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LOT 118

1930 Rolls-Royce 20/25 Skiff Tourer Registration no. SV 5917 Chassis no. GSR1

Sold for £46,125 inc. premium
Lot 118

1930 Rolls-Royce 20/25 Skiff Tourer
Registration no. SV 5917 Chassis no. GSR1

1930 Rolls-Royce 20/25 Skiff Tourer
Registration no. SV 5917
Chassis no. GSR1

Odometer Reading: TBA
MoT Expiry: Exempt

*Unique 1930s Rolls-Royce
*Unused for the last 20 years – but recently serviced
*Offered from a private collection


Debuting at the Olympia Motor Show in 1929, the Rolls-Royce 20/25 proved to be one of the most successful inter-war Rolls-Royces ever produced. The car was so successful that it is often praised as the car that saved the company from bankruptcy following the Great Depression, with 3,827 being made. Of those cars, 93% of those were sold in the UK – and now only approximately 38% of those remain, with many being exported across the globe. Originally developed with performance and power in mind, the 20/25 featured an increased bore size of 3¼", resulting in a larger capacity from 3,128cc to 3,667cc. This minor but effective changed helped increase the RAC horsepower rating to 24½hp, up from 20hp in the Twenty. The 20/25 was originally designed for owner drivers, however the car was mostly purchased by owners with chauffeurs – who then fitted large custom built limousine bodies. This 1930 example is presented in a beautiful colour scheme of green with black wings and a red leather interior. The car has previously been restored however the date is unknown. Overall the car is in good condition and has been a part of a private collection since the vendor purchased the car in the late 1990s. Used by the previous owner on many international rallies in South Africa, India and many others. Despite this, the car has not been used for the last 20 years and has been kept in dry storage. The engine has been recently serviced and is now running well. The skiff two plus two coachwork is traditionally built with an ash frame clad in aluminium which remains in good condition, weather equipment includes a hood and sidescreens. Overall this is a good useable example with potential to improve if desired.

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Footnotes

Vendor Score Total: 60/100

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: 16/25
Body Work: 4
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 3
Glass: 3
Paint: 3
Wheels/Tyres: 3

INTERIOR TOTAL: 11/20
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 3
Headlining: 3
Seats: 2
Trim: 3

ENGINE TOTAL: 12/20
Mechanical components: 3
Running: 3
Starting: 3
Under Bonnet: 3

RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 12/20
Axles: 3
Brakes: 3
Gearbox/Clutch: 3
Suspension: 3

ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 6/10
Ancillary components: 3
Main components: 3

Car History File: 3

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