1931 Rolls Royce 20/25

The car was put into garage "hibernation" in 2016, due to the very unfortunate passing of the owner, with the protection of numerous thick blankets, specialist cover, a running dehumidifier to avoid any dampness & heat provided during the colder months. The probate valuation £45, 000.

Since that time, the 20/ 25 was occasionally started and lubricated but not driven. Despite the owner being advised that it would be prudent to keep such an excellent, ready to enjoy 20/ 25; the car is offered for sale in order to fund the restoration of a 1960s Silver Cloud Rolls Royce which the owner, due to her age, feels more capable & confident of driving for charitable purposes through Europe.

In order to prepare for sale, the car was recently transported to Haynes Heritage Engineering (the motor museum’s workshop) in Somerset for a general health check and basic recommission. A copy of any invoices to show all work carried out is available. To summarise, work was carried out to ensure the car could be started safely and be driven confidently with fresh fluids and some minor repair work. The engine starts and runs superbly and is incredibly smooth and barely audible. The car drives beautifully and reliably.

The fuel tap has been found to be temperamental when not used for a long period of time, which didn't apply pre 2016, and this will be permanently fixed, if the new owner would like, subject to the agreed sale price.

The car is in excellent condition and the only area that let the appearance down was the bonnet. Following the passing of the owner, a helpful neighbour checked the anti-freeze levels, as a consequence of which, a small chip of paint occurred near the radiator cap & spilt antifreeze resulted in the bonnet edge corroding away. Haynes fabricated a new bonnet half using period correct methods and materials from scratch, and after painting to the correct colour, has been fitted to the car. Photos are available of this process, before, during and after. Since being transported to Sparkford, the car has been kept at Haynes and is now ready for it’s new owner to enjoy.

The history of the car is well documented and was originally supplied as a 4-door, 4-light saloon by Park Ward in 1931. Then rebodied as a tourer in the 1980's by William Cooke of Cookes Patterns and Castings and is therefore an exact replica bodied 20/ 25 Rolls Royce with the original chassis and engine.

Its first owner was Sir Stanley Hewitt, physician to both King George V and VI who is named in an obituary to King George V in Melbourne's The Argus on 8th August 1945 " Lord Dawson .... Sir Frederick Williams and Sir Stanley Hewitt.. who fought desperately to save the life of King George V in January 1936"

The car was then purchased by Cookes Patterns and Castings in the 1980s and whilst owned by them affectionately known as "The Buff Rolls Royce" due to the cars' colour. William Cooke used the car as a commercial wedding vehicle & the 20/ 25 was only sold when he no longer offered this service, at which time, this 20/ 25 was offered for sale. In 2002 the car was bought by the current family and was cherished, being used for pleasure as well as family & friends weddings & special occasions. There is a file of paperwork, correspondence and information on the vehicle to be included in the sale – and is available for viewing with the car.

Overall, the vehicle is in beautiful, original (1980s replica rebodied) and unmolested condition. It is very much a usable and drivable classic that is more than fit for modern roads and traffic. Other than the temperamental fuel tap issue, if unused for a long period of time; the car starts, drives and stops extremely well. Any inspection, or test drive is welcomed.

Please note that as with any car approaching 100 years of age, some mechanical sympathy is required and to be kept in mind. The car has, at some point, had a later Smiths type fuel gauge fitted in place of the original item, otherwise the dash and instrumentation is in superb order.

The car is being sold privately by the owner but is available to view at Haynes in Somerset. The staff are able to answer some questions but this must be done via a pre booked appointment arranged with the seller.

Asking Price £42, 950, but the owner will listen to serious offers to ensure that this beautiful 20/ 25 example goes to a long term, knowledgeable & loving home. Ideally suited for personal enjoyment or to be used as a commercial wedding / special events car or a combination of both.

Please note - the Rolls Royce bonnet ornament is present. It was merely removed for security reasons for the photos.