Lot 333: 1925 Rolls-Royce 20 HP Barker Style Barrel Sided Tourer

In the years of the Depression immediately after the First World War it was inevitable that there would be a drop in demand for luxury cars at the top end of the market. Rolls-Royce knew it could not rely purely on such prestige models as its Silver Ghost for survival and thus decided to produce a smaller and more affordable model. The resultant 20HP was indeed considerably smaller than its previous cars and was powered by an all-new six cylinder engine of 3,127cc mated to a three-speed transmission with centrally mounted gear lever. This sturdy chassis was leaf-sprung at both ends while brakes were fitted to the rear axle only, on which the centrally-mounted handbrake also operated. Introduced in 1922, and quickly nick-named the Baby Rolls, the 20HP was warmly received and soon became a popular model. Coachwork could be sourced from a wide variety of specialist concerns in closed, open or touring forms. The centrally-mounted gear lever and handbrake, however, did lead to some criticism and in 1925 these were recited on the right-hand side of the body as on larger Rolls-Royce models At the same time the transmission was changed to a four-speed unit, together with four wheel braking assisted by Rolls-Royce's own gearbox-driven mechanical servo. Production ceased in 1929 after a total of 2,940 20HP models had been manufactured.First registered in June 1929, the elegant example on offer today is fitted with attractive four touring coachwork and is an extremely late example of the 20hp. Known by the factory employees as 'Gomshall', Chassis number GLN 86 was transported from the factory to the famous Mulliners Ltd in Birmingham by LMS Goods Train complete with Dunlop low pressure tyres, matt finish nickel raiator shutters, Rolls-Royce mascot and touring cap (which still accompanies the car), body brackets, luggage rack spares and tools. Upon completion, the car was delivered to the first owner; a Mr. Ivan Maltby of Hampstead, London. The car remained in his ownership for two years before passing to its second owner, Mr Truefitt of Windlesham, Surrey. In March 1934 GLN 86 was sold to its new custodian, W. C. Spink in Middlesex. It is also stated in the paperwork that the car took part in the Windsor Park Silver Jubilee Parade in 1977. Carrying this delightful Barker style barrel sided touring coachwork, the car is in lovely condition throughout and is traditionally finished in white with red leather interior. Supplied in GLN 86's history file is also a current MoT, V5 registration document copies of the original factory records for the car, letters from the RREC dated 1978 and the original owners manual stamped with the cars chassis number.