Lot details Registration No: T.B.A. Chassis No: GFN 48 Mot Expiry: None
Launched in 1922 to meet the buying public's demand for a smaller, more manageable Rolls-Royce, the 20HP was nevertheless built to the same exacting standards as the marque's 40/50HP Silver Ghost flagship. A factor which somewhat limited / negated the profitability of the less expensive 'baby' Rolls. Responding to contemporary advances in car design on both sides of the Atlantic, the 20HP featured unit construction of its engine and gearbox as well as a 'Hotchkiss drive' rear axle. Despite being the first Rolls-Royce powerplant to utilise overhead valves, its 3127cc straight-six was notably refined. Updated in 1925, the model benefited from the adoption of all-round drum brakes and a four-speed, right-hand gear change.
Bodied by Park Ward, chassis 'GFN 48' was reputedly supplied new to a prominent Scottish shipbuilder. A particularly lavish commission, its specification extended beyond the folding rear roof section typical of a Landaulette to include a sliding glass division, twin occasional seats and drinks cabinet. Further distinguished by a three-piece windscreen, side-mounted spare wheel and rear luggage grid (complete with trunk), it also boasts scuttle vents, six wind-up windows and a handsome wood-veneered dashboard. The subject of an older restoration, the 20HP exhibits a pleasing patina throughout. Finished in green over black with fine red coachlining, it is trimmed in a mixture of black leather (front) and beige cord (rear). Starting readily upon inspection, chassis 'GFN 48' has not long been imported from Ireland. Thus, it is hoped but not promised that the Rolls-Royce will have been reunited with its original 'MS 9053' numberplate and granted a new MOT certificate by the time of sale.
PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle does not have a current MOT and the vendor has informed us that he is expecting the DVLA paperwork to arrive shortly.
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