Lot 206 - 1938 Rolls-Royce 25/30 Close Coupled Saloon by Hooper
| Lot Number | 206 |
| Registration | 897 XUM |
| Chassis Number | GAR73 |
| Engine Number | F28D |
| Odometer reading | 82,791 miles |
| Result | Sold - £19,040 |
- A lovely 'owner driver' saloon
- Fully overhauled in the 1990's
- Very well maintained and cared for example
The Rolls-Royce 25/30 built between 1936 and 1938 is an updated version of the 20/25 with a larger engine to provide more power for the over-large bodies which had been fitted to the earlier model leading to complaints about its performance. The in-line six-cylinder, overhead valve, engine is similar to that used in the 20/25 but increased in capacity to 4,257cc. A single proprietary Stromberg downdraught carburettor replaced the Rolls-Royce one and magneto ignition was no longer fitted but a spare ignition coil was provided. The riveted chassis has rigid front and rear axles suspended by half-elliptic springs with hydraulic dampers. Braking is on all four wheels assisted by a mechanical servo with separate rear brakes fitted for the handbrake. The traditional Rolls-Royce radiator features vertical louvres, the angle of which is controlled thermostatically to control engine cooling. Only the chassis and mechanical parts were made by Rolls-Royce. The body was then made and fitted by a coachbuilder selected by the owner.
This lovely and stylish Rolls-Royce 25/30 Close Coupled Saloon by Hooper was delivered to the first owner Mrs Jarrett Thorpe of Hucclecote, near Gloucester on 5th March 1938. According to the Rolls-Royce records kept with the RREC Mrs Thorpe kept the car for sixteen years with it being acquired by the second owner, a Dr. Huw. D. Walters of Llangadog, Carmarthenshire in August 1954. In the 1950’s and 60’s Dr. Walters built up a collection of about twelve pre-war cars. The current owner’s late father, who lived in Llangadog, purchased this 25/30 with a couple of other cars from Dr. Walters in the late 1980’s. According to the current owner this ‘owner driver’ Rolls-Royce has always been very well maintained, it has been fully overhauled and runs and drives superbly. Finished in the original colour of French Grey with a grey Bedford cord cloth interior, this lovely Close Coupled Saloon is supplied with a V5C registration document, the original kneeling lady mascot and copies of the Rolls-Royce record cards and build sheets supplied by the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club. This is an opportunity to purchase an ‘owner driver’ Close Coupled Saloon that has been lovingly maintained and is ready to be used and enjoyed.
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.