Description
GXO20
This was the ninth 20/ 25. The GXO chassis were used on the last of the Rolls Royce 20 model. In 1929 Rolls fitted a larger 3, 669cc engine to create the 20/ 25 model. It has an H J Mulliner built Weymann fabric body. This gives it a kerb weight of around 1. 5 tons.
There were a number of modifications in the late 1950s. This included fitting a MkII Rolls Royce tank engine. It has been fitted with a full flow oil filter, an SU carburettor.
The previous owner, from 1984 to 2020, replaced most of the woodwork and all the fabric. It was also reupholstered. Attention was given to the steering and brakes. During this time aluminium wings and new running boards were fitted. New fabric was also fitted.
Recent work in the current ownership, from 2020, includes an engine rebuild. Details of this are on the Oswestry Classic Car website under projects. This included refurbishing the cylinder head and a new clutch. The radiator has been rebuilt with a new honeycomb matrix. An overdrive was fitted. The original prop shaft is included. The water pump, the starter motor and the distributor have also been rebuilt. A thermostat has been added, which aids warm up time. It has been extensively rewired. The Autovac works but an SU fuel pump is currently in use. A LED Hobson conversion enables the fuel level to be displayed with the other instruments. The fuel level indicator on the petrol tank works but is not very accurate. The headlights have H4 bulbs and the spotlight has an H1 bulb. There are indicators incorporated in the front side lights and rear brake lights and rear indicators have been added. The ammeter has been repaired and the clock has had a complete overhaul with new main spring. There is a new set of carpets and the old ones have been kept. All the inner tubes were renewed. Details of this work is recorded on a number of invoices.
It comes with a correct owner’s handbook and the Rolls Royce Construction and Test Records from 1929. There is a workshop manual as well as a number of spares. GXO20
This Vehicle started life as a trials car.
It appeared at the Scottish Motor Show in 1930 and was the subject of a road test by the Auto Motor Journal in June 1930. A copy of which is included.
After this it was sold to Thomas Deakin a colliery owner in the Forest of Dean. On his death in 1935 it passed via Jack Barclay to E J Selman in London and then after the war it changed hands again. In the late 1950s it was acquired by Daniel Richmond of Downton Engineering, when it probably had the major changes noted above. It was then used by the Jack O’Lantern garage in Romsey to transport new TVRs from Blackpool.
It drives well and now needs a new owner to continue caring for this unusual early 20/ 25.
