Lot 126: Rolls-Royce 25/30 Limousine by Hooper

The 1936-1938 Rolls-Royce 25/30 was the interim replacement for the 20/25 as the "small" R-R, with a larger engine and more modern late-pre-war styling. As before, the 25/30 had solid-axle front suspension and a wide choice of coachbuilt body styles. The new model was a little faster than the 20/25, though weights increased almost as quickly as the horsepower during this period. While the 25/30 may have been a "junior edition," it was every inch a Rolls-Royce, and built with infinite care. This 1937 example is said to be in lovely original condition and in good working order. It also supplied with the original sales invoice for the chassis, original specification sheet plus bespoke additions list. Notable items being telephone communications device between passenger and chauffeur, glass sliding partition (all triplex glass), concealed luggage carrier, hinged windscreen, 2 occasional folding seats, wheel covers and walnut woodwork. The car is also supplied with a copy of the original coachbuilders plans from Hooper, which detail all the additional specifications and dimensions. Equipped with the 4.2 litre, straight six engine and 4-speed manual transmission, the car has a good turn of speed and good torque, which provides regal, rather than speedy, progress. Finished in burgundy over black with beige West of England cloth to the rear and leather to the front, the car is said to purr and drive very well. It is offered complete with many previous MoT certificates, some dating back over 47 years.