Lot details Registration No: AJH 117 Chassis No: GSF46 Mot Expiry: May 2013
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 3699cc, it made for swifter acceleration and a higher top speed of up to 75mph. The four-speed manual gearbox featured the manufacturer's traditional right-hand 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 Park Ward, Thrupp & Maberly, Mulliner, Hooper and Windovers 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.
The nicely presented, six-owner 20/25 now available is a 1934 example with handsome Sports Saloon coachwork by the Hendon-based firm Windovers. It is finished in Dark over Light Grey complemented by gleaming brightwork. The vendor informs us that the panel fit is "excellent", that the trafficators "work perfectly" and that the iconic radiator has been re-cored and refurbished at a cost of £2,000 and "every fin operates perfectly". Apparently the specification includes a fold-away luggage rack that is "in perfect working order". We are told the Light Grey leather interior has a "lovely patina", the walnut facia is "immaculate" and the Navy Blue carpets and headlining are "new". The boot evidently contains the original tools and a rear blind and large sliding roof are part of the car's impressive specification.
There are invoices to confirm the engine was extensively overhauled at a cost of £10,000 in 1990, since when only a further 6,500 miles have been added. Early servicing is understood to have been carried out by Jack Barclay of Chelsea; a fact supported by a plaque in the engine bay - an area that is detailed throughout. The disc wheels have been fully restored and the side-mounted spare wheel carrier is said to be "immaculate". 'AJH 117' comes complete with a well documented history that includes: a copy of the original order, handbook, service manual, invoices for work carried out, 23 old MOT certificates and details of the five previous owners, including the most recent one who retained the car for 17 years. This fine looking period Rolls-Royce is MOT'd until May 2013.
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