- Make: Rolls Royce
- Model: 20hp
- Year: 1927
- Price: £29,500
1927 Rolls Royce 20hp sports saloon by Southern Motor Co.
Chassis No GRJ 35
Engine No S 61
A rare example carrying one of two surviving prototype bodies by the Southern Motor Company. The car was purchased new in 1927 by one Daisy Longstaff. The car was bought by the Southern Motor Co in 1937 who removed the original body & fitted the current sports saloon body. At the same time a 20/25 radiator was fitted in order to give the car a more modern appearance.
The car was subject to a complete chassis up restoration by Woodall Nicholson of Halifax in 1979 costing in excess of £20,000. The body is all aluminium over oak framing as opposed to the usual ash.
The car has been in the current ownership for 19 years & during that time has covered only a few hundred miles per year for family weddings & outings etc. The engine is a paragon of silence, starting readily & running in the sweet way that only a 20hp does.
The car comes with extensive bills & paperwork attesting to the levels of care it has received. Oil pressure is off the clock to start & a very respectable 22psi whilst at running temperature. A spare wheel brace is the only original remaining tool.
The exterior is black over grey in super condition. To the interior is grey leather with matching grey carpets & headlining, again all in excellent condition. The coachwork is delicate & rakish with a large boot to the rear. Wire wheels including a single side mount complete the look. All interior wood is straight grain Honduras Mahogany with no blemishes.
Under the bonnet the car is tidy & in super mechanical condition as a result of the extensive rebuild it received. The car was slow to charge due to lack of use, (Sticky brushes we suspect) but this will be attended to by Marque specialists Hofmann's of Henley once sale is agreed along with a full service.
All in all a delightful car; pleasing to drive, mechanically sound & ready for its next chapter in life.
The car may be viewed near Bristol by appointment.
Ask for Richard Biddulph.
