Lot details Registration No: WU 6110 Chassis No: G2K10 Mot Expiry: July 2012
ENTERED FROM THE ERIC JACKSON COLLECTION
Intended to broaden the marque's reach beyond the fabulously rich to the merely very wealthy, the Rolls-Royce 20HP was introduced in 1922. A more radical design than its illustrious 40/50HP Silver Ghost sibling, the newcomer was based around a 10ft 9in wheelbase ladder-frame chassis equipped with all-round semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension, rear-wheel brakes and fully floating 'Hotchkiss Drive' back axle. The first Rolls-Royce engine to feature overhead valvegear, its 3127cc straight-six was designed to run at anywhere between 150rpm and 3,500rpm. Notably quiet, it was mounted in unit with the clutch and three-speed manual gearbox. Though, the provision of a centre ball change gearlever was deemed excessively modern and American by some! Priced at £1,100 in bare chassis guise, the 20HP was not only less expensive than the Silver Ghost but also lighter and more responsive to drive too. Progressively updated with a four-speed manual gearbox and all-wheel servo-assisted braking, the 'baby' Rolls remained in production until 1929 by which time some 2,940 are thought to have been made.
This particular example - chassis number 'GZK 10' - was dispatched to renowned coachbuilder Barker & Co of Olaf Street, Notting Hill on 31st March 1926. Bodied as a four-seater open tourer, it was supplied new to Miss Sutcliffe of Scaitcliffe Hall, Todmorden, Lancashire. Thereafter, the Rolls-Royce is known to have passed through the hands of Major J.A. Jackson of Gosforth, Newcastle-on-Tyne, Major Paul Andrews of Newport, Monmouthshire, Arthur Cornish of Eccleshill, Bradford, H. Horsefield & Son of Halifax and H.S. Waterhouse of Threshfield, Yorks before being purchased by former Ford Works Rally driver Eric Jackson on 27th August 1983. The subject of an older restoration, 'WU 6110' has thus formed part of Mr Jackson's collection for nearly thirty years. As well as copy chassis card records, accompanying paperwork includes a charming letter from Major Andrews' son which reveals that the 20hp spent time on the Continent and was used for numerous camping holidays. Sporting a full set of weather equipment, this nicely detailed Rolls-Royce 20hp Tourer is being offered for sale entirely without reserve.
PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle has an MOT until July 2012.
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