Lot 303: 1927 Rolls-Royce 20hp Weymann Saloon

‘This model was introduced to meet requests for a smaller, less expensive car in keeping with the trend after the First World War towards smaller cars for a wider market. Construction was simplified - but standards of workmanship were not compromised.’ - Edward Eves, Rolls-Royce, 75 Years of Motoring Excellence. Changing times eventually forced the abandonment of Rolls-Royce’s ‘one model’ policy, an all-new 20hp car joining the existing 40/50hp Silver Ghost in 1922. The ‘Twenty’ reflected Royce’s interest in contemporary trends within the American automobile industry, incorporating unit construction of engine and gearbox, the latter featuring the modern innovation of a central ball change, and ‘Hotchkiss drive’ rear axle. The engine, Rolls-Royce’s first with overhead valves, was a six-cylinder unit displacing 3,127cc. Sold new to The Car Mart Ltd, this standard-wheelbase example of Rolls-Royce’s successful smaller companion to the Silver Ghost has the four-wheel, servo-assisted brakes and right-hand change, four-speed gearbox introduced on the 20hp model in 1925. ‘GHJ68’ wears Weymann saloon coachwork by the H J Mulliner and was sold to its first private owner, one J F Davis, of Sutton Coldfield, with guarantee effective from 6th May 1927. Accompanying copy chassis cards record subsequent owners in the Midlands during the 1930s, while the final one listed therein is C L Bowley Esq, of Redhill, Surrey who owned the car in 1946. ‘GHJ68’ is known to have spent some time in Canada before being purchased by the vendor from Chequers Garage (David Baldock) in Goudhurst, Kent in May 1989. Commencing in 1989, the bodywork and interior were restored by Joseph Cowlin while the engine was overhauled by Hoffman’s of Henley, the total cost of these works amounting to approximately £50,000. We are advised that since completion in 1995 the car has been kept garaged. The vehicle is offered with sundry restoration invoices and a comprehensive set of (copy) chassis cards and build sheets.