・One of only two known 20/25 Pullman Landaulette by Barker

・Last family ownership 10 yrs

・Rare and usable car for touring

Let us cast our minds back to 1920’s England. The introduction of the smaller 20hp Rolls-Royce in 1922, enabled the company to cater for the increasingly important owner-driver market that appreciated the quality of Rolls-Royce engineering but didn’t need a big 40/50hp Silver Ghost or Phantom to get around. Its successor, the 20/25hp, introduced in 1929, updated the concept with significant improvements, featuring an enlarged (from 3.1 to 3.7 litres) and more-powerful version of the six-cylinder overhead-valve engine. Produced at the same time as the Phantom II, the 20/25 benefited from many of the features developed for the larger model, such as centralised chassis lubrication and synchromesh gears.  A total of 3,827 20/25s were produced and it was the bestselling Rolls-Royce car up until WW2. 

Although a popular production, the 20/25 Pullman Landaulette by Barker is very rare indeed, and we are informed by the owner that this is one of two known remaining. 

A test report of the day states the ‘20/25 h.p. Rolls-Royce touring saloon responds at once to sympathy and a fine sense of touch. It has great refinement of power, and a gentleness and quietness in doing its work.’ While the power is a somewhat lacking by today's standards, it is still a quiet sounding engine and a provides a very comfortable ride.

Although customers were free to choose their own coachbuilder, Barker were one of the most distinguished and sought after of the day. Established in 1710 they went on to become and favourite with the royal household and, in 1905, C.S.Rolls himself took such a liking to their work that he announced all his cars would be fitted with Barker bodywork.

This chassis (GNC4) was built in 1934 by Rolls-Royce and dispatched to Barkers to be fitted with the body a you see today at the behest of RA Alston (1st owner).

The current owner acquired it in 2011, purchasing from a friend who had used it extensively with his family for many years before it was garaged and unused for 18 years. When purchased the bodywork seemed fine but the front bumper had been lost somewhere along the way. A new bumper was made of a period type, including sprung back plate and a chrome frontal attached to it. 

It was then sent it to Fiennes restoration, a renowned Rolls-Royce specialist, to recommission and breathe life into it once again. Work included, but wasn’t limited to, a complete rebuild of the carburettor and autovac system. Since then, the owner has kept it garaged and regularly MOT’d to ensure road worthiness. It has done approximately 250-500 miles a year for family days out and the occasional friend’s wedding.

The indicated milage on the dash is 13,698 but there are no records before 2011 to authenticate. The owner has never had an ignition key as it has been bypassed before ownership. A new purchase means space needs to be created in the garage, so the owner is reluctantly having to let it go. 

 

The current owner has all the paperwork relating to the above-mentioned work and also the notes obtained from Rolls-Royce detailing the car specifics and owners up to 1966. The previous owners are said to have had the car in their family for 44 years which chimes with the records from Rolls-Royce, and if correct suggest it has had just 5 owners in its 85-year history. 

It includes the original owner’s manual and a later edition print which was purchased subsequently. 

Unfortunately, there is no other paperwork relating the cars history prior to the current ownership.

 

The current owner has not altered or replaced any of the original interior. The centre glass divider/partition has been removed but not replaced. The owner has the original key for the roof and also purchased an additional spare one. There are two ashtrays for the passengers at the back and a light in the headlining.

The woodwork is in fair condition for its age and very presentable. The cloth exterior including the fold away occasional seats are in remarkable condition for their age. A few faint marks can be seen from the photos but these are minor. When extending the partitioning armrest you notice a slight fading of the seats by the sun suggesting this is the original interior fitted by Barker.

It is unclear what work was carried out before current ownership, but the paintwork looks in excellent condition apart from are couple of imperfections on the bodywork and a small crack near the passenger’s door which are detailed in the photos. 

The rear black wings have been repainted as has the engine scuttle to its original colour but none of the yellow paintwork has been touched since current ownership. Some light wear is evident to the edge of some of the body parts – doors, bonnet etc.  and a few other imperfections detailed in the photos.

Battery box has been replaced as previously battery has leaked. Previous number plates were not original when purchased so have been replaced with cast aluminium to add to the authentic look.

The owner inspected the undercarriage 2 years ago and had it completely cleaned and it is said to be in excellent condition. 

A few years ago, the rear bumper came loose and fell to the road scratching some of the chrome. It has been fastened back on securely and the owner ensures this is unlikely to happen again. Other than that, very little damage for such an old car.

 

The car started on three separate occasions and did so first time without issue. Seated in the rear of the car the ride was quiet with healthy sounding gear changes and smooth suspension. A stainless-steel exhaust system has been added which is a period match and all the electrics work as they should. 

The owner advises the battery is fine but there is a charging issue which he believes could be a resistor or dynamo so this will need attention. Due to the presence of ethanol in modern petrol the cork has corroded causing a small petrol leak some months ago. This has since been rectified and a new cork set was ordered from Fiennes which includes a special grease to ensure it doesn’t reoccur.

Original starter handle, wheel spanner and a range of smaller original spanners for the car are all present.

With only two known Barker bodies reputedly made for this Landaulette 20/25, the word ‘rare’ is something of an understatement. Their reliability and engineering excellence is world renowned and when purchasing a car as old as this, they are arguably the two most important features. 

This would suit a Rolls-Royce enthusiast that wants a pre-war classic Rolls and doesn’t want to pay the premium Phantom or Ghost prices. It also has fantastic potential as a car for Weddings and other special occasions, and equally turns any family trip to the local pub a very special occasion indeed. 

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