1934 Rolls-Royce 20/25 Hooper Sports Saloon

Highlights

Rare Hooper 'Sports Saloon' body
Recent engine restoration by renowned Rolls-Royce restorer ‘Ben Smith Engineering’ totalling almost 700 hours
In current ownership since summer of 1996

The Appeal

Owning and driving a 1934 Rolls-Royce 20/25 is to relish a tactile connection to a golden era of British automotive craftsmanship. Rolls-Royce is not just a manufacturer; it's an institution that stands for unparalleled quality and luxury and the 20/25, aimed at the owner-driver rather than the chauffeur-driven elite, holds a special place in the Rolls-Royce lineage, embodying a balance of performance and opulence. This particular vehicle, further distinguished by its lighter, sportier Hooper 'Sports Saloon' body, offers a distinctive blend of agility and poise - for a 1930’s luxury tourer that is!

Seated behind the wheel, you'll sense how the car establishes a dialogue between machine and driver. The 3.6-liter straight-six engine delivers an emotive sound that fills the cabin and will put a smile on the face of anyone who appreciates quality engineering. Once on the move, the surprisingly smooth transitions between gears and the tactile nature of the steering make for a joyous and engaging experience that simply isn’t possible with a modern car.

The restored engine performs splendidly, turning every outing into a sublime journey, whether you're taking a jaunt in the countryside or making a grand appearance at a classic car show. With almost 700 hours of work carried out by a Rolls-Royce specialist between 2018 and 2020, the mechanical condition of this car is simply superb, making it ready to enjoy from the moment you collect it. Few driving experiences compare to piloting a well-maintained classic, and this Rolls-Royce offers a superlative blend of history, elegance, and drivability.

The History and Paperwork

V5 Present and correct
Registered as an historic vehicle
Exported to the USA in the 1950s, re-imported to the UK in 1995
Extensive mechanical restoration from September 2018 to February 2020 by Ben Smith Engineering - fully documented
Photographs of some of the restoration work carried out on the body
Copies of the original bill of sale and full specification sheets

The Interior

Retrimmed in dark brown leather in the 1990’s
New headlining and carpets fitted in the 1990’s
Original wood detailing
Period-appropriate knobs and dials
Vintage steering wheel
Headlining presents well
Very comfortable leather seats
Drivers seat temporarily mounted using a block of wood
Authentic door handles
Original burr dashboard presents well for its age but would benefit from some attention
Good overall condition for the age
Room for cosmetic improvement

The spacious interior with the distinctive big steering wheel and elegant wooden dashboard really makes an impression as soon as you open a door. The leather seats provide a superb ride and are in good condition. Sitting in the driver's seat with the long bonnet stretching out ahead and the gated gearbox down to your right you instantly know that this is going to be something special to drive, and it doesn’t disappoint.

The interior still feels luxurious to this day and it’s easy to see how the Rolls-Royce name became synonymous with luxury motoring. With extensive use of burr walnut throughout combined with the dark leather it’s a rich and warm space that feels every bit the 30’s luxury tourer. It’s ready to drive as it is or with some cosmetic work it will really shine, but either way it’s sure to provide an unforgettable classic car experience.

The Exterior

Hooper 'Sports Saloon' body design
Paint scheme redone in the USA
New front sidelights fitted
Rear indicators and trafficator arms reinstated
Minor bubbling on paintwork as shown in the images
The brightwork generally presents well
Distinctive bold styling looks fantastic
Front passenger window cracked
All five wheels present well

The exterior really showcases the 1930’s aesthetic beautifully, with long flowing lines and an imposing road presence it makes quite the impression. The rare 'Sports Saloon' body by Hooper is lighter than the traditional 'D-back', making this 20/25 particularly special. New sidelights, both front and rear, have been fitted, and they beautifully complement the vintage aesthetic. Integrated, discreet indicators have been added to modernise functionality without disrupting the original design.

It’s in good overall condition, with the grille, surround and the Spirit of Ecstacy looking fantastic. The brightwork generally presents well, with some room for improvement. The two-tone paintwork does have minor bubbling, but this is negligible when considering the car’s overall grandeur and excellent impression it otherwise makes.

The Mechanics

Superb 3,699cc 3.6-liter straight-six engine
Starts easily and idles well
Sounds fantastic, with no unwanted noises that we could hear
Drives well, easy gear changes and good brakes
Engine fully restored with new pistons, valves, and bearings
New clutch and new prop shaft
Engine and engine bay present well
Steering overhauled
Braking system inspected, repaired, and adjusted
Autovac fuel system reinstated
Many, many other new parts fitted as part of the mechanical restoration

Mechanically, this 1934 Rolls-Royce 20/25 is a masterpiece of old-world engineering seamlessly blended with modern restoration techniques. The engine, a 3.6-liter straight-six, was fully disassembled, cleaned, and meticulously rebuilt. New pistons and valves ensure that it performs not just adequately, but excellently. The steering has been overhauled to provide a smooth driving experience.

The braking systems have been inspected, overhauled and tuned, alongside a whole host of other work to the mechanical components of this car. All of this contributes to a vehicle that not only looks beautiful but also runs and drives like a dream.

Summary

If you're looking for a unique vehicle that combines historical significance with modern drivability, this 1934 Rolls-Royce 20/25 with a Hooper 'Sports Saloon' body should be at the top of your list. From its distinctive styling to its elegant handling, the car promises an ownership experience filled with grandeur and a driving adventure steeped in history.

With a comprehensively restored engine and a well-preserved body, this is a classic that you'll not only be proud to own but also immensely enjoy driving.

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