It is not often one is given the chance to own and drive a nearly 100-year old vehicle. Today, I bring you just such an opportunity with this exquisite 1925 Rolls-Royce Twenty. Forget about flashy modern supercars, it would be hard to find a car that has more presence than this, with its upright bench seating, massive chrome grille, and open roof that put its occupants on display. And this fine example of pure British elegance can be yours for just a fraction of the cost of one of those new-fangled Lamborghinis.
So, let’s discuss the history of this antique vehicle. The Rolls-Royce 20 served as the company’s small car throughout most of the 1920s. Several new features were fitted in 1925, so this example represents the updated version of the car. The 3-speed gearbox was changed in favour of a 4-speed unit, while the lever was moved from the centre of the car to the right side of the driver. Also new were four-wheel brakes. Powering the Rolls-Royce Twenty is a 3.1-litre inline-6, but don’t get confused by the model name as this engine actually produced a stout 50 bhp. While Rolls manufactured the chassis and mechanical bits themselves, customers would find a coachbuilder to design and build the bodywork. So there is a wide range of designs used on the nearly 3,000 models that were made, and this particular car actually appears to have had multiple bodies fitted to it throughout its 93-year history.
This fine four-door cabriolet is listed for sale at Phil Walker Car Sales, who have a rather interesting history of the car on their site. Here is just some of it:
ORIGINALLY SUPPLIED BRAND NEW TO A MR ANTHONY MILBURN OF RUFFORTH HALL NEAR YORK. DURING HIS OWNERSHIP THE BODY WAS CONVERTED TO A SALOON, THIS WAS VERY COMMON IN THE 1920’S AND POSSIBLY DUE TO AN INCREASING FAMILY. THE CAR REMAINED WITH THE MILBURNS RIGHT UP TO WORLD WAR TWO. IT IS NOT KNOWN IF THE CAR WAS THEN TAKEN FOR THE WAR EFFORT.
Reading on, the ad states that this particular car received a complete overhaul in 1987, wherein the chassis, engine, and bodywork were either replaced or refurbished. So, while the paintwork might not be flawless, there is plenty of value in this car. And I mean, just look at it. Those colour-matched wire spoke wheels are to die for.
The Rolls Royce 20hp Gallery
This car is available at: Phil Walker Car Sales.
