1932 Rolls-Royce 20/25 Park Ward Saloon

Lot details
Registration No: EV 5476
Chassis No: GBT25
Mot Expiry: Oct 2018

- Part of the Old Hall collection since October 2005 and known as Lady Mary

- Supplied new to Mrs D.K. Bland of Debden Manor, Saffron Walden, Essex and fitted with Park Ward Four-Light Saloon coachwork

- Previous maintenance by West Hoathly Garage, David Haines, Alpine Eagle and Ristes and MOT'd till October 2018

Launched in 1929, the Rolls-Royce 20/25 was powered by a 3669cc OHV straight-six engine allied to four-speed manual transmission. Usefully faster than its 20hp predecessor, the model remained in production until 1936 by which time some 3,827 had been sold. Capable of supporting a wide variety of coachwork, the 20/25hp's substantial ladder frame chassis was equipped with all-round semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension, four-wheel drum brakes and a mechanical servo.

According to its accompanying copy RREC build records, this particular example - chassis GBT25 - was supplied new to Mrs D.K. Bland of Debden Manor, Saffron Walden, Essex on April 1st 1932. Allowed £125 for her 1925 Austin open car, she paid a further £1,450 for the Park Ward bodied Four-Light Saloon and kept it for fifteen years. Belonging to Bernard Patrick Cromie Esq (who had been awarded a Military Cross whilst serving with the Royal Field Artillery during WW1) and most likely others thereafter, the Rolls-Royce passed to its previous keeper, John Flannary Esq., on August 9th 1986. Entrusted to marque specialists West Hoathly Garage, David Haines & Sons Ltd and Alpine Eagle during Mr Flannary's tenure, the 20/25 was repainted in the 1990s as well as having attention paid to its Brown leather upholstery, clutch, carpets, brightwork and wheels etc. Rechristened `Lady Mary' upon joining the Old Hall collection during October 2005, there was a suggestion at the time from Alpine Eagle that `EV 5476' had had its `engine overhauled fairly recently' but no corresponding invoice. Treated to a front axle refurbishment and some steering and brake work by Ristes Motor Company Ltd in February 2007 at a cost of £8,513.75, the Rolls-Royce has predominantly been maintained in-house over the past decade. Starting readily during our recent photography session (October 2017) and appearing to be in `good overall' order, Lady Mary is offered for sale with history file and MOT certificate valid until October 2018.

PLEASE NOTE: This lot started readily and ran well when we photographed it last month. However, the cap at the back of the magneto has gone missing and as such we have not had it running in the saleroom.