Lot : Rolls-Royce 'Goshawk' 6G11

perated by foot pedal and centrally-mounted handbrake lever. Foot brake and handbrake shoes operating side by side in a common drum on each rear wheel. Worm and nut steering. Semi-elliptic springs front and rear, frictional dampers. Chassis lubrication by hand-gun. Wheelbase 129 inches (3277mm); track 54 in. (1 372mm); chassis length overall 178 in. (4521mm) Chassis weight (with tyres, battery, fuel, oil and water, but without spare wheel, lamps and accessories), 2305 Ibs (1 045Kg).It is interesting to consider the design philosophy underlying the development of the 20RP chassis. The 40/50 HP chassis had been in production for more than a decade and had undergone a process of development and evolution during that time. In approaching the design of a new chassis, Royce could have adopted the existing chassis in the state to which it had evolved, subjecting it to a process of consolidation to resolve the compromises which no doubt had occurred in the evolutionary process and introducing suitable modifications to meet the perceived role of the new model. Alternatively, he could virtually start afresh and design a new chassis - which would of course, indirectly incorporate the experience gained from the 40/50. The critics who expressed disappointment with the 20HP when it appeared had no doubt assumed that the first alternative would be adopted, whereas in fact, it was essentially the second approach which prevailed.6G11 is number 6 of the seven original experimental chassis developed in 1922, and as such is the earliest recognised developmental pre-production chassis. It is one of the original 'Goshawk' chassis ( seen in the photograph below on its' incognito trials in the South of France under the codename 'Cinderella'.) tested in 1922 and mentioned in John Fasals' book 'The Rolls Royce 20'.It was acquired by the current owner in 1998 ( in fact this being his second period of ownership having previously sold the chassis in 1984) without appreciating the significance of the purchase. He soon began to realise that the chassis bore some very distinctive details only seen on very early 20hp chassis, and unknown to him previously. The main features are the hexagonal bolt which fits the front dumb iron to the chassis ( a feature of the first sixty cars,); Three body mounting points on each side rather than the four of later models; electrical conduit running placement and fixings. In addition to this 6G11 has several unique features not seen on any other 20hp and these include a lack of rear luggage support bracket supports on the rear cross member; the holes for the rear friction shock absorbers are uniquely positioned on the side of the frame; the chassis radiator cross member uses countersunk rivets on the top side (only) to fix it to the chassis. All other rivets are the usual Rolls Royce round head type; both rear spring hanger arms have been extended and modified by the experimental department for test purposes; each of the six body mounting brackets is fixed to the chassis with only three bolts, not the four bolts as used on all production cars and the chassis itself is a quarter of an inch narrower than the standard chassis.These variations not only point to a special early chassis but the last six features confirm that it must be an experimental one.There followed correspondence with renowned 20hp experts John Fasal, Robert Slee and Mike Worthington Williams, who on the evidence presented came to the same conclusion. Crucially they also realised that the car previously recognised as the earliest 20hp, erroneously named 4G11, did not share any of the features of the early chassis and therefore could not be regarded as correct. A subsequent physical examination of 4G11 by John Fasal concurred with these findings. All correspondence relating to this and all other aspects of the discovery are available for inspection.The original registration CH2927 was recovered with the aid of a temporary 30/98 Vauxhall body, the car is now offered without body but originally wore H J Mulliner Tourer Coachwork.The chassis detail records do not list engine numbers fitted to any of the series 11 cars, 6G11 has engine G171 which is quoted as being fitted to 44G7 in 1922, so is contemporary with the frame as the engine numbers start at G101. The gearbox, radiator with early type horizontal shutters and wooden battery box wheels are also contemporary.The chassis is offered as complete as possible without a body, extras include a 1922 handbook, two H.J. Mulliner Coachplates, wheel spanner and Dunlop hammer and various other period accessories. It will require complete recommissioning, the result of which will be a treasured piece of 20hp motoring history.The owner intended to assemble 6G11 as a static museum piece of comparison to the photo's in John Fasals' 20hp book on pages 20-25; his desire to preserve and enjoy his find can be best emphasised by the photo showing the chassis in pride of place in his own private museum.It is rare to have the opportunity to bring a piece of motoring history to the market, even rarer still when the history is so freshly discovered. Goshawk 6G11 is, we believe, just such an opportunity.(Aknowledgement to Robert Slee & Brian Jenkins for details and history)