1931 Rolls-Royce 20/25 Light Saloon
Coachwork by Park Ward

Registration No: GT 5291
Chassis No: GPS22
MOT: Exempt

• A matching numbers example
• Supplied new to a S. P. Askew Esq of Redhill, Surrey, and latterly part of the Nobbs collection
• Subject to a radiator overhaul in c.2018
• Fitted with four-door light Saloon coachwork by Park Ward

Maintaining its policy of offering one 'Large' and one 'Small' model (the terms being purely relative), Rolls-Royce introduced the 20/25 in 1929 as a successor to the outgoing 20. Though the newcomer was aimed at owner drivers, many examples were sold to customers with chauffeurs. Power came from an enlarged version of the straight-six unit used in the 20. Now of 3,699cc, it made for swifter acceleration and a higher top speed of up to 75mph. The four-speed manual gearbox featured the manufacturer's traditional righthand change and was equipped with synchromesh on the top two ratios from 1932 onwards. The substantial chassis sported rigid axles front and rear suspended on semi-elliptic leaf springs. The four-wheeled braking was mechanically servo-assisted. Bodywork for the 20/25, was to the taste of the customer, and Gurney Nutting, Park Ward, Thrupp & Maberly, Mulliner, and Hooper were among the many coachbuilders selected to clothe these fine cars. Nearly 4,000 20/25 chassis were produced, making it the company's best-selling model between the wars.

Manufactured in 1931, the 20/25 offered was delivered new on the 23^rd of June 1931 to the first owner, an S. P. Askew Esq of Redhill, Surrey. Fitted with four-door light Saloon coachwork by Park Ward and finished in two-tone White and Black with Red leather interior upholstery, and specified new with a long type chassis, E-rake steering, and a Staybrite radiator and shutters. The Rolls-Royce is known to have subsequently resided in South Africa for circa 40 years, before latterly becoming part of the Nobbs collection. Most recently entering into current ownership in 2018, chassis number GPS22 was subject to a radiator overhaul shortly before purchase. ‘GT 5291’ is offered with RREC construction and test records, a few previous invoices, and a current V5C document. The vendor rates the 20/25 as ‘average’ in regards to paintwork and electrical equipment, ‘good’ engine and interior trim, and ‘very good’ bodywork and gearbox.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452