Description
H&H Classic Auction @Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
27th Nov, 2024 13:00
1927 Rolls-Royce 20HP Fixed Head Coupe
Family ownership since 1959
Estimate £35, 000 - £45, 000
Registration No: OP 4348
Chassis No: GMJ1
MOT: Exempt
Subject to a sympathetic 10 year restoration
Fitted with Ranalah coachwork by The Southern Motor Co in 1937
In single-family ownership since August 1959
Fitted with "Clearview" pillarless windscreen
Unveiled in 1922, the 20HP was a second string to the Rolls-Royce bow – a shorter, more economical sibling to the Silver Ghost which broadened the marque’s reach to span both the very rich and seriously wealthy. Instantly distinguished by its horizontal radiator shutters, the newcomer was constructed around a ladder-frame chassis of 129 inch wheelbase. Power came from a 3, 127cc straight-six, OHV monobloc engine mated to a three-speed manual gearbox. Suspension was by semi-elliptic leaf springs all-round. Braking was initially on the rear wheels alone, while steering was by worm and nut. Progressively updated to feature a four-speed gearbox and servo-assisted all-wheel braking, the ‘baby’ Rolls remained in production until 1929, by which time some 2, 885 examples had vacated the company’s Derby factory. Lighter and more responsive than the Silver Ghost, the 20HP was capable of exceeding 60mph.
On September 22nd 1926 chassis GMJ1 was ordered by the George Heath Ltd, John Bright Street, Birmingham as their dealer demonstrator. On December 24th, GMJ1 was delivered to Thrupp and Maberly, Cricklewood for coach-building. The next four months saw the Rolls-Royce being used as a demonstrator at George Heath Ltd. The ownership record is virtually complete, showing that on July 13th 1927, a printing company managing director from West Bromwich purchased the car from George Heath Ltd before a succession of owners in the North.
In 1937, the chassis was renovated and re-bodied by The Southern Motor Company. GMJ1 had a unique body fitted, a very special and more ‘contemporary’ two-door Fixed-Head Coupe built by Ranalah - it was described as a ‘replica’ (of a brand new 20/ 25hp and hence more expensive model). Of note is the incorporation of a curved pillar-less windscreen, one of only two such screens ever known to have been fitted and is now the only known survivor. Up to 1946 GMJ1 belonged to the WWII decorated Hon. Margaret Forbes Sempill at the elegant Craigievar Castle, Aberdeenshire. Following WWII, the car continued Scottish custodianship with a retired and distinguished RAF Squadron leader.
In single-family ownership since August 1959, ‘OP 4348’ was used by the previous late owner as a ‘daily driver’ until 1962, whilst at Cambridge University and for commutes to the workplace around Workington, Cumbria. Although plain Black and not so smart, it was reliable for some 16, 300 miles, but after getting a smaller car (and getting married!) it was garaged, stored and off the road with 90, 300 miles on the clock, until 2016.
During storage by a succession of friendly enthusiasts, the entire motor car has been sympathetically restored in stages over some 10 years; bodywork and paint, wiring and fabric plus mechanicals. 'GMJ1' is offered with a current Registration Document, flying lady mascot, a collection of invoices and old MOT certificates, a collecton of books, hand written logs and an oringal handbook and instruction book.
