Descrição
On the 26th October 1926, dealer HC Nelson Ltd SW1 placed an order for a Rolls Royce 20hp chassis, priced at £1100 plus £85 for the option of front wheel brakes. Chassis number GHJ12 was delivered to HJ Mulliner to be fitted with the lightweight and stylish Weymann fabric saloon coachwork which it still wears.
By 28th May 1927 the completed car was with her first owner Mr Waldron of Wargrave on Thames, and in October 1931 ownership passed to his wife. In November 1937 RX198 left the Waldron family to reside with Lt. Col GJ Bennett in Great Wymondley Hertfordshire for the next 12 years. In 2008 and with her 8th custodian she was to be away from home soil and getting acquainted with the roads in and around Berlin in the hands of Michael Ulrich, Bugatti historian and automotive sculpter. German TUV was achieved and around 644 miles covered in 18 months before she was looking for her 9th owner, offered for sale when Mr Ulrich passed away.
December 2009 marked the arrival of her 9th custodian, our vendor near Harrogate North Yorkshire; at this point, we deduce the mileage is circa 132880 miles. The ample history file confirms that a major engine rebuild was completed in 2001 by David Haines and Sons Ltd, they also rebuilt the clutch and radiator at this time. Since then around 12, 000 miles have been covered, 8000 miles of these have been undertaken with the vendor, an enthusiastic fettler of vintage cars for more than 60 years. A full rear axle rebuild was carried out by Jason Fox, and to enable more relaxed cruising a Laycock overdrive was fitted, operating on third and top gear, an essential item for modern roads. All wheels were rebuilt by Richards Bros, powder coated and fitted with new tyres, the brakes were relined and many more details attended to.
The interior is much as delivered to her first owner Mr Waldron on that warm sunny Saturday in May 1927. The wear pattern tells a story for every mile covered and need to be viewed to appreciate the car's quality, the smell of the finest leather fills the interior. In contrast, the external fabric was replaced in the 1960’s and remains crack free. Along with the paint, she has a “I’m not too precious, please use me” patina! On a personal interjection, I feel this has its own advantages, as you can just go and use her. She is now asking to be used by a new loving family/ enthusiast, enjoyment is her want, enjoyment which she has brought to her previous 9 owners.
At the RREC 2016 annual rally she took the Pre War Preservation Class first place award, making a round trip of 285 miles on the day, then a few weeks later second place, VSCC Oulton Park Cheshire Life Concourse and was admired by all.
As she is a Rolls Royce I feel it is fitting to offer an open invitation for interested parties to make their intentions known and apply to be only her tenth custodian!
