19th Oct, 2022 13:00

Imperial War Museum, Duxford

 
Lot 64
 

1926 Rolls-Royce 20hp Bryden & McKay Saloon
Offered at no reserve with part of the proceeds going to charity

Sold for £40,500

(including buyers premium)


Lot details

Registration No: Unregistered
Chassis No: GUK 76
MOT: Exempt

  • Originally delivered to Australia and always remained there
  • Rebodied in the 1930s with a Saloon body by Bryden & McKay from Sydney, Australia
  • Offered with custom-built luggage trailer and original toolkit
  • Completed over 8,500 miles on long tours in Australia and UK since 2021
  • Multiple Award winner

Unveiled in 1922, the 20hp was a second string to the Rolls-Royce bow - a smaller, 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 with a 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 when some 2,885 examples had left the company’s Derby factory. Lighter and more responsive than the Silver Ghost, the 20hp was capable of exceeding 60mph.

GUK76, a 1926 20hp has resided in Australia all of its life and is affectionately known as 'Old Marjorie'. She has recently been shipped back to the UK to compete in the 2022 RREC Annual Rally and to show what Australian craftsmanship was like all those years ago. ‘'Old Marjorie’' was originally an open tourer but apparently the second owner felt there was too much breeze coming in so in 1930 embarked upon having it changed to a saloon body. The car was given to a Sydney motor coach builder Bryden & McKay as Smith & Waddington had folded by then due to 'The Great Depression'. It is the only Rolls Royce motorcar Bryden & May ever bodied. It is thought that the body was new old stock that the firm purchased and then put their own embellishments on to it. The interior and fittings are completely original and show a lovely "Art Deco" appearance. Under her previous ownership she was treated to an engine rebuild and an overhauled clutch and suspension. The current vendor has kept on top of maintenance and the car is said to perform flawlessly. In 2021, before coming over to the UK, "Old Marjorie" was judged the most outstanding and authentic Rolls Royce motor car in Australia. It beat all other Rolls Royce and Bentley motor cars in the Australian Concours held in Geelong, Victoria.

She is offered with a custom-made trailer to carry luggage around on long trips, something she’s done many times and without falter. In preparation for the big UK tour she did over 2,500 miles through outback Australia (Sydney to Mildura, onto Broken Hill and then back to Sydney) to prove that she was fit for purpose to send her overseas to tackle the monster journey ahead. Then back over here in the UK she has travelled over 6,500 miles through Ireland, 2 trips up into Scotland and a rally back in Britain. In 2022 at the Annual Rally the car was judged Grand Champion of Great Britain (Class 5) and given the Touring Trophy for cars in that class - 20hp cars. Finished in Maroon and Black with a lovely Dark Red hide interior she still looks immaculate after all those miles.

PLEASE NOTE: This lot has not been NOVA declared. A Notification Of Vehicle Arrival declaration will have to be made by the successful purchaser if the car is to remain in the UK. Given its age, the Rolls-Royce should be exempt from import duty and eligible to pay the reduced amount of 5% VAT on its nominated value.

PLEASE NOTE: This lot has not been NOVA declared. A Notification Of Vehicle Arrival declaration will have to be made by the successful purchaser if the car is to remain in the UK. Given its age, the Rolls-Royce should be exempt from import duty and eligible to pay the reduced amount of 5% VAT on its nominated value.

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

 

Auction: Imperial War Museum, Duxford, 19th Oct, 2022

An auction of classic & collector motorcars

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VIEWING TIMES
Tuesday 18th October 2022 from 12pm to 6pm
Wednesday 19th October 2022 from 9am
Additional viewing for lots 200-254 on Thursday 20th October 2022 from 9am

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