Adrian Pipiros
Specialist
LOT 408
1923 Rolls-Royce 20hp 'Barrel-side' Tourer Coachwork by Wilkinson's of Derby Registration no. FU 1525 Chassis no. GF7 Engine no. G674
Sold for £52,900 inc. premium
Lot 408
1923 Rolls-Royce 20hp 'Barrel-side' Tourer Coachwork by Wilkinson's of Derby Registration no. FU 1525 Chassis no. GF7 Engine no. G674
The Beaulieu Sale, Collectors' Motor Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia|6 September 2014, 14:00 BST|Beaulieu, National Motor Museum
1923 Rolls-Royce 20hp 'Barrel-side' Tourer
Coachwork by Wilkinson's of Derby
Registration no. FU 1525
Chassis no. GF7
Engine no. G674
Coachwork by Wilkinson's of Derby
Registration no. FU 1525
Chassis no. GF7
Engine no. G674
Footnotes
'This model was introduced to meet requests for a smaller, less expensive car in keeping with the trend after the First World War towards smaller cars for a wider market. Construction was simplified - but standards of workmanship were not compromised.' - Edward Eves, Rolls-Royce, 75 Years of Motoring Excellence.
Changing times after WWI eventually forced the abandonment of Rolls-Royce's 'one model' policy, an all-new 20hp car joining the existing 40/50hp Silver Ghost in 1922. The 'Twenty' reflected Henry Royce's interest in contemporary trends within the American automobile industry, incorporating unitary construction of the engine and gearbox, the latter featuring the modern innovation of a central ball change, together with a 'Hotchkiss drive' rear axle. The engine, Rolls-Royce's first with overhead valves, was a six-cylinder unit displacing 3,127cc. Favourably received as the Twenty was, its three-speed transmission's central gearchange was not to everyone's taste, and when four-wheel, servo-assisted brakes were introduced in 1925, a four-speed gearbox with right-hand, gated change replaced the original three-speeder. The Twenty's introduction enabled its makers to cater for the increasingly important owner-driver market that appreciated the quality of Rolls-Royce engineering but did not need a car as large as a 40/50hp Ghost or Phantom. The car proved eminently suited to town use yet could cope admirably with Continental touring when called upon.
Chassis number 'GF7' was delivered to coachbuilders Connaught in December 1923 and bodied as a landaulette for the Wright family of Willingham Hall near Market Rasen, Lincolnshire (since demolished). During the war years, the Rolls-Royce was converted into a lorry. The superb Barker-style barrel-sided tourer body that it now carries was fitted in the 1960s by the third owner, Hubert Haves Wilkinson. Wilkinson had acquired the car in 1960 from Messrs McLaglen & Wilson, who had purchased it from the Wrights. Some 30 years later, Wilkinson sold the Rolls-Royce to one T H Eastwood and it then passed via G Mead to John Young. Mr Young repainted the Twenty in cream with black wings and used it for weddings. In 2001 the car was repainted in its current colour scheme of green and was then laid up until 2008. The engine was rebuilt by Ristes of Nottingham in 2007.
The current vendor purchased 'FU 1525' from The Real Car Company in 2012, since when it has formed part of his private collection, seeing relatively little use. Noteworthy features include nicely patinated green leather upholstery; 'R-R'-embossed door cards; cocktail cabinet; rear Auster screen; recently renewed hood; and beautiful nickel-plated windscreen surround, radiator, lamps, running board edges and door handles. The provision of flashing indicators is a sensible upgrade.
'FU 1525' benefits from the recent attentions of pre-war car specialists Brewster Mudie Ltd of Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove, including detailed carburettor set-up and general servicing. A recent test drive to the photo shoot revealed the car to be a sprightly performer, riding bumps well and with positive steering and brakes. Everything was found to be functioning correctly: good electrical charge and oil pressure, and steady water temperature. A delightful early Twenty, ready to use and enjoy, the car is offered with copy chassis cards, old-style logbook, current road fund licence and V5C registration document.
Looking for a similar item?
Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistSpecialist section
Bill To
Senior Specialist
James Stensel
Head of Department
Client Services (UK)
Andrew Barrett
Specialist
Shipping (UK)
Auction Viewings
- 5 September 2014, 10:00 - 17:00 BST