1929 Rolls Royce 20Hp

Built in 1929, this particular Rolls-Royce started life as a Doctor’s Coupe Cabriolet by Barkers (I have the original build sheets showing this), until it was sent back to Rolls-Royce, and then sent to Parkward for an early sports saloon body to be fit, which it still retains today.

During 1982 the engine was fully rebuilt and all parts were supplied by Ristes Motor Company to the sum of £912. The car then passed through 2 further owners until being purchased in the early 2000’s, where the decision was taken to give the car a full restoration. The car was stripped down to a bare chassis, where any welding, wood work and mechanical work was carried out. Photographs of the car during the body restoration are present in the file. During the restoration the engine gained much needed mechanical work in the form of a full carburettor rebuild (Ristes Motor Company carried this out), the interior was fully re-trimmed and the wheels re-furbished. The car was repainted in the colour scheme seen today of deep blue over silver. The blue is in fact of a purple hue with a small metallic fleck – as is the silver – and suits the lines of this body very well. It is complemented by solid black wire wheels and matching twin wing-mounted spares.

The car has been in my ownership since 2017, and was purchased from an ex mechanical engineer who gave it a thorough check over during his ownership, and before my purchase; and has carried out work in the interim for me. This has included re-balancing the brakes, re-building the starter motor, and repairing a worn universal joint on the rear axle. Most recently (March 2022) I spent over £700 having the carburettor adjusted, with both slow and fast running jets replaced. This was carried out by an experienced Rolls Royce Specialist.

Unfortunately, due to other projects on the go I have covered very little mileage during my ownership, hence the force of sale. The car is mechanically perfect, starts on the button, holds a steady 180 degrees Fahrenheit during operation (even in the height of summer), and drives as expected for a well-cared for car. There are two things I would advise the new owner to carry out. Firstly, all 4 tyres are showing signs of age now and would benefit from replacement. Secondly, it was noted by the Rolls Royce Specialist that the suspension bushes are in need of attention. However, the king pins were replaced by the previous owner.

The interior is in perfect condition, and has benefited from a deep blue set of over carpets being placed over the pale grey carpet – keeping it in superb condition. Although these have been removed for the time being, they are included in the sale.
As expected from coach-built cars, body lines are a little off, with various edges suffering from chipping, but personally I feel this adds to the character. If I were to keep the car, I would recommend that a silver pin stripe is added down both sides on the raised sections to finish off the paintwork and break the blue up.

Aside from this the car is ready for sale and would certainly benefit from regular use.

Please only enquire about the car if you are genuinely interested, no time wasters.

For a more in-depth view of the car a walk around video can be sent to any interested parties or subsequently search '1929 Rolls Royce 20Hp Walk-Around' on YouTube. In regards to the history of the car, there is a full copy of the original purchase documents, build sheets and even running documentation from initial tests at Rolls Royce. In addition to this there are photographs from the car’s restoration, a couple of old invoices and MOTs. Finally, there is a lovely photograph of the car from the 1950s on holiday in the New Forest.