1937 Rolls-Royce 25/30 Sports Saloon
Coachwork by Thrupp & Maberly

Lot 40 (The Motor House, Warrington, 16th December 2020)

Sold for £37,688

(including buyers premium)

Lot details

Registration No: 154 XUU
Chassis No: GMO 8
MOT: Exempt

• Supplied new to Sir Gilbert Davis Baronet and retained by him until 1963
• Repatriated from California during 1988 and in single-ownership from 1991-2019
• The subject of an extensive, 'chassis up' restoration from 1996-2010
• Much expenditure over the last year including a new clutch, overhauled carburettor, fresh battery, engine bay detailing and chassis fettling
• 1 of just 38 Rolls-Royce 25/30s to be bodied by Thrupp & Maberly to its design number TF.1100
• History file includes RREC copy chassis records, photo restoration album and numerous invoices from the likes or Rees Bros and Fiennes Engineering etc
• A true Post Vintage Thoroughbred complete with its original engine and coachwork

According to its accompany RREC copy build records, chassis GMO8 was supplied new to Sir Gilbert Davis Bt of 14 Tothill St, London, SW1 (an address last listed for sale at £90 million) on October 30^th 1937. One of just thirty-eight Rolls-Royce 25/30s to be bodied by Thrupp & Maberly to its design number TF.1100 – with other customers including Prince Bhanubhand Yugala and the entertainer George Formby – the notably elegant Sports Saloon was intended for UK and Continental usage. To this end, the Rolls-Royce incorporated an opening windscreen, side-mounted spare wheel, generous boot with integral luggage rack, recessed rear footwells, C-post mounted interior reading lights and full flowing wings. Relocating to Sussex after WW2 with Sir Gilbert, the 25/30 returned to London in the custodianship of A.D. Hyde Esq during 1963. Thereafter, the Sports Saloon is known to have belonged to Randy Harris McDougall of California, Gerry Porter of Kensington and E.F. Burkhart of Kent before being bought by its current registered keeper in 1991.

Stripped to a bare chassis as part of a protracted fifteen-year long restoration which began during the mid-1990s, invoices on file show that Rees Bros of Aldershot ‘rectified the ash frame and bodywork as necessary’ as well as renovating the aluminium wings, while Classic & Modern Engine Services Ltd of Bracknell overhauled the original 4.25 litre engine (number Q28P) with new pistons etc. Fiennes Restoration Ltd, Holden, Vintage Supplies and Woolies all supplied parts for the project, the former helping with the electrical and fuel systems. Painted in striking Reed Green over Emerald Green with contrasting Beige leather upholstery, the Rolls-Royce’s appearance was further heightened by refinished wood veneers and rejuvenated brightwork (the latter courtesy of Silvabronz of Alton).

Treated to a new clutch, carburettor overhaul, fresh battery, engine bay detailing and considerable chassis fettling by the vendor, the 25/30 started readily upon inspection and behaved well during our recent photography session. Seemingly retained by its first and last registered keepers for twenty-seven and twenty-eight years respectively, this decidedly handsome Sports Saloon is listed in ‘The Rolls-Royce 25/30hp and Wraith’ by Bernard L. King. Offered for sale with RREC copy build records, restoration photo album and numerous bills / invoices.

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737