Rolls Royce Silver Wraith The Silver Wraith, the first car produced by Rolls Royce after World War I, graced the assembly lines from 1946 to 1959. Available in three engine versions, including a 4.3, a 4.6, and an L I6, the Silver Wraith featured a 127-inch wheelbase chassis based on the pre-war Wraith design. Its prestigious clientele included dignitaries from around the world, and the car even made appearances in movies like "Batman" and "Witness for the Prosecution."

6. Rolls Royce Phantom III Launched in 1936 as the successor to the Phantom II, the Phantom III was a rare collector's vehicle, with only 727 units ever produced. Notably, it was the only Rolls Royce model to feature a V12 engine until the Silver Seraph arrived in 1998. With a powerful 7338-cc V12 engine and a 4-speed manual transmission, the Phantom III was capable of reaching speeds of up to 87.5 miles per hour.

7. Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe Making its debut at the 2007 North American International Auto Show, the Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe was a masterpiece of art deco design. This luxurious 4-seat, 2-door convertible featured rearward opening coach-style doors with a distinctive two-tone color tone, setting it apart from other models. The first unit was auctioned for a staggering $2 million at the 2007 Naples Florida Winter Wine Festival Charity.

8. 2007 Rolls Royce Hyperion The 2007 Rolls Royce Hyperion was a specially commissioned model for collector Roland Hall, based on the Phantom Drophead Coupe. Designed by Pininfarina, this exquisite vehicle made its debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2008 and was later sold for 4 million British pounds in 2009.

9. Rolls Royce Silver Ghost Originally known as the 40/50 h.p., the Rolls Royce Silver Ghost was manufactured from 1906 to 1926, with a total of 7,874 units produced. This iconic model earned the title of "best car in the world" in 1907 and remains highly collectible to this day, a testament to its timeless design and quality craftsmanship.

10. Rolls Royce Silver Shadow Introduced in 1965, the Silver Shadow was a resounding success for Rolls Royce, becoming the largest production run of all its models up to that date. Produced until 1980, it was also known as the Silver Wraith II and featured a choice of two engines, a 6.2-liter V8 generating 172 horsepower and a 6.75-liter V8 producing 189 horsepower. A total of 16,717 units of this model were produced.

In conclusion, Rolls Royce has created a legacy of luxury and excellence with its extraordinary line of automobiles. From the classic elegance of the Silver Ghost to the modern marvels like the Phantom Drophead Coupe, each model reflects the brand's commitment to craftsmanship and sophistication. As Rolls Royce continues to evolve, these iconic models will forever hold a special place in the hearts of automotive enthusiasts worldwide.