Description
1923 Rolls-Royce 20HP Open Drive Landaulette by Hooper
Registration: XR1651
Chassis no: GA63
Engine no: G679
Mileage shown: 9, 954
Ordered in 1923 First registered in February of 1924; GA63 comes to us from previous ownership spanning longer than half a century, during which the car has had seldom useag and thorough maintenance; as a result of this the overall mechanical and body condition is excellent. We also have the purchase invoice dated 2ndDecember 1967 from Gaylard’s Motors on file.
The rare and desirable Hooper Open Drive Landaulette Coachwork is in original and excellent condition; the main body is finished in its original colour of Hooper Prussian blue. The lower sill panels and wing are all finished in gloss black. There is a light coachline between the door handles and body swage line, from this point upwards the body is finished in black, including the window surrounds. The rear of the car has pale blue vertical stripes in the "Dutch Pink" style. The paint finish is in overall great condition and certainly does not require attention.
The rear “Landaulette” compartment is easily released and folds down effortlessly; this instantly transforms the passenger compartment allowing for an open airy feel. The beauty of this body is that aesthetically it looks very period with the rear in either the open or closed position.
Being an early 20HP the gear lever is in the centre position, which means you can gain access to the front from either side. In true “Open drive” style the front drivers compartment is finished in the more durable leather (Connolly of course), the seat squab and back are both evenly fluted, showing no signs of wear the interior certainly wants for nothing. There is also a fitted carpet with rubber heel matt installed to protect the floor. The mahogany dashboard has all of the period correct gauges in full working order, the quality of the wood is excellent, as is the slatted wood above the drivers head. If more air is needed in the cabin there are side vents on the skuttle and the top section of the windscreen also opens.
The engine is silent on this car. It runs cool with 30Lbs of oil pressure when under load & 18Lbs at idle. It pulls strongly & indeed is faster then many 20/ 25's we come across. A full rewire has been done to the car, the fuel tank removed & renoveted & a correct new interior fitted around 1978 which has mellowed very nicely. The car is goin on a tour of the Loire & burgundy regions of France mid September & is available for sale once the 2000 KM tour is completed.
When you open the rear door you are met by an abundance of Bedford Cord and Wilton carpet. The rear compartment is an area of sheer opulence; it is hard to imagine a finer place to be. The wood and trim work is to the highest of standards, there are also two occasional seats that fold out allowing for extra passengers.
Under the bonnet the engine and bulkhead are gleaming, if you look down you will see the original factory under trays that so often becomes discarded. The engine fires immediately and almost instantly you can bring the hand throttle down allowing her to purr silently. On the road the drive is magnificent; whether you are planning to a short jaunt or drive across Europe, she is certainly capable and ready to go. The last service & set up was perfomed upon the car by noted Marque specialist Carl Ford of CJ Ford engineering leaving the car running very very sweetly.
Chassis number GA63 was ordered by Lady Elinor Lewis Hammick from Torquay, Devon with the chassis being on test on 25th September 1923. The chassis was then dispatched to Hooper & Co for Landaulet coachwork to be fitted. The car was completed on 12th December 1923 & registered in February of 1924.
The chassis build cards confirm the car was originally specified with central position levers, straight sided wheels, side light wiring to front wings and an A. T. speedo. Also included in the chassis cards are maintenance notes including a ‘light overhaul’ carried out in 1934, and the supply of a new clutch and 2nd gear for Lady Hammick!
Rolls-Royce records indicate that Lady Hammick ceased to own GA63 in 1942 (the year of her death). A logbook issued in 1942 accompanies the car and confirms the car’s colour was blue and Reg John Coombe of Torquay as the registered keeper. In 1956, the registered keeper changed to John Gary Fraser Calpin. The logbook then shows in 1972 the registered keeper changed again, to the current owner.
During the previous ownership, the car has formed part of a large collection of cars and has been well maintained. In 1978, Antique Automobiles Ltd. carried out substantial recommissioning and a retrim. It is due to the few previous owners and little use, that the car remains in charming original condition. A high ratio rear axle conversion means the car is very relaxed on the road easily cruising at 50MPH.
To summarise, this highly original car has a continuous known history with only five owners from new. It has been in the previous ownership for 48 years and is a super example of an early 20, having central gear/ handbrake levers and rear wheel only brakes – just as originally conceived by Henry Royce.
Call Richard Biddulph. Mobile ++44 (0) the details below
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Sales & Valuations
Vintage & Prestige of Northampton Ltd.
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Showroom:
2 Ryehill Ct, Lodge Farm Industrial Estate, Northampton NN5 7UA
Viewings & Visits Strictly by appointment only please. We have on site long term storage for over 200 cars with 24 hour security & covered trailer delivery to customers anywhere in Europe.
