Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn
The first Rolls-Royce to feature a factory-built steel body.
- Power
- 150 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 15.2 s
- Top speed
- 94 mph
- Est. value
- $35k–$95k
About the Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn
The Silver Dawn marked a revolutionary shift for Rolls-Royce as the first model offered with a factory-built 'Standard Steel' body, though bespoke coachbuilt versions remained available. Introduced primarily for export markets to aid post-war recovery, it shared its chassis and mechanicals with the Bentley Mark VI but featured the iconic Parthenon radiator grille. The 4.6-litre 'big bore' engine introduced in 1951 provided a significant power boost, making it a surprisingly capable long-distance tourer. Today, it is prized by collectors for its relative rarity compared to the later Silver Cloud and its status as a more manageable, owner-driver alternative to the massive Silver Wraith.
Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn specs
The Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn produces 150 bhp (112 kW) and 312 Nm (230 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 15.2 seconds and has a top speed of 94 mph (151 km/h).
| Make | Rolls-Royce |
|---|---|
| Model | Silver Dawn |
| Trim | 4.6 I6 |
| Years | 1949–1955 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Saloon |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 760 built |
| Original price | About $10,000 when new |
| Engine | 4.6-litre inline-six |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,566 cc (4.6 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 150 bhp (112 kW) at 4,000 rpm |
| Torque | 312 Nm (230 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 4,500 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 15.2 s |
| Top speed | 94 mph (151 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,860 kg (4,101 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 81 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn worth?
A typical Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn is estimated to be worth $35,000 – $95,000 (about £26,000 – £71,000).
Its original price when new was about $10,000.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn rarity in CarSpot
The Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn is an Epic card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 74 out of 100. Supercars and serious performance cars, typically worth around £100,000 to £250,000. An Epic card is worth 80 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn fun facts
- The Silver Dawn was initially an export-only model and did not become available to the British home market until 1953.
- While it used a standard steel body, every panel forward of the bulkhead was unique to the Rolls-Royce to accommodate its specific radiator design.
- The 4.6-litre engine is often referred to by enthusiasts as the 'Big Bore' engine, distinguishing it from the earlier 4.2-litre unit.
