1926 Rolls-Royce 20hp Tourer

Registration No: CX 8521
Chassis No: GYK 5
MOT: Exempt

• An imposing re-bodied 20HP
• Current ownership since 2008
• Full weather equipment
• Offered with chassis card records, collection of invoices and a current V5C document

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.

Originally bodied by Rippon Bros as a saloon and supplied new to C.F. Ratcliffe Esq, chassis GYK 5 was first issued with the Huddersfield number plate ‘CX 8521’ on November 12^th 1926. Belonging to the Yorkshire Penny Bank the following decade, the Rolls-Royce was converted into a mobile canteen during World War Two providing sustenance to bombed out employees and local RAF crew alike. Repurposed as a bakery van once peace came, the 20hp had fallen into disrepair by the time that Harry Glover acquired it during the mid-1960s. Stripped of its remaining coachwork and partially refurbished, ‘CX 8521’ passed to his son-in-law, Les Gammon, in 1982. Rewired and got running, chassis GYK 5 was sold to help fund a new business. Relocating to Herefordshire, the Rolls-Royce was entrusted to coachbuilder Derek Leyshon-James who crafted the present Dual Cowl Open Tourer body. Reportedly treated to regular servicing since entering the current ownership in 2008, the four-seater has been used for a variety of rallies including two trips to Ireland for the Gordon Bennett. Sporting full weather equipment (hood and sidescreens), the 20hp also benefits from an aluminium cylinder head, MOCAL remote full-flow oil filter and stainless steel exhaust. Nicely detailed with a demountable windscreen for the rear seat passengers, ‘CX 8521’ is offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, buff logbook, assorted invoices and luggage rack. Not currently fitted, the latter is accompanied by a trunk housing two suitcases.

PLEASE NOTE: Some of the car badges have now been removed from the badge bar.

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