1936 Rolls-Royce 25/30 Sedanca de Ville

Lot details
Registration No: DYK 479
Chassis No: GRM54
Mot Expiry: Nov 2011

The penultimate development of Rolls-Royce's original 'owner-driver' orientated line that had begun with the 20hp some fourteen years earlier, the 25/30hp was introduced in 1936. Still utilising a cross-braced ladder-frame chassis equipped with semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension and servo-assisted four-wheel drum brakes, the passage of time had added such refinements as adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers (complete with steering wheel mounted controls) and a centralised lubrication system. Powered by a 4257cc OHV straight-six engine mated to four-speed manual transmission, the 25/30hp was intended to traverse a new generation of better surfaced, faster roads. Sufficiently powerful to accommodate the whims of almost any coachbuilder, most were capable of a reputed 80mph. Superseded by the Wraith in 1938 after just 1,201 had been made, the 25/30hp remains one of the rarest pre-WW2 Rolls-Royce variants.

Bodied as a Sedanca de Ville by Barker & Co, this particular example - chassis number GRM 54 - was reportedly supplied new to a Mrs Barrett. Further understood to have had just two subsequent keepers, the 25/30 is described by the vendor as being in "excellent" condition with regard to its engine, four-speed manual gearbox and interior trim, while she rates the coachwork and paintwork as "original (excellent)". Sporting a raked windscreen, twin side-mounted spare wheels, 'pillarless' rear windows and its original fitted luggage, the Rolls-Royce's black livery is complemented by matching leather upholstery to the front seats and beige cloth upholstery to the rear passenger compartment. Showing an unwarranted 78,776 miles to its odometer and apparently accompanied by a quantity of paperwork detailing its original build specification, this handsome Sedanca de Ville is worthy of close inspection.

PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle has an MOT until November 2011.