Description
1924 ROLLS ROYCE 20 (20HP) COUPE - 1, 201 MILES SHOWING - A$86, 900
This example is Chassis # GMK4 and Engine # G934 and presents in Burgundy and similar coloured leather interior trim.
The two door coupe design with a dickie seat at the rear, was designed by coach builders Myers and Burnell of York UK.
The car wears an early UK number plate DN6513 and has been Historically registered in South Australia with the same plate number.
Type 20 overview
Manufacturer Rolls-Royce Ltd
Production 1922–1929
2, 940 made
Designer Sir Henry Royce
Body and chassis
Body style - Various body designs
Layout FR layout
Powertrain
Engine 3, 127 cc (3. 1 L) I6
Transmission - 3-speed manual or 4 speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 3. 275 metres (128. 9 in)[1]
Length 4. 52 metres (178. 0 in)
Chronology
Successor 20/ 25
The Rolls-Royce Twenty was Rolls-Royce's "small car" for the 1920s, produced from 1922 to 1929 alongside the 40/ 50 Silver Ghost and the successor to the 40/ 50, the Phantom. It was intended to appeal to owner-drivers but many were sold to customers with chauffeurs.
Engineering
A new inline-6 cylinder overhead valve engine was designed for the car of 3127 cc with a bore of 76 mm and stroke of 114 mm. Unlike the Silver Ghost engine, the cylinders were cast in one block and the cylinder head was detachable. Both coil and magneto ignition were fitted.
The early cars had 3-speed manual gearboxes with the change lever in the centre of the car, but this changed in 1925 to a four-speed unit with traditional right-hand change. The power was transmitted to the rear axle via a standard propeller shaft with a universal joint at each end.
The substantial chassis had rigid front and rear axles suspended by half-elliptic springs, with braking initially only on the rear wheels. Four-wheel brakes with mechanical servo were introduced in 1925. The famous Rolls-Royce radiator with triangular top was fitted, and early examples had enamel-finished horizontal slats, later changing to a nickel finish and finally becoming vertical.
In 1920 a chassis cost £1100 with, typically, a complete tourer-bodied car costing around £1600. With coachwork to the factory recommended weight the car could reach 60 mph (97 km/ h), but many owners had large limousine bodies fitted, with the inevitable detrimental effect on performance.
Bodywork
Only the chassis and mechanical parts were made by Rolls-Royce. The body was made and fitted by a coachbuilder selected by the owner.
This particular vehicle has been in Australia for many years and is presented to us as part of a deceased estate.
It would respond very well to some restoration work, but is currently drivable and a going concern.
At 100 years of age, this car is a great tribute not only to Sir Henry Royce who's design it was, but all the custodians since and it is a true survivor. The style and technology of it was certainly at the forefront of design 100 years ago.
An ideal car for car club events and historic vehicle displays.
Eligible for Historic registration, this equates to minimal on road costs.
Available to admire on our state of the art showroom floor in Adelaide.
We can arrange transport door to door world wide.
We welcome the opportunity to consider your trade in.
