Lot 247 - 1935 Rolls-Royce 20/25 By Hooper
| Lot Number | 247 |
| Registration | CGF 298 |
| Chassis Number | GBJ44 |
| Engine Number | V27E |
| Odometer reading | 97,610 miles |
| Result | Sold - £28,000 |
- Matching numbers example
- Original Hooper body
- Much expenditure
- Sizeable history file from new
By the late 1920s the trend for ever-heavier coachwork on the Rolls-Royce 20hp had inevitably had a detrimental effect on performance. Rolls-Royce’s solution was to increase the comparatively small six-cylinder engine’s capacity from just over three litres to 3,699cc which, together with a stronger crankshaft allowing increased rpm, raised its output to 25hp. Over the past eight decades the 20/25hp Rolls-Royce has earned an enviable reputation of being among the most dependable, satisfying and highest quality pre-war models of all. Produced from 1929 to 1935, it represented the marque’s determined effort to move away from massive formal cars, routinely chauffeur-driven, to the newly-fashionable owner-driver market for the wealthy private owner-driver. Hooper Ltd earned the name ‘The King of Coachbuilders’, a title rightfully earned in 1830 after being appointed the royal warrant as coachbuilder to King William IV.
Ordered new by Mrs. F M Houghton of Harrogate on 6th July 1935, chassis GBJ44, was delivered to Hooper Ltd on 21st August and was fitted with the four-door, sports saloon coachwork that you see today. Offered with its original build sheets and documents dating back to new, the first owner kept the car until 1960 when it was subsequently acquired by David Moncrieff. Acquired by its current vendor more recently, this Rolls-Royce is presented in very good order throughout and we are informed it is running and driving very well indeed. Renowned specialists, Ristes Motor Company have maintained the car on various occasions, with one notable invoice amounting to over £14,000. The exterior is finished in a deep Maroon/Garnet with black wings with a twin gold coachline accentuating the body lines. The grey hide interior is somewhat patinated but beautifully original and the woodwork throughout ‘CGF 298’ presents very well indeed. Offered with a sizeable history file detailing previous maintenance work, a Rolls-Royce owner’s club booklet, sundry invoices, old MoT test certificates and the UK V5 Registration document. If you are a looking for an imminently usable 20/25 in very good order, this example should not be overlooked.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.