Description
The car was put into garage "hibernation" in 2016, due to the very unfortunate passing of the owner, with the protection of numerous thick blankets, specialist cover, a running dehumidifier to avoid any dampness & heat provided during the colder months.
During that time, the 20/ 25 was occasionally started and lubricated but not driven.
In order to prepare for sale, the car was recently transported to Haynes Heritage Engineering (the motor museum’s workshop) in Somerset for a general health check and basic recommission. A copy of any invoices to show all work carried out is available. To summarise, work was carried out to ensure the car could be started safely and be driven confidently with fresh fluids and some minor repair work. The engine starts and runs superbly and is incredibly smooth and barely audible. The car drives beautifully and reliably.
The history of the car is well documented and was originally supplied as a 4-door, 4-light saloon by Park Ward in 1931. Then rebodied as a tourer in the 1980's by William Cooke of Cookes Patterns and Castings and is therefore an exact replica bodied 20/ 25 Rolls Royce with the original chassis and engine.
Its first owner was Sir Stanley Hewitt, physician to both King George V and VI who is named in an obituary to King George V in Melbourne's The Argus on 8th August 1945 " Lord Dawson .... Sir Frederick Williams and Sir Stanley Hewitt.. who fought desperately to save the life of King George V in January 1936"
Whilst owned by William Cooke, the car was affectionately known as "The Buff Rolls Royce" due to the cars' colour. William Cooke used the car as a commercial wedding vehicle & the 20/ 25 was sold in 2002. The car was bought by the current family and was cherished, being and was used for pleasure as well as family & friends weddings & special occasions. There is a file of paperwork, correspondence and information on the vehicle to be included in the sale – and is available for viewing with the car.
Overall, the vehicle is in beautiful, original (1980s replica rebodied) and unmolested condition. It is very much a usable and drivable classic that is more than fit for modern roads and traffic. The car starts, drives and stops extremely well. Any inspection, or test drive is welcomed.
Please note that as with any car approaching 100 years of age, some mechanical sympathy is required and to be kept in mind. The car has, at some point, had a later Smiths type fuel gauge fitted in place of the original item, otherwise the dash and instrumentation is in superb order.
The car is being sold privately by the owner but is available to view at Haynes in Somerset. The staff are able to answer some questions but this must be done via a pre booked appointment arranged with the seller.
Asking Price £39, 950. Ideally suited for personal enjoyment or to be used as a commercial wedding / special events car or a combination of both.
Please note - the Rolls Royce bonnet ornament is present. It was merely removed for security reasons for the photos.
