Vehicle Description
FROM THE MISSOULA AUTO MUSEUM COLLECTION: Vehicle to be offered for Auction sale WITHOUT RESERVE and SOLD to the highest bidder January 19th - 22nd, 2017 at Russo and Steele's 17th Annual Scottsdale Arizona Auction at the Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Please contact us for more information.
In October 1922, the 20 HP Rolls-Royce, sometimes called the "Twenty" or "Baby Rolls," arrived in and was directly intended for the rapidly growing ranks of owner-drivers. Distinguished from the older and larger Silver Ghost by a mono-bloc engine design with a modern overhead valvetrain, it was also fitted with a detachable cylinder head and a coil-and-battery-type ignition system. Although smaller and less expensive than the Ghost and its successor the Phantom, the Twenty nonetheless received custom coachwork from many of the era's finest custom- coachbuilders.
The Twenty was itself succeeded by the more-powerful 20/25 in 1929, with production reaching 3,827 chassis when production ended in 1936, making the 20/25 the most popular Rolls-Royce motorcar prior to the outbreak of World War II. Its 3,669 cc inline six-cylinder engine was both larger in displacement and more powerful than the 3,167-cc unit of its predecessor, making the 20/25 particularly versatile and now capable of carrying the larger, heavier, and more-luxurious bodywork becoming available at the onset of the 1930s. While never officially quoted by Rolls-Royce, the 20/25 engine developed an estimated 65-horsepower in terms of "true" output. In typical Rolls-Royce fashion, the 20/25 chassis was produced along a number of distinct series, with each successively developed and improved.
This example from 1937, Chassis Number GMP 49, is a relatively late-production example of the Rolls-Royce 20/25 chassis. As such, it incorporates many highly desirable running changes made during the model's production run. Offered from the Missoula Auto Museum Collection, GMP 49 is offered without reserve and marks an outstanding find as an all original and clean survivor vehicle. Among the many features of GMP 49, a glass division window separates the chauffeur from the rear passenger compartment.
Reported by the Consignor to run and drive well, this 1937 Rolls-Royce 25/30 is rightly recognized as a CCCA Full Classic(R) and it is certain to provide both a distinctive and enjoyable touring experience, as well as a welcome entry to a multitude of worthy classic shows and tours.
