Highlights
- Rare Mulliner-bodied 25/30
- Low mileage of under 60,000 miles
- Current keeper since 1970s
- Characterful pre-war classic in good order
- Good history file including original order form
- Rare open cabin model ideal for owner/drivers
The Appeal
The 25/30 is from that glorious era when buying a Rolls-Royce was a two-stage process: you ordered your chassis and engine then commissioned an array of coachbuilders to body it to your precise requirements. The car was an update of the 20/25 with more power to suit the growing size and weight of Rolls-Royce’s pre-war models.
This example is one of 81 assembled during 1937 and sports crisp bodywork by H J Mulliner, classically finished in a slate grey metallic that suits its handsome lines. It has been in the same family since the 1970s when Edward Heath was Prime Minister and has covered less than 1,000 miles since 1978.
Naturally, that delivers a vehicle in very original, yet lightly patinated condition that is at once solid and characterful. It is ideally suited to modern motoring because it is a rare ‘open cab’ model designed for owner/drivers so that they can converse with their rear seat passengers. Those occupants were and are treated to immense legroom and a huge leather armchair.
The car is said to be well maintained and to start and run well. The sparing use means it may benefit from a check over and fettle before regular use, but with a car this interesting that feels like enjoyable work.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 1st May 1937
- Car will be sold with registration DYE200
- Brand new V5
- We are told the car has been in the same family since the 1970s
- Two original factory handbooks as shown
- Copies of original paperwork and order forms as shown
- Various old invoices as shown
- Stamped old-style registration document
- Old-style V5C as shown
- Photographs of car in period
- Chassis number GR053 confirms factory built in 1937
- Old MOT showing mileage of 59,003 in 1978
- Now showing 59,732 miles
The Condition
- Smart slate grey metallic paintwork in fair condition with older restoration from original black
- Paintwork presents well with some ageing and touched in areas to note
- These include deterioration to some panels as shown in photos
- Bodywork presents well with no obvious damage or significant deterioration in photos
- Smart Mulliner bodywork with rear-hinged doors and body colour steel wheel covers
- Underside appears to be in good order with no issues reported by seller
- Chromework appears to be original or older restoration and presents well
- There are some light areas of tarnish to certain chrome elements but not unsightly
- Fitted with a grille ornament dated January 1934
- Patinated interior in black leather with light grey carpets in fair condition
- There is age to the seats as shown and to carpets but they are usable
- Extensive veneers in fair condition with some deterioration when viewed up close
- Rare ‘open cab’ model with no divider suitable for modern owner/drivers
- Original switchgear and fittings in fair condition with some age visible
- We have no reports of faults with switchgear, lights or dials
The Mechanics
- 4,257cc straight six Rolls-Royce engine
- 4spd manual gearbox
- Described as well maintained by seller
- Vendor tells us the car starts and runs well
- No reported running or driving issues
- Vendor advises that due to long term storage some checks and fettling may be required
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