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Rolls-Royce 30 hp: 1905–1906 six-cylinder car and its history
Rolls-Royce 30 hp — the first six-cylinder Rolls-Royce, produced in 1905–1906. Around 37–38 cars were made, with only one surviving, making it a piece of early brand history rather than a buying prospect. This article looks at its technology and why it was so quickly discontinued.
30 hp in brief
The Rolls-Royce 30 hp was one of four early Rolls-Royce models that emerged following the agreement between Charles Rolls and Henry Royce on December 23, 1904. It was manufactured by Royce's company in Manchester between 1905 and 1906, and sold by Rolls' dealership — the price was 890 pounds sterling.
Claude Johnson insisted on including a six-cylinder model in the lineup, as competitors like Napier already offered such cars. When the company shifted to a single-model strategy with the 40/50 (Silver Ghost), production of the 30 hp was halted.
What set it apart
Most other Rolls-Royce models of the time were built from the same two-cylinder block. The 30 hp engine consisted of three separate two-cylinder blocks with one-piece cylinder heads, shared with the 10 hp and 20 hp models.
According to the manufacturer, there were two chassis lengths — a shorter one (2845 mm) and a longer one (2997 mm). The vehicles were sold only as chassis, with the body ordered by the customer, resulting in both closed and open cars. Three cars were exported to the USA, one to Canada, and one to Germany.
Engine and technology
Engine — water-cooled, six-cylinder, with a displacement of around 6000 cm³ (102 mm bore, 127 mm stroke), with overhead intake and side exhaust valves. Power — around 30 hp at approximately 1000 rpm.
The crankshaft had seven main bearings to reduce vibrations — this was a significant issue with six-cylinder engines at the time. In some early cars, the crankshaft would break, so the front crossmember was replaced with a vibration damper, which solved the problem.
Four-speed gearbox, with third gear being direct and fourth being an overdrive (faster than engine speed). Top speed — around 89 km/h.
Can you buy a Rolls-Royce 30 hp
It is known that only one car of this model remains — with a shorter wheelbase, chassis number 26355. Therefore, buying such a car is practically impossible.
If you're offered a „30 hp“ or a similar early „Rolls-Royce“, independent expert appraisal and provenance documents are essential before making any decisions.
For those interested in the early history of „Rolls-Royce“, visiting car museums and talking to marque clubs is a must.
Trim levels
Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the versions most commonly found in Europe.
30 hp (trumpas ratų pagrindas)
1905–1906Shorter chassis — 2845 mm.
- Six-cylinder engine, around 6000 cm³
- Four-speed gearbox with fourth „overdrive“ gear
- Only one car survives
30 hp (ilgas ratų pagrindas)
1905–1906Longer chassis — 2997 mm.
- More cabin space
- Same engine and tech
- Body was custom-ordered by the client
Comparing the first Rolls-Royces
| 15 hp | 30 hp | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it suits | For museums and historians | For museums and historians |
| Cylinders | 3 | 6 |
| Engine capacity | 3000 cm³ | 6000 cm³ |
| Power and top speed | Around 15 HP, around 63 km/h | Around 30 HP, around 89 km/h |
| Produced | 6 cars made, 1 survives | 37 or 38 cars made, 1 survives |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | Not for sale | Not for sale |
30 hp is a historic rarity, not a car for sale. It's practically known that such a car from the early Rolls-Royce era can only be seen in a museum.
Pros
- The first six-cylinder Rolls-Royce
- Extremely rare — only one car survives
- Interesting tech — seven bearings on the crankshaft and a vibration damper
- A key part of Rolls-Royce history
Cons
- Practically impossible to buy
- Not suitable for daily use
- Technical information and parts are only in specialist archives
Frequently asked questions
How many Rolls-Royce 30 hp were produced?
37 or perhaps 38 cars were produced, but only one survives.
Why was the 30 hp production discontinued?
The company shifted to a single-model policy and introduced the 40/50 ('Silver Ghost'), rendering the 30 hp obsolete.
What engine does the 30 hp have?
A six-cylinder, roughly 6000 cm³ engine, consisting of three two-cylinder blocks, with around 30 hp.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
