Highlights

Early Sports Saloon bodywork by Park Ward, converted from a Barker's Doctor's Coupé in 1933
Subject to comprehensive restoration including engine rebuild, interior re-trim, bodywork restoration, and refurbished wheels
Extensive history file with original build sheets and documentation from initial tests at Rolls-Royce onwards
Recent mechanical work including carburettor adjustment, brake re-balancing, and starter motor rebuild

The Appeal

The Rolls-Royce 20 HP was the marque's first "small" car — though by any normal standard it was anything but. Introduced in 1922, it brought the refinement and quality of Rolls-Royce motoring to a slightly more accessible package, and its chassis became a favourite canvas for the finest coach-builders of the era. In a period when rebodying was commonplace, this 1929 example carries a particularly fascinating story: originally clothed by Barkers as a Doctor's Coupé, it was sent back to Rolls-Royce and rebodied in 1933 by Park Ward as an early Sports Saloon — a rakish, elegant design that it wears to this day.

The original build sheets documenting this transformation remain with the car, forming part of an extensive history file that traces its life from initial tests at Rolls-Royce onwards. Among the paperwork is a charming period photograph of the car on a 1950s caravanning holiday in the New Forest.

Comprehensively restored over the years, the car was stripped to a bare chassis in the early 2000s for bodywork attention, including welding and woodwork, while the engine had been rebuilt in 1982 with parts supplied by Ristes Motor Company. More recently, the carburettor has been adjusted with new jets, the brakes re-balanced, the starter motor rebuilt, and a worn universal joint repaired. The interior has been re-trimmed and the wire wheels refurbished.

The vendor reports that the car starts on the button, holds a steady 180°F during operation, and drives as one would expect of a well-maintained example. While a couple of minor jobs are noted - including suspension bushes and ageing tyres - this 20 HP is ready to be used and enjoyed.

Key Information

Mileage: 29,132 miles (indicated)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
Technical specs: 3.1-litre straight-six, non-synchromesh 4-speed manual gearbox
Paperwork: Original build sheets, original plate, restoration photographs, old invoices, MOT certificates, and documentation from initial tests at Rolls-Royce

The Detail

Originally bodied as a Doctor's Coupé Cabriolet by Barkers in 1929; rebodied as a Sports Saloon by Park Ward in 1933
Engine rebuilt in 1982 with parts supplied by Ristes Motor Company
Stripped to a bare chassis in the early 2000s for bodywork restoration, including welding and woodwork
Deep blue over silver paintwork with a purple hue and metallic fleck
Bodywork presents well with some characterful imperfections and slight chipping on various edges
Solid black wire wheels refurbished, with matching twin wing-mounted spares
Tyres showing signs of age and would benefit from replacement
Interior re-trimmed; the vendor describes the standard as very high, with deep blue overmats protecting pale grey carpet
Carburettor adjusted with slow and fast running jets replaced in March 2022, costing over £700
Brakes re-balanced, starter motor rebuilt, and worn universal joint repaired
King pins replaced; suspension bushes noted to need attention
The vendor states the car is mechanically sound and starts on the button
Holds a steady 180°F during operation, even in the height of summer

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