1937 | Rolls-Royce 25/30 HP

tba

• Rare Barker body
• Occasional seats
• Privacy screen

By the late 1920s the trend for ever-heavier coachwork on the Rolls-Royce 20hp had inevitably had a detrimental effect on performance. Rolls-Royce's solution was to increase the comparatively small six-cylinder engine's capacity from just over three litres to 3,699cc which, together with a stronger crankshaft allowing increased rpm, raised its output to 25hp. Over the past eight decades the 20/25hp Rolls-Royce has earned an enviable reputation of being among the most dependable, satisfying and highest quality pre-war models of all. Representing the marque's determined effort to move away from massive formal cars, routinely chauffeur-driven, to the newly fashionable owner-driver market for the wealthy private owner-driver. Various detail improvements were made to the 20/25 during its seven-year production life including rises in compression ratio in 1930 and 1932; the latter year also saw the introduction of synchromesh for the third and fourth gear ratios, thermostatically controlled radiator grille shutters, a one-shot centralised lubrication system and an electric fuel gauge.

This delightfully handsome Rolls-Royce was bodied by the respected coachbuilder Barker. Ordered new by Sir William Waters Butler, who, having studied chemistry had refined the manufacturing process of his father's brewery replacing the empirical methods with scientific control. He would go on to enjoy much success becoming Deputy-Chairman of Messrs, Mitchells and Butlers Ltd and in 1914 Chairman of the company, a position he held until his death. Purchased by the current vendor in 2014 the car has been part of a working collection of Bentley's and Rolls-Royce's ever since. Presented in black over ivory and with a cream leather interior. Rare options to the car include cleverly designed, folding 'occasional seats' and a privacy screen. Reported by the vendor to run and drive well, the car is now only being sold due to the decision to reduce his collection. Supplied with its V5 registration document, receipts and copies of the original Rolls-Royce build sheets. This is a well-presented and usable example of these ever popular and iconic Rolls-Royce's. Consigned by Will Penrose