These Rolls-Royce Cars Are Just as Good or Even Better Than a 2021 Ghost

After an incessant teasing campaign, Rolls-Royce finally showcased the first images and details of the all-new 2021 Ghost early September. It quickly mesmerized the fan base and automotive community, even though its focus was on evolution, not revolution, as always.

The ultra-luxury British manufacturer then moved faster than ever, presenting the Ghost Extended that same month, and then sending both into British showrooms (there’s just eight of them out there – in Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, Essex, London, Leeds, and Sunningdale) at the end of October.

So, right now UK customers are awaiting the first deliveries of the new Ghost, scheduled for December. But, while the rest of the world patiently awaits to shell out money worthy of a king (or at least a highly successful businessperson), that got us thinking about the alternatives that exist within the Rolls-Royce ranks.

Sure, call us subjective, because we are easily jumping back and forth in time – but at least hear us out until the very end.

First of all, our main argument for this Ghost’ alternate list was to only include Rolls-Royce products (even if they’re not official, as you’ll see in a little while) - there’s no other British manufacturer (except perhaps Bentley, but that’s a debate for another day) with the same panache, heritage, and attention to details as the ultra-luxury brand.

Secondly, we decided to expand our search across both time and space – meaning looking at other brands that customize Rolls’ creations – because, frankly, the current roster is not exactly expansive. And the time limitation was lifted because there’s no reason not to include vintage models for those who put an emphasis on classic looks above everything else, as well.

So, the first alternative that comes to mind when discussing the new Ghost would be the very first Rolls-Royce – the 10 hp model from 1904, built by Royce Ltd. and exclusively sold through C.S.Rolls & Co., at a price of £395 ($512). That definitely sounds affordable – but consider that back in 1904 it was about the price of a London lodging in the central area...

But it’s not the reason we decide to skip on this particular historically-relevant model – the Ghost today is not subjecting any of its passengers or drivers to the fastidiousness of British weather, being a fully enclosed sedan. This means we begin our tour with the original Silver Ghost – any of them with limousine coachwork will do.

In case the ill-fated connection with Charles Rolls doesn’t bode well – this was the last Rolls-Royce built under his supervision because he became the first British citizen (at just 32) killed in a powered aircraft accident – there's always the Silver Cloud to consider.

And this time around we recommend it alongside the Phantom V – both in the EV configuration created by a small company called Lunaz Design. That’s right, you can have a couple of Rolls-Royce cars with zero emissions and in a classic configuration that was all the rage quite a few decades ago.

No worries, because these two (with prices kicking off at just £350,000 - almost $460k) are thoroughly modern both in terms of powertrain and comfort creatures. So, there you have it – zero emissions and lots of luxury, for more than 300 miles (483 km) on a single charge.

Something a little more contemporary – but without the alternative powertrain – can be had if you’re willing to spend some time on the edge of the precipice... sorry, if you select the Rolls-Royce Corniche, that is. While we’re huge fans of all four-wheels with convertible elements, on this occasion we’d go with the coupe in a heartbeat... just because of that nasty British weather phobia.

The ubiquitous 6.75-liter (in V8 configuration) is always something to be experienced firsthand, which is why the Corniche is more of a driver’s Rolls – exactly as we like our machines. Moving even further forward in time, we can say that if a 2021 Ghost doesn’t satisfy the query, there’s no better alternative than opting for a... Ghost Extended.

Don’t laugh, because those extra 170 mm (6.6 inches) make a big difference in the back when you’re involved in extracurricular activities... It’s still the better choice as opposed to the stock model, because at least on this occasion “bigger is always better.”