1929 Rolls-Royce 20hp Rippon Bros Saloon
Entered from a large private collection

Registration No: VH 2502
Chassis No: GVO15
MOT: Exempt

• Entered from a large, private collection in which it has resided since 1991
• Notably late 20hp with a beautifully appointed interior
• Well proportioned six-light coachwork
• Engine overhauled during the current ownership
• Featured in 'Downton Abbey' and 'Mr Selfridge'

Intended to broaden the marque's reach beyond the fabulously rich to the merely very wealthy, the Rolls-Royce 20hp was introduced in 1922. A more radical design than its illustrious 40/50hp Silver Ghost sibling, the newcomer was based around a 10ft 9in wheelbase ladder-frame chassis equipped with all-round semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension, rear-wheel brakes and fully floating 'Hotchkiss Drive' back axle. The first Rolls-Royce engine to feature overhead valvegear, its 3127cc straight-six was designed to run at anywhere between 150rpm and 3,500rpm. Priced at £1,100 in bare chassis guise, the 20HP was not only less expensive than the Silver Ghost but also lighter and more responsive to drive too. Progressively updated with a four-speed manual gearbox and all-wheel braking, the 'baby' Rolls remained in production until 1929 by which time some 2,940 are thought to have been made.

According to information kindly supplied by leading Rolls-Royce historian and author John Fasal Esq, chassis GVO15 was taken off test at the Derby Works on 23^rd July 1929 and despatched to Messrs Rippon Bros where it was clothed as a Six-Light Saloon. Sold new to H.P. Nelson Esq. of Dawndon House, Spring Hill, Nelson, Lancashire, it was the second 20hp he had taken delivery of in as many years (his 1928 acquisition being a Barker Cabriolet). Notably well-appointed, the Six Light Saloon is a testament to Rippon Bros’ craftsmanship featuring an ingenious ‘parallelogram’ sunroof, external tinted Auster sun visor, quick drop driver’s window, occasional bench seat, rear luggage grid, privacy blinds, individual door locks and metal-edged running boards etc. First registered in Huddersfield (or so its original ‘VH 2502’ number plate would imply), the Rolls-Royce had migrated to North Wales by the late 1980s. The subject of much restoration work prior to entering the current family ownership in 1991, the paintwork is no longer perfect but the doors line up well and open and close with ease. Most of the leather upholstery has been renewed over time but the headlining and numerous other fittings and fixtures are pleasingly thought to be those installed by Rippon Bros. Treated to a thorough overhaul by the vendor’s late father, the factory-fitted engine (number E7Z) started readily and ran well during our recent photography session. Forming part of a large private collection for the past thirty-three years, ‘VH 2502’ has paid its way by appearing in the hit television series Mr Selfridge and Downton Abbey. A notably late and handsome 20hp, chassis GVO15 is offered for sale with V5C Registration Document and sundry paperwork.

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