Vehicle Description
The Rolls-Royce Twenty served as the smaller companion to the
flagship Silver Ghost and Phantom models. Just under 3,000 units
were built between 1922 and 1929, each sold as rolling chassis and
delivered to independent coachbuilders. With the 20 HP being
smaller and lighter than its flagship siblings, many buyers
selected sporting coachwork suited to the owner-driver. The
overwhelming majority of production went to traditional British
coachbuilders like Hooper, Park Ward, Barker, and the like. But a
tiny handful of chassis did go outside of England for their
coachwork, including our featured example, which received its
unique and attractive body from Seegers et Sohn in Leipzig,
Germany. Rolls-Royce factory records show that chassis GAJ37 was
sold new in Germany and finished by Seegers et Sohn of Leipzig with
what was described as a "sporting" cabriolet body. While this
coachbuilder is not widely known today, they created a small number
of exclusive, high-quality bodies on prestigious chassis including
Horch and at least one other Rolls-Royce. The body on GAJ37 is
beautifully constructed, with well-judged proportions and many
intriguing details. The deeply skirted front wings and integrated
trunk pair with a low roofline for a distinctly sporting profile.
Accompanying documents list the original owner as a Mr. Otto
Schindler, also of Leipzig, who took delivery on October 9, 1928.
During World War II, GAJ37 remained in Germany, eventually making
its way to Hamburg. In the years immediately after the war, it was
used by several British military officers before being acquired by
a dealer from Wisconsin. Once Stateside, the car was sold to Mr.
Frederick Hart, a well-known enthusiast of early Rolls-Royce
motorcars based in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. In 1963, GAJ37 passed
to another family of passionate Roll-Royce collectors, Mr. Charles
Nagler and his son Todd. Photos from around the time they
discovered the car show it was a complete and intact original car,
needing some restoration work. They began researching this unique
Rolls-Royce's history, which included contacting the library in
Leipzig, a former employee of Seegers et Sohn, and past British
owners. Armed with as much information as possible, the Naglers set
to work restoring the car, sourcing new-old-stock parts wherever
possible. In the years after its high-level restoration, the
Naglers continued to improve and maintain the Rolls-Royce 20HP in
excellent condition. It was a cherished part of their collection
for 57 years and earned numerous accolades, including Senior Awards
with both the CCCA and AACA. The Naglers continually strove to keep
the car in top condition, fitting a full stainless steel exhaust
system in the late 70s, new interior upholstery in 1985, and a new
Frank Cooke-built cylinder head in 1986. Charles and Todd
thoroughly enjoyed the 20 HP over the years, racking up thousands
of miles while attending events and participating in many RROC
tours and gatherings, Time and again, GAJ37 proved to be a reliable
and entertaining tour car. This unique Rolls-Royce is now available
after nearly six decades in the care of the same family. Its
handsome original coachwork remains in excellent condition with a
charming, mild patina that belies the restoration's age. The cabin
is similarly well-preserved with oxblood red leather covering the
seats and panels, presented in good condition with an honest
character that invites enthusiastic use. The woodwork is in fine
order, and the dash houses original-type instrumentation and
switchgear. Beneath the alloy bonnet, the six-cylinder,
overhead-valve engine is in very good order, showing signs of use
and regular care. It is quite tidy and clean and runs well thanks
to years of attentive, expert maintenance and use. Sporting stylish
one-off coachwork and a marvelous, well-matured restoration, this
unique Rolls-Royce will surely delight its next long-term caretaker
in a variety of ways - and will undoubtedly be an enjoyable
companion on the open road. Offers welcome and trades considered
For additional details please view this listing directly on our
website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6677-1927-rolls-royce-20-hp-cabriolet-by-seegers-et-sohn/
