Lot 40: Rolls-Royce 20/25 Tourer

Successor to the 20hp Rolls-Royce, the 20/25 first appeared in 1929, fitted with a 3.7-litre engine which gave a considerable advantage over the earlier model's 3.1-litre unit, especially when the chassis were fitted with heavier coachwork or formal styles.  An example of the new model was tested by The Motor in late 1929, shortly after its introduction, in which the following was reported:'&There is an entire absence of mechanical noise && The car holds the road and steers beautifully &...  As for the suspension, it was impossible to appreciate the actual road surface, except visually &&  It is a car from which the most critical would derive considerable pleasure in handling and a passenger would be even more satisfied &'As sales of large luxury cars suffered during the Depression, so the 20/25 was favoured by many purchasers above the Phantom II and by the time production of the 20/25 had ceased in 1937 some 3827 chassis had been built.First registered in Warwickshire during 1930, Chassis No. G.GP59 was fitted with limousine coachwork by Crosbie & Dunn.  When the present vendor purchased the car some 22 years ago, he was informed by the previous owner that he had been given the car by his father when he entered Sandhurst in 1934 and did not feel that the D-backed limousine coachwork was quite his image so he took the car to the renowned coachbuilders, E D Abbots of Farnham, where the conversion to a tourer was undertaken.On entering the current ownership, the car was repainted and generally tidied.  The coachwork is finished in blue over black with dark blue leather trim and whilst in the care of the present custodian the car has been well maintained and is reported to be in very sound condition overall mechanically, the clutch having been replaced last year and the starter motor overhauled.  The radiator was renewed some three years ago and a stainless steel exhaust system fitted.  A large Brooks touring trunk is fitted and the car has a serviceable hood.  The rear compartment was re-trimmed ten years ago and blue Wilton carpeting is fitted to the rear with the original rubber matting remaining in front.  The car has proved utterly reliable and has undertaken many rallies in France, Holland and Germany. Offered for sale with considerable reluctance due to the vendor's medical condition, the motor car is to be presented for sale with a recently renewed MOT certificate together with various additional documentation including a Swansea V5 attesting to the original Warwickshire registration number.