Lot details Registration No: ELL 583 Chassis No: GMP73 Mot Expiry: Aug 2006
Determined not to fall behind the competition in terms of development and perhaps influenced by its experience of building the 'Silent Sportscar' Derby Bentley, Rolls-Royce chose to fit more proprietary parts to the 25/30 model than ever before. Thus, while the newcomer remained faithful to its predecessor's leaf-sprung ladder frame chassis and gearbox-driven mechanical servo-assisted four wheel drum brakes, it gained a Marles steering box, Stromberg carburettor, SU fuel pumps, a hypoid-bevel back axle and Borg & Beck clutch. Powered by an enlarged 4,257cc ohv six-cylinder engine (complete with seven-bearing camshaft) allied to four-speed manual transmission, most variants were capable of 80mph. In production for a scant two and a half years (1936-1938), a mere 1,201 25/30s were despatched by the works.
Originally sold to H.R. Owen Ltd of 17 Berkley St, London for stock on 22nd July 1937, chassis number GMP 73 (a 'P2 Series' car) was delivered to the Lacland Place, Chelsea premises of J. Gurney Nutting Ltd on 10th September 1937. Charged with creating a Sedanca de Ville that was suitable for "town and touring use", the master coachbuilder's response was to fit arguably one of the most flamboyant and stylish bodies ever to grace a 25/30. With a wealth of wonderful detailing including the highly unusual pontoon wings, trademark ellipsoid peak over the moulded spare wheel cover, extravagantly decorated rear wheel spats and canted B-post, this was one Rolls-Royce guaranteed to generate showroom traffic. No doubt influenced by Gurney Nutting's legendary chief designer A.F. McNeil, it would not have looked out of place at the Paris Salon on the stand of such art deco luminaries as Figoni & Falaschi or Kellner.
Purchased from H.R. Owen by Mrs G. Marsh of Edgbaston, Birmingham in February 1938, GMP 73 remained with her for eight years before being acquired by J.F. Kenure of Feltham, Middlesex. In the latter's hands for a further nine years, it then passed to a C. Berens of Ewshott, Surrey in 1955. Kept by Mr Berens when he moved to Great Bardford, Bedford eleven years later, it is thought to have been laid-up in 1972. Subsequently discovered by Christies in the late 1980s at which time it was apparently "extremely sound, running and complete but with a cracked cylinder head", it has been in the current family ownership for the last seventeen years or so. Treated to an extensive £50,000 restoration not long after its arrival, mechanical work encompassed a "rewire, new cylinder head from PC Metalcraft, rebuilt radiator by Vintage Radiators, overhauled fuel pumps by PC Metalcraft, stainless steel exhaust and new tyres etc". While, cosmetically it benefited from a full body refurbishment / repaint, complete retrim, all new interior woodwork (remade by well known craftsman Roger Wind prior to being reveneered by London specialists Silvercrest) and re-plated chromework. Sporting desirable Lucas R100 headlamps and 'Owl-Eye' tail lamps, it has reportedly "only covered minimal mileage in the last few years on account of ill health and is now being sold due to bereavement".
Finished in cream over black with beige leather upholstery piped in maroon, GMP 73 is described by the vendor as being in good condition with regard to its engine, gearbox, electrical equipment, interior, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres. Retaining some of its original hand tools together with a full width tool tray under the front seats, vanity units, an electric division and ACE wheel discs, a concealed battery master switch has been installed for insurance / security reasons. Believed but not warranted to have covered 41,648 miles from new, this stunning 25/30 is illustrated on p.95 of 'Those Elegant Rolls-Royce' by Lawrence Dalton. One of the most special Rolls-Royce cars we have had the pleasure of offering, it comes for sale with history file, MOT certificate current until 31st August 2006 and historic class (free) road tax until 31st August 2006.
PLEASE NOTE: THE VENDOR OF THIS LOT HAS INFORMED US THAT DURING HIS FATHER'S OWNERSHIP IT "WAS REWIRED AS NECESSARY NOT A COMPLETE TOTAL REWIRE".
All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.
You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:
If so, contact one of our friendly specialists for your free valuation by completing the form below and someone will get back to you as quickly as possible.
If you prefer to speak to humans, don't hesitate to call our office on +44 (0)1925 210035