Lot Ended
Description
From a deceased estate; extensively restored from 2009 -
2013 and lightly used since; interesting history; for recommissioning
following six years in storage
Launched in
1929, the 20/25 was the successor to the 20hp Rolls-Royce and, although based
around the same leaf-sprung, drum braked chassis design, it enjoyed notably
sharper acceleration, a higher top speed and better fuel economy thanks to its
enlarged 3,669cc straight-six OHV engine.
Produced concurrently with the Phantom II and built to the same
exacting standards, the 20/25 benefited from many of the larger model's
improvements (such as synchromesh gears, servo-assisted brakes, centralised
chassis lubrication and thermostatically controlled radiator shutters), becoming
the best-selling Rolls-Royce of the inter-war period, with some 3,824 leaving
Crewe before the more powerful 25/30 came along in 1936.
As copies of the factory build sheets confirm, this 20/25 long type
chassis left the Crewe factory in March 1935 destined for
coachbuilders Freestone & Webb of London who fitted it with the
four-door Sports Saloon body that it wears to this day.
Sold new via Jack Barclay of London in November 1935, the first owner
was Ivan Couper Sanderson, a member of the famous Sanderson Wallpaper family who
had also been a fighter ace in WW1 with 11 kills to his credit and a
DFC.
By 1955 it was owned by Lt Col DA
Holder MBE of Surrey, ownership transferring to Group Captain EMT Howell of
Bucks in 1958, another distinguished WW2 pilot who had risen to become Air Vice
Marshall by the time he retired in 1967.
There is
then a gap in the car's history but between 2009 and 2013 it was treated to a
major restoration, as detailed by many photos on file plus a few invoices and
notes from the then-owner. This included an engine rebuild with new pistons,
bearings, camshaft etc; body restoration; new ash frame sections; repaint
from Maroon to Brown/Cream; new wiring; new brake linings; suspension overhaul;
interior re-trim; new tyres and tubes.
The story
picks up again in 2016 when it was offered for sale by The Real Car Company of
Bangor, their advert stating the following: ‘A particularly handsome design,
recent major restoration work makes this a very appealing proposition, both
financially and as a car to be proud of. Work has included comprehensive
re-framing of the body, new wings, complete re-paint and re-trim, re-wire, full
engine overhaul, new clutch, new tyres, re-cored radiator, new brakes, new
stainless steel exhaust system, new spring gaiters, etc, etc, the list goes
on’.
On offer here from a deceased
estate, the current keeper acquired the car from The Real Car Company
in June 2016, the purchase invoice showing that he paid £38,000. Forming part of
a collection of vintage cars, it was used lightly for the next couple of years
before being parked up in 2018 due to ill health.
Presented here as a straightforward recommissioning project at a
very enticing guide price, this imperious motorcar looks most attractive
indeed and now needs an enthusiastic new owner to add their own chapter to its
interesting life to date.
Contact:
stewart.rich@brightwells.com