The Rolls-Royce 25/30 built between 1936 and 1938 is an updated version of the 20/25 with larger engine to provide more power. The in-line six-cylinder, overhead valve, engine is similar to that used in the 20/25 but increased in capacity to 4,257cc. A single proprietary Stromberg downdraught carburettor replaced the Rolls-Royce one and magneto ignition was no longer fitted but a spare ignition coil is provided. Changing gear was not popular in those days so the engine has massive torque reducing gear changing to a minimum. 

The riveted chassis has rigid front and rear axles suspended by half elliptic springs with hydraulic dampers. Braking is on all four wheels assisted by a mechanical servo with separate rear brakes are fitted for the handbrake. The traditional Rolls-Royce radiator with vertical louvres, the angle of which is controlled thermostatically to control engine cooling. Only the chassis and mechanical parts were made by Rolls-Royce. The coachwork was by specialists. Unlike some of the ponderous “conservatories-on-wheels” this example is low sleek and an ideal “gentleman’s touring car”

It is understood that this particular vehicle was new in 1937, built in the UK RHD for a client who owned Lamerton Manor near Tavistock. For a number of years it had various owners before being shipped to the US by then purchased by someone in the US where it spent at least the next 35 years being used in New York and Lansing Michigan. 

The New York stickers and registration are still displayed in the front window. At some point it was returned to the UK and the current owner purchased it in 2014 and has now decided to part with it.

There is a good “History File” and the paperwork contains a number of invoices for recent parts, some historical information for works undertaken, the V5c and a number of handbooks and official Rolls Royce literature.

There is a finely bound original owner’s manual in a slip case, workshop, and other manuals.

The owner has tried to preserve the car’s originals. The two front seat squabs have been professionally reupholstered in matching leather. The interior does show some wear. mainly some cracking and discolouration of the original leather, which is only to be expected. It smells like a vintage car and that is rather charming, The front of the rear bench base has a split seam and there is various wear visible around the interior. Don’t let this distract you though from the pure class that oozes out of the 84-year-old leather. 

There are so many little touches to take it, like the glass vases mounted on the inner of the b pillar and the ashtrays that pull out of the armrests just where your cigarette would be. There are also picnic tables which extend from behind the front seats. Car makers just don’t add touches like this anymore. 

Upfront is the classic large steering wheel for a vehicle of this era and another charming feature that only a Rolls Royce could pull off, a choice of a loud horn and a soft horn for when you want to beep your horn at another motorist but not in a loud uncouth way. Show me a modern interior after 84 years of wear and tear and I bet it won’t look half as good as this, for it to be immaculate it would need attention but it has a lovely original character to it.

Like the interior, the exterior is perfectly useable but would need some attention to be concourse. There are a number of minor scrapes and chips to the paint around the vehicle which have all been pictured. The current owner has actually circled areas of attention as he had planned to get the vehicle resprayed but has now chosen to sell it as is. 

The wheels and hubcaps are in decent condition and fill those massive wings nicely and the vehicle comes with a large sunshine roof opening. Of course, up front you have the iconic silver lady and that Rolls Royce signature vertical slat grill accompanied by two rather large round headlights as is typical of 1930s vehicles. 

The 4 doors are suicide doors mounted to open from the front which is another quirky feature that makes this slice of 1930s luxury motoring feel just that little more special. The doors all close with that satisfying clunk of an old fashioned railway carriage. This indicates the condition of the body's frame.

The car starts on the button and straight six 4.2 litre Rolls Royce engine purrs like a well-oiled sewing machine, it’s so smooth. It really is incredible for a vehicle of this vintage. Under the bonnet it is largely original but importantly, functional.

The vehicle has been rewired with a new cloth covered wiring loom to exactly match the original both in looks and correct colour coding of wires with correct period Ross-Courtney terminal assemblies. Still to be completed are the original semaphore indicators and modern flashers.

This stunning car comes from a time when status was measured by the size of your car, the vehicle is large and sleek with those famous curves showing off the beautiful lines of this stunning classic. 

The feeling of grandeur when driving something like this is sublime and it really is more of an event than just taking a car for a spin. Everyone will look at it and smile and no doubt you’ll be beaming from ear to ear in such a beautiful, elegant machine which is why stunning cars like this tend to be a wedding car favourite now days.

This may not be the most concourse example on the market (if you can find one that is) but it has wonderful character and of course, it’s still a Rolls Royce. If you’re in the market for some vintage luxury such as this has to be worth consideration.