Description
1929 ROLLS-ROYCE 20HP SALOON BY PARK WARD
Registration Number: DS9299
Chassis Number: GEN-26
Recorded Mileage: c. 42, 000 miles
- In current ownership for over 30 years
- Subject to older restoration at a cost of c. £40, 000
The Rolls-Royce Twenty built between 1922 and 1929 was Rolls-Royce's "small car" for the 1920s and was produced alongside the 40/ 50 Silver Ghost and the successor to the 40/ 50, the Phantom. It was intended to appeal to owner-drivers but many were sold to customers with chauffeurs. Instantly distinguished by its horizontal radiator shutters, the newcomer was constructed around a ladder-frame chassis with a 129-inch wheelbase. Power came from a 3, 127cc straight-six, OHV monobloc engine mated to a three-speed manual gearbox. Suspension was by semi-elliptic leaf springs all-round. Braking was initially on the rear wheels alone, while steering was by worm and nut. Progressively updated to feature a four-speed gearbox and servo-assisted all-wheel braking, the ‘baby’ Rolls remained in production until 1929.
The body was made and fitted by a coachbuilder selected by the owner. Some of the most famous coachbuilders who produced bodies for Rolls Royce cars are Barker, Park Ward, Thrupp & Maberly, Mulliner and Hooper. In our case, chassis GEN-26 was sold via the works in February 1929 to London coachbuilder Park Ward, marked for “Stock”. Park Ward fitted their popular Six Light Saloon coachwork to the chassis, and then in May of the same year supplied it to an A. Middleton Esq. of St. Annes-on-the-Sea in Lancashire.
As with many Rolls-Royces of this period, GEN-26 found its way at some point to the United States, being exported from California back to the United Kingdom in 1990. The Rolls-Royce was then traded via respected specialist The Real Car Company to our current owner, who has owned the car ever since.
Our vendor commissioned a thorough restoration throughout the early 1990s. Coachwork restoration was entrusted to specialist Classic Coachworks & Restorations of Southend-on-Sea, whilst the engine was being rebuilt by B. J Ashpole of Bishop’s Stortford. Many further invoices are on file for various parts and services, totalling over £40, 000 in all. There’s a further bill for £1800 from 2017 for additional recommissioning works. A worthy addition is the fitting of a “J” Type Tim Payne Overdrive, which we understand functions well. Additionally on file are a current V5C and older registration document, a number of older MoT certificates and tax discs, also copies of the original Rolls-Royce order form and build, test and maintenance cards.
The previous restoration has held up very well with little signs of wear to the interior, and whilst not perfect, the paintwork remains in very presentable order. Finished in Navy Blue with a Beige leather interior, this is a proper motor car which we are sure will bring many years of enjoyment for its next custodian.
This classic will be sold at auction with Dore & Rees at the Auction Salerooms on Vicarage Street in Frome, Somerset, on Saturday 18th June. For more details contact the Motoring Department via the above details.
