1932 Rolls-Royce 20/25 Saloon

The 20/25 HP model, the smaller sibling to Rolls-Royce's larger Phantom II, were produced in keeping with the companies tradition of a two-model policy. The 20/25HP model was a strategic evolution of the previous 20 hp model. The engines increased output gave coachbuilders such as Vanden Plas, Freestone and Webb, Park Ward, Brewster, Gurney Nutting, Coachcraft and Thurpp & Maberly more power to carry larger, and more stately bodies, without the hazard of reducing performance.

Between 1929 and 1936, the Rolls-Royce Company produced nearly 4000 examples, making it one of the best selling contemporary models for the luxury marque.

All of the 20/25 models were given custom coachwork. This example was bodied by Thrupp & Maberly. The Thrupp & Maberly Company had a history that dated back to 1858, when coach painter George Maberly partnered up with coachbuilder George Herbert Thrupp. The Charles Thrupp and Co. had been building coaches in London since 1760 and had showrooms on fashionable Oxford Street.

Thrupp & Maberly built a reputation for quality and innovation, and soon established themselves as one of the very best among coachbuilders. Soon, many of the contracts for the Thrupp & Maberly Company were from Rolls-Royce.

This example was once owned by Hollywood actor and noted car collector Edward Hermann and his wife Star. It was shown at the Pebble Beach Concours in 2004 after having just completed a ground-up professional restoration.

The engine is a inline six-cylinder overhead valve unit with dual ignition via coil and magnet. There is a four-speed manual transmission and four-wheel servo-assisted mechanical drum brakes.

In 2010, this car was offered for sale at RM Auctions 'Automobiles of Amelia Island' event, where it was estimated to sell for $60,000 - $80,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $55,000, inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2010