Highlights
- Stunning early example of the 20/25
- Former trials and motor show vehicle
- Extensive recorded history back to 1929
- Comprehensively maintained since new
- Recent bare metal respray and wing refurbishment by Peacock Prestige
- Electrical upgrades and thermostat fitted
- H. J. Mulliner coachwork and vehicle number plaques retained
The Appeal
The Rolls-Royce 20/25 was launched in 1929, and the car you see here was one of the first models to glide off the production line. This particular example was a trials car, touring Rolls-Royce dealerships to demonstrate the company’s replacement for the much-loved Twenty. This car went on to be a star turn at the 1930 Scottish Motor Show, before being featured in a road test article in the Auto Motor journal later that same year.
Finished in two-tone silver and black, vehicle number GXO20 has recently received a bare metal respray, alongside repairs to the wings and bonnet carried out by Peacock Prestige of Coventry. Its current custodian reports that the wooden frame and floors are all sound, while the H J Mulliner Weymann fabric body is acknowledged in a retained plaque – one of many such plaques dating back to the car’s manufacture.
As might be expected from a car approaching its centenary, there are some engineering idiosyncrasies to be aware of, not least the fold-out windscreen with its diminutive top-mounted single wiper. The gearbox has no synchromesh, though the engine summons so much torque that changes are rarely needed once it gets up to speed. Braking occurs at a leisurely rate, but the current owner reports precise steering and describes this 20/25 as “a pleasure to drive”. It is regularly used, benefiting from uprated electrics and newly installed carpets.
Extensive paperwork dating back to the car’s first sale in 1929 will be provided, and there is even a Country Life annual from 1930, which reviews the 20/25. Without wishing to give away too many spoilers for those who haven’t read that edition yet, they were very complimentary about the car, and the same is likely to be true of anyone who views this well-documented and well-preserved 1920s classic.
The History and Paperwork
- Two registered keepers since 1984
- MOT and road tax exempt
- Invoices included alongside spares and tools
- Original manual, weight report and registration slip
- Tax disc from 1930 displayed on the external bracket
- Odometer reads 42,682, having gone around the clock
- Period road test reviews will be included in the sale
The vendor says:
"GXO20 is a very early 20/25 firs registered in October 1929. It has a H J Mulliner Weymann fabric body. This was a trials car. Rolls Royce would have taken it round dealerships to show off the new model. It featured at the Scottish Motor Show in 1930 and was also featured in a road test article in the Auto Motor journal in June 1930. It then was sold to its first owner, Thomas Deakin, who owned it until 1935. It passed through a number of owners and in the late 1950s was in the possesion of Downton Engineering where it was fitted with a Rolls Royce tank engine with an aluminium cylinder head and a spin on oil filter. It then passed on to the Jack O'Lantern garage in Romney where it was used to bring TVRs from Blackpool. The previous owner had it from 1984 to 2020 and undertook repairs to the bodywork and fabric. Since then, under my ownership, it has had an engine rebuild with a new clutch. The radiator has been recored and the starter motor, carburettor and water pump rebuilt. All the original wiring has now been replaced. Copies of its construction and detailed history from the previous owner are included. The individual front seats are adjustable. It has the correct handbook."
"GXO20 is a very early 20/25 firs registered in October 1929. It has a H J Mulliner Weymann fabric body. This was a trials car. Rolls Royce would have taken it round dealerships to show off the new model. It featured at the Scottish Motor Show in 1930 and was also featured in a road test article in the Auto Motor journal in June 1930. It then was sold to its first owner, Thomas Deakin, who owned it until 1935. It passed through a number of owners and in the late 1950s was in the possesion of Downton Engineering where it was fitted with a Rolls Royce tank engine with an aluminium cylinder head and a spin on oil filter. It then passed on to the Jack O'Lantern garage in Romney where it was used to bring TVRs from Blackpool. The previous owner had it from 1984 to 2020 and undertook repairs to the bodywork and fabric. Since then, under my ownership, it has had an engine rebuild with a new clutch. The radiator has been recored and the starter motor, carburettor and water pump rebuilt. All the original wiring has now been replaced. Copies of its construction and detailed history from the previous owner are included. The individual front seats are adjustable. It has the correct handbook."
The Condition
- Bare metal respray and repairs were recently conducted
- New set of carpets fitted around R-R-branded pedals
- Modern hazard/brake/dipped/main-beam lights and indicators
- H. J. Mulliner coachwork and vehicle number plaques retained
- Clock rebuilt and all instruments reportedly working properly
It’s clear even from outside that this time-capsule 20/25 has been diligently maintained throughout its long and illustrious life. The period timber dashboard incorporates five white-on-black dials beside a metal plaque from the supplying dealership, while an embossed “Rolls-Royce London & Derby” plaque is affixed to the bulkhead. The rear cabin sports oval lights, timber marquetry and plush armrests flanking well-padded green leather seats. Were it not for the presence of a contemporary fire extinguisher, you could easily imagine yourself sitting in a gentleman’s club from a hundred years ago.
The Mechanics
- 3,669cc engine and four-speed manual transmission
- Uprated battery, modern lights and a new fuel pump
- Thermostat conversion and stainless steel silencer fitted
- Recommended service schedule is still being followed
- Engine reportedly starts easily and runs smoothly
Since acquiring this car in 2020, the current owner has continued a longstanding programme of mechanical maintenance by commissioning an engine rebuild and a new clutch. The radiator has been recored, and the starter motor, carburettor and water pump have all been rebuilt, while all original wiring has been replaced. Other points of note include an SU carburettor with a recent Facet fuel pump, an overdrive and an LED Hobson fuel gauge conversion powered by a 100A Varta battery.
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