Lot details Registration No: BW 6636 Chassis No: S354 Mot Expiry: June 2007
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.
Finished in yellow over black with black leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "fair" condition with regard to its 3127cc engine, three-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres. Believed but not guaranteed to be one of just two Open Drive Limousines that Barker & Co executed to this exact design on the 20HP chassis, 'BW 6366' was supplied new to Sir Neville Pearson during May 1923. Thought to be the sole survivor of its type, the 'baby' Rolls is judged by the seller to "exemplify the best in early 1920s coachbuilding". Colour illustrated in John Fasal's authoritative book 'The Rolls Royce Twenty', it has also appeared in the film version of Agatha Christie's 'The Mousetrap' and in an episode of the Worzel Gummidge television series. Fitted with a later 1924 engine, we are informed that the original unit is still in existence. Beautifully proportioned, this early 20HP is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until June 11th 2007.
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