Vehicle Description
Consistent with its longstanding policy for careful evolution over
revolution, Rolls-Royce introduced the 25/30 in 1936. Derived from
the 20/25, the improved new 25/30 chassis and enlarged 4.25-litre
engine fulfilled the needs of Rolls-Royce clients demanding heavier
and more luxurious coachwork. As a somewhat smaller companion model
to the large, V-12 Phantom III, the 25/30 featured a generous
132-inch wheelbase chassis, ideal for the elite carriage trade.
According to Rolls-Royce experts, just 1,201 examples of the 25/30
chassis were produced from 1936 to 1938, when the larger Wraith
arrived as its replacement. While a variety of British custom
coachbuilders designed and built bespoke bodies for the 25/30,
including Hooper, Arthur Mulliner, Park Ward, and Thrupp & Maberly,
quite likely the most successful of all was the dashing Razor Edge
Saloon body style by H.J. Mulliner. Exuding a decided Grand Touring
character with its long hood, close-coupled passenger compartment,
blind rear quarters, and integral luggage trunk, this sporting body
design was clearly tailored to the wealthy owner/driver of the
immediate prewar era. Usability was excellent, with its maker's
signature thin windscreen pillars yielding excellent visibility.
Bearing Chassis Number GWN70, this extensively restored and
beautifully presented 1937 Rolls-Royce 25/30 is simply a wonderful
example throughout, featuring handsome and sporting Razor Edge
Saloon coachwork by the masters at H.J. Mulliner. Citing extensive
records and conversations with the prior long-term owner, a noted
Rolls-Royce expert, collector, and specialty book publisher advised
that GWN70 was directly sold by Rolls-Royce to its first owner,
Victor Jobson, Esq., of Derby, England. A successful business
executive, Mr. Jobson served during the 1930s as chairman and
managing director of Qualcast, Ltd. Of Derby, a long-running maker
of grass mowers, and he was also chairman of Aga Heat, Ltd., makers
of the enameled kitchen stoves beloved by many British cooks.
Clearly a valued Rolls-Royce client, he was provided the use of a
car from Rolls-Royce while H.J. Mulliner body number 4315 was
switched from Jobson's existing 25/30, chassis GUL17, to GWN70, the
example offered here. According to documented history, Mr. Jobson
traded GWN70 for a new Phantom III in 1937 and the 25/30 would pass
through several more owners until 1969, when it was purchased in
April 1969 by a passionate American collector and enthusiast
through an agent from London Rolls-Royce dealer Adams & Oliver.
Shipment to Chicago was arranged, but delays associated with a
dockworkers' strike prompted re-routing to Detroit, where the new
owner flew to receive the 32-year-old car. While dirty from the
long voyage, it was found to have been undamaged and fully intact,
down to its Rolls-Royce chassis plate, factory tags, and
coachbuilder's nameplate. Since the car had been driven to the
London docks for shipment on July 3, 1969, the new owner elected to
drive it back home to Chicago, with the venerable 25/30 completing
the considerable journey without issue. A long-term restoration
commenced soon after the car was received, with cost virtually no
object and exhaustively documented by a wealth of invoices,
receipts, and correspondence. Beginning with the restoration of the
body framing using White Ash, the vehicle's sheet metal was
fastidiously straightened and refinished with a welcome color
change from the somber original black to the present and
complementary bright silver. Mechanical systems were restored,
including the matching-numbers 4.25-litre engine, gearbox, running
gear, and brakes. The luxurious interior was completely restored -
of course using new top-quality leather upholstery, carpets, and a
new fabric headliner - all to the original shade of red. Interior
woodwork was refinished, a new dashboard was installed, and
additional restoration highlights included fitment of all new
windows using laminated safety glass, re-chromed brightwork, full
restoration of the boot compartment, and installation of new tires.
In 2012, when the restoration work was complete, invoices confirmed
a total investment in excess of $300,000. Accompanying this fully
restored and crisply presented 1937 Rolls-Royce 25/30 H.J. Mulliner
Saloon are boxes of documents, including correspondence, invoices,
and historical/ownership paperwork including build sheets. Clearly
the product of a passionate, knowledgeable enthusiast, this lovely
1937 Rolls-Royce 25/30 is noted to run and drive as it should with
a sweet-sounding engine and excellent presentation throughout.
While certainly worthy of the show field, it truly begs to be
toured on the open road as originally intended. Representing a
labor of love under the prior owner from 1969 to 2021, GWN70 is a
CCCA Full Classic� automobile that will surely provide a most
welcome entry into a multitude of classic car events, from CCCA and
RROC shows to many enjoyable touring events as desired. Offers
welcome and trades considered For additional details please view
this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7220-1937-rolls-royce-25-30-saloon/
