1933 Rolls-Royce 20/25 Sportsman Pillarless Coupe

The 20/25 became the most popular of all pre-war Rolls-Royces and was produced from 1929 to 1935, during which time 3,792 cars were made. It was the successor to the 20HP model, the engine size being increased from 3.1 liters to 3.7 with performance improving accordingly.

As with the 20HP, the 20/25 was warmly received and proved immensely popular, soon more than doubling the sales of the big Phantom II. Detail improvements were made to the 20/25 during its seven year production life, including increases in compression ratio in 1930 and 1932; the latter year also saw the introduction of synchromesh for third and fourth gears, thermostatically controlled radiator grille shutters, a one-shot centralized lubrication system and an electric fuel gauge.

Contemporary road tests commented on the exquisite precision of all the controls, one saying that the car behaved so beautifully that it was difficult to drive badly. Flexibility and braking were outstanding and the chassis proved surprisingly brisk, with 0-50 mph taking approximately 20 seconds.

There are many body variants on the 20/25 chassis, with coachbuilders creating individual and unique body styles. Freestone & Webb were responsible for many private orders on Rolls-Royce chassis during the 1930's. This particular example, the Sportsman Coupe, being one of the most stunning.

This 1933 Rolls-Royce Sportsman pillarless coupe by coachbuilder Gurney Nutting, is one of two produced. This car was purchased through Bareleys in England in 1964 and it was in storage from 1979-1999 when it was rescued. The restoration was completed in 2004.

The Rolls-Royce 20/25 horsepower vehicle was produced from 1933 until 1937. The car is powered by a straight six-cylinder, over-head-valve engine developing 75 horsepower, contrary to the model number. The car sits on a 132-inch wheelbase and has a top speed of 75 miles per hour (120-km/h).