1929 Rolls-Royce 20hp Tourer

Registration No: GU 1043
Chassis No: GLN 7
MOT: Exempt

• Rebodied 20hp with coachwork by H. Horsfield & Son
• Full weather equipment, wheel brace & jack
• Offered from a deceased estate

Unveiled in 1922, the 20HP was a second string to the Rolls-Royce bow – a shorter, more economical sibling to the Silver Ghost which broadened the marque’s reach to span both the very rich and seriously wealthy. Instantly distinguished by its horizontal radiator shutters, the newcomer was constructed around a ladder-frame chassis of 129 inch wheelbase. Power came from a 3,127cc straight-six, OHV monobloc engine mated to a three-speed manual gearbox. Suspension was by semi-elliptic leaf springs all-round. Braking was initially on the rear wheels alone, while steering was by worm and nut. Progressively updated to feature a four-speed gearbox and servo-assisted all-wheel braking, the ‘baby’ Rolls remained in production until 1929, by which time some 2,885 examples had vacated the company’s Derby factory. Lighter and more responsive than the Silver Ghost, the 20HP was capable of exceeding 60mph.

Always an open car, chassis GLN 7 was originally bodied as a Cabriolet by H.J. Mulliner. First issued with the London number plate ‘GU 1043’ during March 1929, the Rolls-Royce was supplied new to William Thomson Esq. Belonging to I. Morgan Esq when listed in John Fasal’s authoritative tome ‘The Rolls-Royce Twenty’, it subsequently fell into disrepair. Acquired by the seller’s late husband as a project, he undertook a through mechanical overhaul and commissioned new Open Tourer coachwork from the renowned firm H. Horsfield & Son of Halifax. Nicely crafted with four doors and barrel sides (similar to a period Barker design), the new body was complemented by a large rear-mounted trunk, side-mounted spare wheel, running- board-mounted tool box and full weather equipment (hood, sidescreens etc). Finished in White with contrasting Red leather upholstery and a handsome wooden dashboard, ‘GU 1043’ is in running order but has lain dormant for the past five-six years. As such, a thorough service and recommissioning works are advised. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document and sundry paperwork.

For more information, please contact:
James McWilliam
james.mcwilliam@handh.co.uk
07943 584760