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Vehicle Description
Introduced in 1936, the Rolls-Royce 25/30 HP was a direct
replacement for the 20/25. While smaller and more sporting than the
flagship Phantom, the 25/30 HP was by no means an "entry-level"
Rolls-Royce. It featured much of the same technology and
engineering excellence found on the larger Phantoms, but
scaled-down for improved maneuverability and more nimble handling.
The new 25/30 featured numerous refinements to the powertrain and
chassis intended to address customer feedback regarding the
performance (or relative lack thereof) of the 20/25. Most notable
was a significant bump in displacement from 3.7-liters to
4.25-liters. The overhead-valve inline-six featured a seven
main-bearing crankshaft to ensure refinement and durability. Better
brakes, improved suspension, and stiffer chassis were all part of
the extensive redesign. While there was no doubt to its
superiority, the model was short-lived, and Rolls-Royce sold
approximately 1,200 examples of the 25/30 before the arrival of the
entirely new Wraith in 1938. Following standard practice,
Rolls-Royce offered the 25/30 as a chassis only, leaving the choice
of design and coachbuilder up to the selling dealer or private
customer. Styles were as varied as the tastes of individual buyers,
ranging from sporty dropheads to formal limousines. J. Gurney
Nutting took advantage of the versatile 25/30 platform and
continued their tradition of creating supremely stylish and
impeccably crafted bodies. From the company's base in the trendy
Chelsea neighborhood of London, Gurney Nutting's lead designer A.F.
McNeil created some of the most memorable and breathtaking designs
of the 1920s and 30s, fitted to prestigious chassis including
Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Daimler, and others. The talents of J. Gurney
Nutting are none more apparent than on this supremely handsome
25/30 four-door Sedanca de Ville, chassis number GRP18. According
to factory production records, this long-wheelbase 25/30 arrived at
Gurney Nutting's Chelsea workshop on the 1st of July, 1937, where
work commenced on the fabulous coachwork. Inspiration for the body
came from a similar design used on a Phantom III, but exquisitely
reproportioned for the smaller 25/30 chassis. After completing the
coachwork, Gurney Nutting shipped the car to famed dealer H.R.
Owen, and with war looming, it remained in their stock for several
years, serving as a company demonstrator until its first private
sale in July 1945. A letter from Rolls-Royce dated March 1967,
lists the first private owner as Mr. F. Roberts of Manchester,
England. The British registration booklet picks up in 1962, in the
ownership of R. C. Bunn, followed by W.B. Carter of Huntingdon in
1966. Carter owned the car for a short time before selling it to
its last long-term caretaker in 1968. At the time of the sale,
GRP18 made its way to the USA, where it joined an extensive
collection of significant Rolls-Royce and other fine classic-era
motorcars. It was in primarily original, and well-maintained order
and the owners regularly enjoyed the car on family outings and took
advantage of its graceful formal lines by using it in the
occasional wedding. After many years of faithful service, GRP18
received an extensive and well-detailed restoration. Following the
project, GRP18 returned to its regular role in the collection,
racking up numerous accolades in shows and club events, including
the Hooper Trophy from the Rolls Royce Owners' Club and the Formal
Town Car Award at the CCCA Museum's Formal Car Experience in 1990.
In the care of the same family since 1968, GRP18 continued to
collect awards through the early 2000s. It proved a faithful steed
in numerous tours and casual drives and enjoyed consistent, expert
maintenance along the way. It remains in marvelous condition today,
with a light, honest patina acquired through years on-road service.
The two-tone livery of black and maroon provides a lovely
complement to the superb styling. While this is technically a
formal design, the low roofline, gracefully swept fenders, and
close-coupled rear treatment give the car a decidedly sporting edge
that is unmistakably the work of Gurney Nutting. Fittings include
dual side-mount spares, color-keyed wheel discs, a trunk, removable
roof panel, proper Lucas lamps, and a kneeling lady mascot as
specified on the build order. The interior trim, woodwork, and
fittings are all in superb condition, displaying a beautiful
character that suits this car's user-friendly nature. The
4.25-liter inline-six is the original, numbers-matching unit per
the build sheets, presented in excellent cosmetic condition with
authentic details, fittings, and an honest appeal from years of use
and maintenance. It remains a well-sorted car mechanically, and is
the ideal candidate for long-distance touring, with the refinement
and respectable performance expected of six-cylinder Rolls-Royce,
delivered in an understated and refined manner. Accompanying the
sale is a substantial history file documenting the car's story back
to its factory production records, photos of it as-purchased in the
1960s, and subsequent restoration. Benefitting from more than five
decades of single-family ownership, GRP18 is a superb example of
this rare breed with immeasurably attractive coachwork by one of
Britain's most revered coachbuilders. Offers welcome and trades
considered For additional details please view this listing directly
on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6678-1937-rolls-royce-25-30-sedanca-de-ville-by-gurney-nutting/
