Lot details

Registration No: ALM 839
Chassis No: GLZ 32
MOT: Exempt

Coached with Hooper Limousine bodywork

Recently made to run and stop after a period of lay-up by a Rolls-Royce specialist and reported to be in 'good' mechanical fettle

In the current ownership since 1986 and now available to due illness

Rolls-Royce introduced the 20/25 in 1929 as a successor to the outgoing 20HP model. Although the newcomer was primarily aimed at owner-drivers, many examples were nevertheless sold to customers with chauffeurs. The four-speed manual gearbox featured the manufacturer's traditional right-hand change and was equipped with synchromesh on the top two ratios from 1932 onwards. The substantial chassis sported rigid axles front and rear, suspended on semi-elliptic leaf springs. The four-wheeled braking was mechanically servo-assisted. Power came from an enlarged version of the straight-six OHV unit used in the 20HP. Now displacing 3,699cc, it made for swifter acceleration and a higher top speed of up to 75mph. The increase of 570cc provided useful extra power and allowed coachbuilders of the day to experiment and offer more intricate body styles without impeding performance. As before, the choice of bodywork for each 20/25 was to the taste of each individual customer, and Freestone & Webb, Gurney Nutting, Park Ward, Thrupp & Maberly, H. J. Mulliner and Hooper were among the many coachbuilders selected to clothe these fine motorcars. Faster than its 20HP predecessor, the model remained in production until 1936 by which time some 3,827 had been sold, making it the company's best-selling model between the wars.

Chassis GLZ 32 carries an understated but elegant partitioned limousine body by Hooper (design no. 5104 and body no. 7820), usefully specified with twin spare wheels. It retains its original engine, number V5S. Its history prior to the 1980s is somewhat obscured, but we know the first owner was Mrs. N. Miesegaes, whom we believe was part of a prominent Rolls-Royce and Bentley-owning family. Robert Miesegaes was a prolific Bentley buyer during the 1920s and '30s and Gustaf Miesegaes bought a 1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Continental sedanca new, so it seems probable that Mrs. Miesegaes was a relative.

GLZ 32 was purchased by the present owners in 1986. It has evidently received some refurbishment in the past and still presents very well, with the interior demonstrating several especially nice period-appropriate features such as Bedford cord upholstery and decorative marquetry. From a cursory inspection, the wood frame appears to line up well and the doors shut with minimal force.

Sadly, ill health has prevented the vendor driving the 20/25 much in recent years, but it has benefitted from a fresh service by a well-known Rolls-Royce specialist. It is said to drive well and stop, but some further recommissioning will be required. It is supplied with the starting handle, plus some tools, which we believe to be original.

For more information, please contact:
Lucas Gomersall
lucas.gomersall@handh.co.uk
07484 082430