1933 Rolls-Royce 20/25 Three-Position Drophead Coupé by Barker
Rolls-Royce 20/25 I
Rolls-Royce 20/25 I•
•121 views
Chassis No.: GTZ 48
Engine No.: D2L
Registration: UK V5C
Location: Paris, France
€140,000 EUR | Sold
- Displayed by Barker at the 1933 Paris Salon de l’Automobile
- Exceptional original interior
- Complete with original hand and road tools
- Maintained and recently serviced by marque experts P&A Wood
65 bhp, 3,669 cc OHV inline six-cylinder engine with two-jet type carburettor with steering column control and automatic air valve, four-speed manual transmission, front and rear semi-elliptical leaf spring suspension, and four-wheel internal expanding servo-assisted brakes with independent handbrake on rear wheels. Wheelbase: 3,350 mm
Six-cylinder inline engine, 3,669 cc, overhead valves, 65 bhp, twin-jet carburettor, steering control, four-speed manual transmission, front and rear semi-elliptical leaf-spring suspension, four-wheel drum brakes with servo assistance, handbrake on the rear wheels. Wheelbase: 3,350 mm.
The Rolls-Royce 20 HP was produced in tandem with the venerable 40/50 HP Silver Ghost, from 1922 to 1929. As roads improved and motoring speeds increased, the charming “Baby Rolls” literally could not keep up. Rolls-Royce logically responded by re-working the fine little 20 horsepower engine, and in 1929, the 20/25 was launched. The result was such a success that it was also used in the newly acquired Bentley marque, in its 3½-Litre model, introduced in 1933. Every pre-war Rolls-Royce car was produced as a rolling chassis only, which was then sent to one of the many fine coachbuilders for a bespoke body.
One of the most popular bodies produced was the Three-Position Drophead Coupé, an extremely versatile and elegant design which offered its owner three delightful options: with roll-up windows and a closed top, it provides comfortable all-weather motoring as a true Coupé; in fair weather, the drivers’ compartment can be opened to the sky; and for a true open sporting experience, the entire hood will fold down to allow all four or five passengers fresh air and an unobstructed view. One of the great innovations of Barker’s design, as demonstrated by the example presented, was a subtle groove in the rear of the body, which allowed the hood to sit perfectly flush when completely dropped, unlike earlier Drophead Coupé designs.
Chassis number GTZ 48 was sent to Barker & Company, and original build records note that it was built specifically for the 1933 Paris Salon d l’Automobile to be displayed on their stand. Designed to be used after the Salon for driving in the United Kingdom and the Continent, custom features included 16-degree slanted and lengthened louvers, special locks, and hinge mouldings to be finished in “Polished Staybrite”. The iconic “Flying Lady” mascot was added to the build order, since it was not until after World War II that the mascot was included in the purchase price. After the Paris Salon, the first owner, Captain Purchas of Sussex, accepted delivery.
Apart from Rolls-Royce service records up to 1938, GTZ 48 next came to the attention of Jim Denne of West Hoathly Garage approximately 36 years ago when he discovered it still living in Sussex. Shortly after this time it was subject to a light and sympathetic restoration, retaining as many original parts and features as possible. Since this time, GTZ 48 has been enjoyed by three owners whilst being subject to a cosmetic restoration by P&A Wood to return it back to its original black, still retaining its beautifully original red leather interior. There are also several invoices on file for regular maintenance by P&A Wood, including a very recent service carried out at the end of 2016.
Owners of these delightful Rolls-Royce 20/25s soon discover they are charming to drive, easy to operate, and reliable performers, whilst relishing the same quality of construction and engineering as the larger Ghosts and Phantoms. GTZ 48 is without doubt a very important Rolls-Royce and one of the finest 20/25s in existence, a superb combination of elegance, originality, and design presented in wonderful condition.
From 1922 to 1929, the Rolls-Royce 20 HP was produced alongside the venerable 40/50 HP Silver Ghost. As roads improved and speeds increased, the charming “Baby Rolls” could no longer keep up. Rolls-Royce logically developed a new version of the excellent 20 HP engine and, in 1929, unveiled the 20/25 HP. This new car was so successful that it was also offered in the newly acquired Bentley range, as the 3.5-litre model introduced in 1933. All pre-war Rolls-Royces were produced as rolling chassis, which were then entrusted to the finest coachbuilders to receive bespoke bodies.
One of the most popular body styles was the Three-Position Drophead Coupé, a very elegant and versatile version offering three configurations: with the top closed and windows raised, it is a comfortable coupé that protects its occupants from the elements; in fine weather, the driver's compartment can be opened to the sky; and for passengers to enjoy the pleasure of open-air motoring with an unobstructed view, the hood can be folded completely away. One of the main innovations of Barker's design, as shown by the example presented, is a subtle recess at the rear of the car, allowing the hood to sit flush when stowed, unlike earlier versions.
Chassis no. GTZ 48 was sent to Barker & Company, and the original build notes state that the car was specially built to be displayed on the coachbuilder's stand at the 1933 Paris Motor Show. Designed for subsequent use in England and on the Continent, it featured bonnet louvers lengthened and angled at 16 degrees, special locks, and hinges finished in “Polished Staybrite”. The “Flying Lady” mascot was listed on the build order, as it was not included in the purchase price until after World War II. After the show, the first owner, Captain Purchas of Sussex, took delivery.
Rolls-Royce service records survive up to 1938, and about 36 years ago GTZ 48 came to the attention of Jim Denne of West Hoathly Garage, who discovered it in Sussex. Shortly afterwards, the car underwent a light restoration that preserved as many original parts and features as possible. Since then, it has had three owners and received a cosmetic restoration by P&A Wood, which returned it to its original black while retaining its beautifully original red leather upholstery. Several invoices for regular maintenance by P&A Wood are included in the file, including one for a recent service carried out at the end of 2016.
Owners of these charming Rolls-Royce 20/25s soon discover that they are delightful to drive, easy to operate, and reliable, while enjoying the same quality of construction and engineering as the larger Ghost and Phantom models. GTZ 48 is undoubtedly a very important Rolls-Royce and one of the finest 20/25s in existence, a superb combination of elegance, originality, and design, presented in wonderful condition.
Cost
575,001 AED
