1937 Rolls-Royce 25/30 Landaulette

Lot details
Registration No: VS 8033
Chassis No: GRP80
Mot Expiry: Nov 2005

The ultimate development of the original Rolls-Royce '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 Superseded by the Wraith in 1938 after just 1,201 had been made, the 25/30hp remains one of the rarest pre-WW2 Rolls-Royce variants.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 maroon over black, this particular example is said to be in very good overall condition. Part of the collection since 1998, it was supplied to Mr Brotherton by the renowned Rolls-Royce dealer / collector Terry Cohn. Registered in both the UK and Spain by previous recorded keeper Camilo Conde Rivas, it is reputed to have once belonged to King Carlos of Spain (however, there is no paperwork to substantiate this claim). Carrying formal six-light coachwork by Hooper & Co, the absence of chassis cards makes it hard to know whether GRP 80 has always been a Laundelette. Although, an accompanying RREC insurance valuation for £45,000 perhaps argues that it has had its folding rear roof section from new. Beautifully upholstered with black leather to the front, beige West of England cloth to the rear and rich veneers throughout, its marvellous interior also boasts two occasional seats, a sliding division and inter-compartmental telecom system.
Thought to have covered less than 3,000 miles in the last seven years, its history file includes sundry invoices from Coldwell Engineering, an Ashton Tyre Specialists bill, assorted tax discs (incomplete run from 1992 - 2005), cancelled Spanish registration document, V5C registration document, RREC correspondence and 25/30hp handbook etc. A very elegant and seemingly well-kept Rolls-Royce, its last MOT certificate expired on November 3rd 2005.

PLEASE NOTE: SINCE THE CATALOGUE WENT TO PRESS WE HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT CHASSIS GRP80 DID INDEED BEGIN LIFE AS A HOOPER BODIED FOUR-DOOR, SIX-LIGHT LAUNDELETTE.