Highlights

Rare Mulliner-bodied 25/30
Low mileage of under 60,000 miles
Current keeper since 1970s
Characterful pre-war classic in good order
Good history file including original order form
Rare open cabin model ideal for owner/drivers

The Appeal

The 25/30 is from that glorious era when buying a Rolls-Royce was a two-stage process: you ordered your chassis and engine then commissioned an array of coachbuilders to body it to your precise requirements. The car was an update of the 20/25 with more power to suit the growing size and weight of Rolls-Royce’s pre-war models.

This example is one of 81 assembled during 1937 and sports crisp bodywork by H J Mulliner, classically finished in a slate grey metallic that suits its handsome lines. It has been in the same family since the 1970s when Edward Heath was Prime Minister and has covered less than 1,000 miles since 1978.

Naturally, that delivers a vehicle in very original, yet lightly patinated condition that is at once solid and characterful. It is ideally suited to modern motoring because it is a rare ‘open cab’ model designed for owner/drivers so that they can converse with their rear seat passengers. Those occupants were and are treated to immense legroom and a huge leather armchair.

The car is said to be well maintained and to start and run well. The sparing use means it may benefit from a check over and fettle before regular use, but with a car this interesting that feels like enjoyable work.

The History and Paperwork

First registered 1st May 1937
Car will be sold with registration DYE200
Due to long term storage the vendor is applying to re-register the car with DVLA
We are told the car has been in the same family since the 1970s
Two original factory handbooks as shown
Copies of original paperwork and order forms as shown
Various old invoices as shown
Stamped old-style registration document
Old-style V5C as shown
Photographs of car in period
Chassis number GR053 confirms factory built in 1937
Old MOT showing mileage of 59,003 in 1978
Now showing 59,732 miles

The Condition

Smart slate grey metallic paintwork in fair condition with older restoration from original black
Paintwork presents well with some ageing and touched in areas to note
These include deterioration to some panels as shown in photos
Bodywork presents well with no obvious damage or significant deterioration in photos
Smart Mulliner bodywork with rear-hinged doors and body colour steel wheel covers
Underside appears to be in good order with no issues reported by seller
Chromework appears to be original or older restoration and presents well
There are some light areas of tarnish to certain chrome elements but not unsightly
Fitted with a grille ornament dated January 1934
Patinated interior in black leather with light grey carpets in fair condition
There is age to the seats as shown and to carpets but they are usable
Extensive veneers in fair condition with some deterioration when viewed up close
Rare ‘open cab’ model with no divider suitable for modern owner/drivers
Original switchgear and fittings in fair condition with some age visible
We have no reports of faults with switchgear, lights or dials

The Mechanics

4,257cc straight six Rolls-Royce engine
4spd manual gearbox
Described as well maintained by seller
Vendor tells us the car starts and runs well
No reported running or driving issues
Vendor advises that due to long term storage some checks and fettling may be required

BEFORE YOU BUY

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✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

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