10th Oct, 2007 0:00

Imperial War Museum Duxford

 
  Lot 53
 

1938 Rolls-Royce 25/30 Saloon

Sold for £16,875

(including buyers premium)


Lot details
Registration No: UN-REG
Chassis No: GGR50
Mot Expiry: None

The penultimate development of Rolls-Royce's original 'owner-driver' orientated line that had begun with the 20hp some fourteen years earlier, the 25/30hp was introduced in 1936. Still utilising a cross-braced ladder-frame chassis equipped with semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension and servo-assisted four-wheel drum brakes, the passage of time had added such refinements as adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers (complete with steering wheel mounted controls) and a centralised lubrication system. Powered by a 4257cc OHV straight-six engine mated to four-speed manual transmission, the 25/30hp was intended to traverse a new generation of better surfaced, faster roads. Sufficiently powerful to accommodate the whims of almost any coachbuilder, most were capable of a reputed 80mph. Superseded by the Wraith in 1938 after just 1,201 had been made, the 25/30hp remains one of the rarest pre-WW2 Rolls-Royce variants.

Finished in green over black with red coachlining and brown leather upholstery, this particular example pleasingly retains its original four-door, four-light Windovers coachwork. Tested by the factory on February 16th 1938, chassis 'GGR50' was supplied new to Major C. Hansford. A formal yet elegant design incorporating a decent-sized boot, it sports Lucas lights, Ace wheel discs and blade bumpers. Formerly UK registered as 'GL 6171', the 25/30 has resided in Japan since 1970. Although, its engine is reportedly "running OK save for a little tappet noise", the saloon will require some recommissioning prior to road use. The epitome of late 1930s good taste - at least in motoring terms - this dignified Rolls-Royce is offered for sale with customs clearance paperwork.

PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle has been imported to the UK by Autofreight & Storage Ltd of Surrey. The C&E 386 has not arrived but will be forwarded to a successful purchaser.

PLEASE NOTE: We have had this vehicle running at the sale. The engine is emitting a noise which sounds louder than 'tappet chatter'. A mechanic who listened to the unit via a stethoscope was of the opinion that the fault lay with the 'top end'. The engine shows approximately 25psi oil pressure at idle and does not seem smoky (though, the petrol is very stale).
 

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:

               

Auction: Imperial War Museum Duxford, 10th Oct, 2007

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