1933 Rolls-Royce 20/25 Sedanca Coupe by Freestone & Webb

Lot details
Registration No: YF0 823
Chassis No: GSY 42
Mot Expiry: Sept 2006

Launched in 1929, the 20/25 followed established 'small' Rolls-Royce practice in that it was conceived and built to the same exacting standards as its larger Phantom II stablemate. Developed more or less side-by-side the two models shared improvements introduced during their respective series including thermostatically controlled radiator shutters and pedal operated chassis lubrication. Although, based around the same leaf-sprung, drum braked chassis design as its 20hp predecessor, the 20/25 enjoyed notably sharper acceleration, a higher top speed and better fuel economy thanks to its enlarged 3,669cc, straight six, ohv engine. Available with synchromesh on third and fourth gear from 1932 onwards, the 20/25 quickly drew praise form the contemporary press, Autocar noting that it had "great refinement of power, and a gentleness and quietness in doing its work, which makes results deceptive". Unlike its 25/30 successor, the 20/25 remained true to founder Henry Royce's perfectionist principles and abhorrence of bought-in components.
According to an accompanying copy letter written by the first owner's son in June 1965 "My father (T.H. Howarth) ordered the car new from Car Mart who used to be in Park Lane. It was originally to be a Close Coupled Sports Saloon. However, following a visit to the coachbuilders Freestone & Webb in Willesden, Mr Webb persuaded him to take the Coupe Deville (Sedanca Coupe) body now on the car. This had apparently been ordered originally by a close friend of Lord Louis Mountbatten. I'm not sure whether it had been completed or if it was under construction at the time. I do know that it cut the delivery time down considerably and my father was very satisfied with the deal he had done. I believe it had the distinction of having the longest bonnet fitted to this particular model. . . Father blew-up the engine in Monte Carlo and Rolls-Royce despatched two mechanics and a replacement engine (S40) to repair it. It was back on the road within 48 hours, can you imagine this sort of service today? Due to my father's work he was very well connected and we had some amazing house guest at weekends. Prince (Bira) Chula was a frequent visitor and he borrowed the Coupe Deville on two or three occasions to travel to and from Brooklands when he was racing . . . Two subsequent owners I know of included a famous general whose name completely escapes me (Lt-Gen 'Boy' Browning) and John Mills the actor". He might have added the racing driver Kaye Don to that list too!
A car of considerable stature and importance, it was reputedly sold by Frank Dale & Stepsons in May 1990 for £145,000. Subsequently treated to a five-year, £100,000 plus 'ground up' restoration by marque specialists RR&B during which the chassis was checked for alignment prior to being reunited with its freshly overhauled front / rear axles, suspension, steering and braking assemblies, it also benefited from a bare metal respray, repaired / renewed timber frame, re-trim, new electrics, re-plated chromework and rebuilt radiator core etc. Though, as the engine, gearbox and clutch had all previously been attended to they were left alone. Expertly finished in its original livery of burgundy over masons black with matching Everflex roof and Deville roll, it duly won the Concours d'Elegance at the Rolls Royce Enthusiasts Club annual rally. Boasting black Connolly leather upholstery, burgundy Wilton carpets, West of England grey cloth headlining and beautifully polished wood veneers, the refurbished interior was widely admired.
Retaining its boot-mounted tool kit, twin walnut vanity / smokers companion units, concealed cabin lighting and large central armrest, 'YFO 823' is described by the vendor as being in excellent overall condition. Reportedly used by him for extensive rallying duties "in England, Scotland and Wales with the RREC and 20 - Ghost Club" it is said to have regularly covered "more than 250 miles in a day" during which the temperature gauge has "never exceeded 80ºC" nor the oil pressure reading dropped below "25lbs plus". Winner of the Captain Symons Trophy for Elegance at the 2004 RREC's Broughton House Annual Rally, the Coventry Run September 2004 and the Ladies Trophy at the 2005 20 - Ghost Club's Greys Court, Henley-on-Thames Concours d'Elegance (as well as various other recent minor awards), this magnificent Rolls-Royce is offered for sale with a spare set of Ace wheel discs (in black), factory build sheets, restoration photographs / invoices, handbook and various replica trophies.

PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle now has an MOT until September 2006,