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1925 Rolls Royce 20hp Hooper Landaulett
| Rolls Royce introduced the 20 HP in 1922 as a “small” alternative to the Silver Ghost, and later Phantom I models, in answer to the need for a car more suited to the owner driver, and at the same time incorporating modern innovations and designs desirable since the Great War. The new model undoubtedly cost less to run, and somewhat less to purchase initially, but the quality was the same, and the cars were immediately acclaimed; nearly 3,000 chassis were laid down before production ended in 1929 on the introduction of 20/25. The chassis was more modern than the Ghost, the engine particularly so being a six cylinder monobloc with a detachable head and 7 bearing crankshaft, and a capacity of 3,127 ccs, with a gearbox mounted in unit. The chassis construction was entirely conventional, with very precise steering and excellent brakes to all wheels, servo assisted by the time this chassis was laid down. At fi rst the gearbox was a 3-speed unit with central gear change (and central handbrake) but this was much criticised as being too American, and by 1925 the box was now 4 speed, with right hand gear lever and handbrake (again as fi tted to this car). Hoopers were an old established fi rm of coachbuilders situated at this time in the Kings Road, Chelsea and it was always said that their work was of absolutely the best possible quality, though never too “sporty” or “racy”. Dignity was always their watchword, and Hooper coachwork was invariably chosen by the Royal Family. This chassis, GSK 2, wears one of the fi nest bodies, their four door landaulette, with chauffeur’s compartment at the front, and luxurious passenger accommodation, with a folding padded roof or “head” at the rear, the design of which was so good that the top could be raised or lowered by one man in less than a minute. The lines of the car are exceptionally elegant, enhanced by the correct horizontal shutter radiator, and the whole body is of exceptional “Hooper” quality with all the correct fi xtures and fi ttings. Unusually, the car retains the rare friction shock absorbers to the front axle. GSK 2 was acquired by the present owner in about 1976, and used for a while, some work including retrimming in leather and a repaint was carried out. As so often, being part of a large collection, the car has remained unused for over thirty five years. This is an unusual opportunity to acquire a small Rolls Royce with exceptionally attractive and pretty Hooper formal coachwork on a mid-era 20hp chassis with the desirable 4-wheel servo brakes and a right hand change 4-speed gearbox. The car has a V5 certifi cate, but having not been on the road for such a long period will require a certain amount of “TLC”, but the results should certainly be worthwhile. |
