Highlights
- In excellent condition throughout
- Restoration completed less than 20 years ago
- Desirable limousine body
The Appeal
It could be argued that the golden era of Rolls-Royce was back in the 1920s and ‘30s. This pre-war era of elegance allowed the company to become a luxury powerhouse of its day, with the help of famous coach builders of the time.
This 1935 20/25 limousine represents that time perfectly with its large proportions, opulent interior and magnificent Thrupp & Maberly body. Furthermore, an attractive two-tone paint scheme in excellent condition adds to this car’s charm.
Previously used as a wedding car by a family business, it has been well cared for following a full restoration no more than 20 years ago. The car reportedly starts and drives well and everything aboard the vehicle works as it should.
History and Paperwork
- First registered in July 1935
- Purchased by current owner in 2008
- Full restoration reportedly begun upon purchase
- Used as a wedding car since its restoration
- We’re told the car has been recently serviced
- V5c included
- The V5c still records the car as being Maroon and Black
The Interior
- Beige cloth interior looks great
- All interior features said to work as they should
- Dividing screen separates driver from passengers
This 1935 Rolls Royce 20/25’s interior features passenger and chauffeur compartments separated by a glass dividing screen. The two compartments are trimmed in different upholstery: while the driver’s seats and surroundings are mostly black leather, the rear is coated in brighter, joyful dark cream cloth seats and maroon carpets.
During its use as a wedding car, this passenger area has been beautifully maintained since its restoration two decades ago. The cloth seats look immaculate, the chrome handles all shine well and the wood trim adds a wonderful touch, and the headlining appears to be secure.
Up front, more wear and tear is visible. Creasing in the leather seat, patina to the dials and wood trim that looks slightly less fresh make up the chauffeur’s quarters. Though, according to the owner, all interior gauges and switches work perfectly.
The Exterior
- Thrupp & Maberly coachbuilt limousine bodywork
- Great condition thanks to extensive restoration
- Cream over black paintwork
From the outside, this luxury limousine oozes class. The recognisable pre-war Rolls Royce shape with its sizeable front grille and high roof make for quite the sight. In fact, this particular car features coachbuilt bodywork by Thrupp & Maberly, a well known coachbuilder from the early days of the motor car.
The car is finished in a great two-tone colour pairing of cream over black which complements the car’s overall shape perfectly. As a whole, the paint looks to be in good shape, as does the chrome plating. Though some patina can be seen in places, notably on the base of the Spirit of Ecstasy.
Flowing wheel arches house the cream wire wheels. These match the main body colour, adding to the superb specification of the car. As a whole, they are in fair condition with just the odd sign of wear in places. For their part, the tyres look to have plenty of tread.
The underside looks clean overall. The wooden elements of the body frame appear to be recent, while the majority of the metal chassis components look in good shape. There are, however, some signs of patina to the front axle in particular.
The Mechanics
- 3.7-litre straight-six engine
- Mechanics have recently been serviced
- Starts and drives well
Under the long bonnet of the 1935 Roller sits the 3.7-litre straight-six which powered all 20/25 examples of its time. The engine itself features charming touches of patina throughout, from the cylinder head to the exhaust manifold, all showing the car’s provenance.
Within the engine, everything is reportedly in running order. The owner informs us that the car starts and drives well, no doubt thanks to regular servicing during its life as a wedding car. In fact, the vendor tells us that the car has recently undergone a full service.
Summary
Following an extensive restoration, this 1935 Rolls Royce 20/25 limousine looks to be in fantastic overall condition. Its elegant coachbuilt bodywork is complemented by a stylish two-tone paint job, all of which has been well maintained during the vehicle’s time as a wedding car.
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