Description
1926 Rolls Royce 20 HP Saloon by Park Ward
The first owner was Christopher Albert Bird of Albert Bird and Sons Limited, well known in the custard manufacturing business. Mr Bird purchased chassis number GUK18 in June 1926. A four door, six light saloon body was fitted by the Park Ward coach company, which it still retains today. Benefiting from the desirable four speed right hand change gearbox and four-wheel brakes, which was standard in August 1925.
A lovely set of instruments adorn the dashboard, together with a smoker’s hatch in the rear roof which was a common feature in cars of that era. The car had a body-off restoration in the 1990s to concours standard by the renowned restoration company of David A C Royal of Staindrop, County Durham. Although at the time the engine was stripped, it was declared sound and serviceable and after a good clean and with all new gaskets the engine ran exceptionally well with no problems. However, in 2008 a full engine refurbishment did take place which involved the crankshaft being reground, new white metal bearings, rebore, new pistons, new valves guides, and new valves were fitted where necessary. Also, an overdrive has been fitted recently, which gives more relaxing cruising than the standard specification. In 2012, the radiator was removed, and a brand-new core was installed by a specialist radiator company. In 2016, a fresh paint job was done to concours standards by a professional paint shop. Full set of tyres fitted within the last two years.
The car is in superb condition, running and driving very well, and has been enthusiastically maintained to a very high standard.
