Highlights

Believed to be the only 20/25 in this body style
Very original coachbuilt Barker car
Current keeper since 1999
Complete car for rolling restoration
One of the last 20/25s
Rare Sedanca De Ville style

The Appeal

Here is a fascinating opportunity for the dedicated enthusiast. It is a complete 20/25 Sedanca that was coachbuilt when new by Barker. These are very rare cars and even more unusual to find one that is complete and ready for restoration.

The Sedanca De Ville style is a fascinating throwback to the era of steam power, when the stocker and fire man required ventilation and the occupants needed protection from the engine’s smut. That idea carried forward virtually unchanged when the ‘fire man’ became a chauffeur…

This car was ordered new by Lady Knott on 28th June 1935, before the order was switched for delivery to her friend Walter Witworth on 7th February 1936. It is believed to be the only 20/25 bodied in this style by Barker and was built with continental touring in mind.

This car has been in the hands of the previous keeper from 1999 until recently and has covered less than 1,100 miles since the last advisory-free MOT test in 2012. Finished in handsome black with a dark tan leather cabin, it is complete and appears solid, but will require renovation. The 3.7L engine is partly dismantled but appears to be all there. The vendor tells us that the engine numbers match the build sheet. He also tells us that the car is structurally sound and the wood work is well kept.

For the right collector, this is a rare chance to add one of these unusual cars to your fleet.

The vendor tells us:

"A Rolls Royce specialists has inspected the vehicle and said it was one of the most original examples he has seen and everything is intact and even the original suspension oiling system system is intact.

"Under the big aluminium hubcaps are a perfect set of wire wheels. The car has a very rare factory Radio fitted. And is all still in place. It is a perfect candidate for a light recommission and use as is. We believe the mileage is genuine."

The History and Paperwork

First registered 1936
Ordered new by Lady Knott on 28th June 1935
Order changed for delivery to Walter Witworth on 7th February 1936
UK registered 12th August 1999
Two registered UK keepers
Previous keeper from 18th October 1999 until 2025
Chassis number GLJ9
Last MOT expired August 2013 with no advisories
15,122 miles on last MOT test and now showing 16,292 miles
Car appears to be complete with no reported missing parts
HPI clear
Mileage is believed to be genuine
V5 applied for in current keeper's name

The Condition

Complete and unrestored car in black with areas of paintwork deterioration as shown
Believed to be the only 20/25 built in this style
Described as structurally sound by seller
‘Faux cabriolet’ style with removable roof over chauffeur
Bodywork appears to be straight and generally free of significant deterioration
Car would appear to require restoration so buyers should be realistic and check photos
Sits on wire wheels with aluminium hub caps in painted body colour trims in poor condition as shown
Vendor describes the wire wheels as in 'perfection condition'
Vintage tyres appear to be some years old
Chrome appears to be complete but with tarnish to various components as shown
Bumpers show some rust and other deterioration as shown
Fitted with rear spare wheel and luggage rack
Small boot area as shown containing engine parts
Brown leather interior in very aged condition but appears to be largely complete
Carpets, door cards, seats and trim show obvious age
Veneer dashboard appears to be original with evident age as shown
Vendor reports that the woodwork is in good condition
Retains its very rare factory radio although this is untested

The Mechanics

Correct 20/25 3,669cc straight six engine
4spd manual gearbox
Engine has been dismantled as shown but is said to be complete
Engine is described as 'locked up' by seller
We are told that the engine matching numbers to factory build sheet
Car is sold as a ‘non runner’
Mechanical recommissioning will be required
We are told that the original suspension oiling system is intact
Car will need to be trailered by buyer
Recently checked by Rolls Royce specialists as described above

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..