To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Amelia
Island event, 8 - 9 March 2019.
Estimate:
$50,000 - $75,000
- Offered from the Leon-Hackney Collection
- Part of the collection since 1975; a favorite of Berta
Leon-Hackney
- Older cosmetic restoration in eye-catching colors
- Exhibited at the 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
- Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic
A jaunty machine typical of the original "Little Rolls-Royce," this
20 HP model, chassis no. GA41, was delivered on 11 February 1923 to
A.C. Nivison, Esq., of Branch Hill Lodge in Hampstead, fitted with
handsome doctor's coupe coachwork by Arthur Mulliner. A classic
British style, the doctor's coupe could also be referred to as a
drophead coupe, as it features a rather complex folding convertible
top with a folding frame and removable window pillars, and a
"dickey seat" for two.
The car was acquired from R.G. Sloan by Jay and Berta Leon in 1975,
via an advertisement in Motor Sport, with receipts and notes on
file for various mechanical and cosmetic repairs early in their
ownership. "The yellow Rolls has become a heavy favorite," Mr. Leon
wrote Mr. Sloan, "and many an afternoon when we choose a car for a
ride, invariably my wife will prefer to take out your former car."
In May 1979 it scored 94 out of 100 points in Rolls-Royce Owners
Club judging. In 2004, Berta Leon-Hackney exhibited the car as part
of the Rolls-Royce centennial celebrations at the Pebble Beach
Concours d'Elegance.
Today the Rolls-Royce presents in older restored condition, with
considerable wear and patina to the Lonsdale Yellow paint and black
leather interior; the leather top is in fair condition, while the
nickel brightwork has a fine, warm patina. The engine and
drivetrain were restored at the same time as the bodywork and the
wear is commensurate, with many of the engine components painted
the same yellow as the body. The odometer noted 60,188 miles at the
time of cataloguing, and the car is offered with a history file
relating to its acquisition and an original manual.
This would be a lovely "Little Rolls" to recondition and enjoy this
coming year.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/am19.
