Rolls-Royce 20HP Tourer, 1927
Rolls-Royce 20
Rolls-Royce 20•
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Chassis No.: GAJ81
£81,000 GBP | Sold
- Formerly the property of the Maharajah of Burdwan
- Coachwork by Hooper & Co
- Registration no. DS 7695
- Odometer reading: tbc
- MOT: Exempt
- Offered without reserve
- Shipped to India as a 'Trials' car (demonstrator)
- Owned by the Maharajah of Burdwan for some six years
Produced alongside the renowned Silver Ghost, the 20hp model was equally as well engineered and became popular as a lighter alternative suitable for a wide range of body styles. The 3.1-litre, six-cylinder monobloc engine featured overhead valves with an in-unit gearbox, single plate clutch, and open prop-shaft with spiral bevel final drive. As company founder Henry Royce said when the car was introduced, "simplicity was one of the aims of the designers, but not at the expense of perfection". Intended principally as an 'owner/driver' car, the 'Twenty' sold well during the period following hostilities, being popular as a town car, while many were fitted with touring bodies.
Accompanying copy chassis records show that 'GAJ81' was bodied by Hooper & Co as an open tourer and shipped to India in September 1927 for use as a 'Trials' car (demonstrator). Its first private owner (from 7th December 1928) was the Maharajah of Burdwan, who was followed by Mr D L Dhur of Calcutta (from 24th May 1934). It is not known when the Rolls-Royce first returned to the UK, but the accompanying old-style V5 document records the date of first registration as 1st April 1988. The current vendor purchased the car at a UK auction in May 2010 (copy bill of sale on file).
This most attractive 20hp has been on static display for a number of years and as such will require recommissioning prior to road use. Please also note this Lot is subject to UK import tax at the reduced rate of 5% if it is to remain in the UK.
Please note the main image in the printed catalogue is incorrect, the images online correctly show the car with tourer coachwork. Vendor Score Total: 58 /100 Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH.
Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments. Key for sellers' assessments: 1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing 2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage 3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well 4/5 VERY GOOD.
Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout 5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well EXTERIOR TOTAL: 15 /25 Body Work: 3 Paint: 3 Glass: 3 Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 3 Wheels/Tyres: 3 RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 12 /20 Gearbox/Clutch: 3 Axles: 3 Suspension: 3 Brakes: 3 INTERIOR TOTAL: 12 /20 Seats: 3 Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 3 Headlining: 3 Trim: 3 ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 6 /10 Main components: 3 Ancillary components: 3 ENGINE TOTAL: 12 /20 Starting: 3 Running: 3 Under Bonnet: 3 Mechanical components: 3 Car History File: 1
Cost
393,079 AED
