Vehicle Description
Rolls-Royce's 20/25 succeeded the 20 HP in 1929 as the company's
small-displacement offering positioned below the flagship Phantom
models. Engineers developed a host of improvements over the
outgoing 20 HP, and while this was considered an "entry model" for
Rolls-Royce, it was still an exclusive, high-end automobile for a
discerning clientele. The overhead-valve inline six-cylinder engine
displaced 3,669 cc and featured an aluminum crankcase, cast iron
cylinder block, and pressurized lubrication. It had both coil and
magneto ignition systems, and the four-speed manual gearbox had a
traditional right-hand gear lever position. This feature was in
response to criticism from customers who complained that the
central-mounted 3-speed shifter in the 20 HP models appeared cheap
and thus not to the standard expected of a Rolls-Royce. The chassis
of the 20/25 was a traditionally robust affair, with a solid front
axle, live rear axle, semi-elliptic springs and four-wheel brakes
assisted by a mechanical servo. All of the improvements afforded
the new Rolls-Royce 20/25 HP with upwards of 75 mph performance,
depending upon the coachwork selected by the owner. Traditionally,
Rolls-Royce sold the 20/25 as a complete chassis, less body, and
customers specified their preferred coachbuilder at the time of
ordering. As a result, a wide variety of 20/25s were built, ranging
from formal, closed limousines to more sporting open roadsters. It
was not out of the ordinary for a 20/25 to receive more than one
body in its lifetime, as individual owner's tastes evolved, and the
robust chassis could easily outlive its original coachwork. It
proved to be quite popular, and nearly 4,000 were built between
1929 and 1936, making the 20/25 one of the most successful
Rolls-Royce models of the period. Our featured 20/25 is a marvelous
example of this versatile Rolls-Royce model and with a rich and
fascinating history from new. GSR4 is a long-chassis model
initially purchased in 1929 by coachbuilders Rippon Brothers, Ltd
of Yorkshire, for use as a company demonstrator. Rippon was among
the oldest names in the British coachbuilding business - Walter
Rippon built coaches for the Earl of Rutland in 1555, and for
Elizabeth I in 1564. By the 1930s, they already had a long history
with Rolls-Royce. The company built its first motorcar body in 1905
atop a Rolls-Royce chassis. Rippon Bros. used GSR4 to showcase a
limousine body, which was subsequently sold to Mr. Frank Broadhead,
Esq. of Almondbury, Yorkshire, in May 1930. Mr. Broadhead was
managing director of Kirkheaton Mills, a large wool textile mill.
The car lived a relatively unassuming life at first, being
chauffeur-driven exclusively by Mr. Sam Belton and used to shuttle
Mr. Broadhead to work, and on company business. Its most notable
passenger at the time was the future King George VI, then the Duke
of York, who rode in the car during an official state visit to the
mill on March 11, 1932. Around 1939, as World War II erupted across
Europe, the patriotic Mr. Broadhead enlisted his faithful
Rolls-Royce to assist the war effort. The military unceremoniously
scrapped the rear limousine section of the body and replaced it
with a purposeful, albeit inelegant, ambulance body. Chassis GSR4
was put into service transporting sick and wounded soldiers from
the local train station to the hospital, reportedly performing its
critical duties without fault. After the war, the car returned to
the possession of Broadhead and the Kirkheaton Mill. The ambulance
body was removed, and in its place, a more suitable shooting brake
body was fitted. Credit for the coachwork goes to S. Pexton & Son,
or more specifically, Harold Pexton, who directed woodworker Reuben
Metcalf and blacksmith Leslie Walshaw to frame and skin the body.
It then returned to service at the mill as a high-end delivery
vehicle, transporting wool goods to clients and guests to picnics
in the countryside. A promotional postcard in the history file
shows GSR4 leaving the gates at Buckingham Palace, presumably after
a delivery. All along, the loyal company chauffeur Sam Belton
remained at the helm. So meticulous was Belton in his care for the
Rolls that it turned ahalf-millionmiles while serving as the mill's
delivery vehicle. In the 1960s, Mr. Roger LaViale purchased GSR4
and brought it to the USA via Cunard Lines "RMS Scythia." LaViale
was also in the textile business, and he used the Rolls-Royce as a
promotional tool to spread the word about quality English wool,
going so far as to hire Belton to drive the car to various high-end
department stores around the US. With the tour completed, he sold
the car to Mr. Waterman of Nashville, TN, in 1967. In 1972, Dr.
Sessions of Marietta, Georgia acquired it. Dr. Sessions had been
aware of the car for a few years and was fascinated by its unique
coachwork. He became a passionate custodian of GSR4 for nearly five
decades and spent many years tracing the car's history, going so
far as to travel to Yorkshire to interview former mill employees
who recalled the Rolls when it was in service. In 1973 a leaky
radiator took the car off the road, which led to a 30-year
restoration project (as these things sometimes do). Finally, in
2003, the restoration was declared "complete," and the Sessions
family proudly showed GSR4 at numerous RROC concours events and
gatherings. It debuted at the RROC Newport meet in 2003, scoring an
impressive 387 of 400 points. Today, it presents in excellent
condition throughout, thanks to the meticulous restoration and
care. In place of the previous single-tone maroon color is this
attractive maroon and cream livery, which suits the coachwork
marvelously. Despite the obscurity of the coachbuilder, the quality
is superb, with plenty of intriguing details, accentuated by the
high-quality restoration. The interior woodwork is beautiful, and
the spacious rear compartment includes a pair of clever side-facing
jump seats that fold into the floor, and integrated wood cabinets
complete with picnic china. The front compartment upholstery is
preserved, except for only the driver's seat squab, which has been
reupholstered. Switches and controls are correct, as are the
original instruments. Incredibly, after more than 500,000 miles,
GSR4 still retains its original engine per the factory build
sheets. It runs beautifully, and the car feels impressively tight
on the road, making this Rolls-Royce is an excellent choice for
touring, RROC gatherings, or simply for picnics in the countryside.
This beautiful, one-off shooting brake has a truly fascinating
story, and it is ready for a new caretaker to add the next chapter.
Offers welcome and trades considered For additional details please
view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6585-1930-rolls-royce-20-25hp-shooting-brake/
