  |
|---|
1931 Rolls Royce 20/25 Tourer
| The 20/25 Rolls Royce was introduced in 1929 to replace the 20 hp model which was beginning to show its age. At a stroke the new “small” Rolls was right up to date and provided levels of comfort and performance almost on a par with the Phantom II cars, and quality in every respect was just as high, but with a completed car price of about £1800 as opposed to nearly £2,400 for the larger model. Top speed of the 20/25 with a lightish body was now approaching 80 mph, whilst fuel consumption could be as little as 20 miles to the gallon, and with notably sporting handling and excellent servo brakes. Coachwork on these cars was always by the specialists and to the clients individual taste, and this car was probably originally fitted with a saloon body, which was in a terminal state when the car was acquired by the present owner in 1970. He then set about a total rebuild of the chassis, aided by his team of dedicated ex-Rolls Royce and Hooper craftsmen, and the task was soon completed to a very high standard. Coachwork was then constructed in conjunction with the celebrated Dick Brockman, doyen to replica coachbuilders at this time. A very stylish four-door tourer was built to a standard equal in every way to that of the original period coachbuilders. The superb two piece windscreen with wind defl ectors was purpose built by specialists, James Pearce, and all the correct body fi ttings were found and installed. Upholstery was carried out in light tan Connolly hide, and the paintwork in claret and black is to a very high standard. The lighting set by Lucas is of stainless steel to match the radiator, this being one of the earliest cars to have the Staybrite' type. The polished dashboard carries a full complement of the correct instruments, switches etc, with matching black dials. The rebuild which took some four years in total was completed in 1980. The lines of the touring coachwork are exceptionally good with the hood erected or folded down and the general condition is exceptional in every respect – almost immaculate, but usable at the same time. The car runs very well and is totally reliable, and has been in use until very recently, being taxed until earlier this year. A SORN is now in place, but the MoT certifi cate is valid until October next year. A very attractive and usable 20/25, with splendid and very pretty replica coachwork, executed to a high standard, but also a “well sorted” car with none of the well known faults from which this model may suffer if neglected. |
