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1932 Rolls-Royce 20/25

Rolls-Royce launched the 20/25 in 1929 and remained in production for seven years during which time 3,827 examples were produced. During its production lifespan, numerous detail improvements were made with the most significant being an increase in compression ratio in 1930 and 1932. A synchromesh for the third and fourth gears was introduced during the latter years, along with an electric fuel gauge, a one-shot centralized lubrication system, and thermostatically controlled radiator grille shutters.

Within the Rolls-Royce family of automobiles, the 20/25 was a smaller and less expensive version of its stablemates, with simplified construction yet retaining the same uncompromised craftsman and quality. It catered to the increasingly important owner-driver market and was eminently suited to town use yet could perform admirably with Continental touring.

Rolls-Royce had abandoned its 'one model' policy in the post-World War I era, with an all-new 20hp car joining the existing 40/50hp Silver Ghost in 1922. It received unitary construction of the engine and gearbox, the latter featuring the modern innovation of a central ball change, together with a 'Hotchkiss drive' rear axle. The engine had overhead valves, a first for Rolls-Royce, with six cylinders and a displacement size of 3,127cc. It was initially paired with a three-speed transmission with central gear-change but replaced in 1925 by a four-speed gearbox with right-hand, gated change. That same year, four-wheel, servo-assisted brakes were also introduced.

The 20/25 hp, introduced in 1929, built upon the foundation of the 20HP, with an enlarged and more powerful engine. It was produced contemporaneously with the Phantom II and would become the best-selling Rolls-Royce of the inter-war period. Like other Rolls-Royce models of the era, all 20/25 HP vehicles wore custom coachwork. Most of the 3,827 examples produced were sold within the United Kingdom.

The six-cylinder engine had a displacement size of 3,699cc, a separate cast-iron block and aluminum crankcase, a seven-bearing crankshaft with a vibration damper, and pressure-fed lubrication. The bore measured 82mm and the stroke at 114mm. The carburetor was a single Rolls-Royce 2-jet type unit and the ignition system was independent coil and standby magneto. The suspension was comprised of semi-elliptic leaf springs and hydraulic dampers. Stopping power was provided by internal expanding four-wheel brakes, and mechanical servo motor driven from the gearbox.

by Dan Vaughan

Saloon by Thrupp and Maberly
Chassis number: GHW74

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 Dan Vaughan


The Rolls-Royce was the result of a meeting between Henry Royce, a manufacturer of electric cranes in Manchester, and the Honorable C.S. Rolls, a pioneer motorist then selling Panhard automobiles in London. Rolls wanted his name to be associated only with the finest motorcar available and when he learned of the cars Royce was building, he was convinced he had found his opportunity. The first Rolls-Royce cars were offered in 1906 and by September of that year the first Rolls-Royce arrived in America. From the inception of the company until the outbreak of World War II, Rolls-Royce built only chassis, with coachbuilders creating each body to suit specific customers.

Though Rolls-Royce is well known for building large, stately vehicles, they offered smaller cars as well. The 20/25 was built along with the Phantom II from 1929 to 1936, and more 20/25 chassis were built than any other model between the First and Second World Wars. Many were completed with limousine type bodies; the Paris coachbuilder Vanvooren originally bodied this car as a Sedanca Saloon. In the 1950's and 1960's, it was common to take early Rolls-Royce models with closed bodies and refit them with sportier bodies reminiscent of the 1930s.

Collection of Fred Einer

by SDAM

Convertible Victoria by Thrupp and Maberly
Chassis number: GFT.67
Engine number: S2Q

The Rolls-Royce 20/25 was the company's most popular model in the pre-World War II era. During its seven-year production run ending in 1929, 3,827 chassis were manufactured. They Model 20/25 succeeded the 'Twenty' and were produced alongside the Phantom. Power was from a 3.7-liter six-cylinder engine with an estimated 65 horsepower. In 1932, the four-speed transmission featured synchronized third and four gears. These cars were well built, and featured a full-floating rear axle, robust leaf-spring suspension, and extensive testing performed on every chassis.

This particular 1932 Rolls-Royce 20/25 wears a Convertible Victoria body by London coachbuilders Thrupp & Maberly. It is finished in Sunburst Yellow paintwork with swept rear cycle fenders and an unusual but elegant trunk. Inside, there is a green leather interior with bespoke ivory accents.

This car was delivered to a Mr. G. Schicht of London. It was eventually acquired by a London-based lawyer named Mr. Martin J. Bromley. Mr. Bromley oversaw the restoration in 1969, selecting the color combination that it wears today. In 1976, Mr. Bromley sold this car to a collector from California. Since its arrival to the United States, the car has covered just 1,300 miles and is believed to have fewer than 21,000 miles since new.

by Dan Vaughan

Gentlemans Hunting Wagon by Crosbie & Dunn. Ltd.
Chassis number: GHW-79

This vehicle's main function was for a gentleman's hunting wagon. In 1932, 81 of these cars were produced in this GHW chassis series, this one being the only shooting brake in that year's production. Few shooting brakes survive today.

The coachowrk is a mixture of Honduran and African mahogany, made to order by coachbuilders, Crosbie & Dunn, Ltd., of England. Its six-cylinder, water-cooled engine produces around 25.3 horsepower.

The second owner of this Shooting Brake was a doctor in South Africa in the 1930's-1940's.

by Luray Cavern Museum

Cabriolet

Originally sporting a saloon body by Gangloff, this Rolls-Royce 20/25 was rebodied in 1937 and is one of just two 20/25s with Graber coachwork to survive. Owned at one point by H&H Shar Ali Wali Khan of Afghanistan, the car toured occupied Europe before being sold in 1945 to the Reverend George Irving of the Church of Scotland, who drove it around Italy on his honeymoon.

Sportsman Saloon by Gurney Nutting

This Gurney Nutting Sportsman Saloon started life in Brickley, Kent England. This 4 door coachwork on 20/25 chassis vehicle was originally ordered for use 'on the continent' so special springs were fitted. Original equipment included bumpers front and rear, as well as a full set of lighting and horn equipment by Lucas. A unique feature of the Gurney Nutting 1932 build was the small trunk with rear mounted spare wheel and spun aluminum wheel discs.

The blue exterior coloring chosen was similar to the then popular Donald Campbell blues as used on his land and water speed record machines. 1932 was the year Rolls-Royce designer Henry Royce passed away so the hood badge is still red. All subsequent years are black.

This vehicle received a high standard restoration of body and interior around 2005. At that time, the engine and brakes were overhauled. The vehicle was purchased and imported by the current owner, from Ivor Bleaney Classic Cars, New Forest England, in 2009. The sale included copies of the original build sheets as well as road tests and sales information from that time.

The current owner has detailed the engine compartment and restored the interior walnut trim. A new exhaust system has also been custom made and fitted. The vehicle has been used for shows and short road trips. The engine pulls very well; gear shifting is reported to be very precise with synchromesh on third and top gears. The brakes are surprisingly effective and road holding is satisfactory. There are original cross ply tires on the wire wheels.

Saloon by Gurney Nutting
Chassis number: GMU-8

The 20/25 was Rolls-Royce's second 'small' car, succeeding the 20hp model while intending to appeal to owners who drove their cars rather than those who employed chauffeurs. Despite a larger engine, horsepower remained the same. Remarkably, the 20/25, often with heavy coachbuilt bodies, was capable of a 75 mph top speed. Built from 1929-1936, a total of 3,827 were produced in Great Britain.

Chassis GMU-8 was originally sold to 'Bentley Boy' Woolf Barnato, who won the 24 Hours of LeMans three consecutive years in a Bentley. He famously raced the Blue Train from Nice to Calais in France - and won. Barnato commissioned this car from coachbuilder Gurney Nutting in 1932, which features a low roof line and hints of styling similar to the Blue Train Bentley. During World War II, this car was used by the British Military, later in Northern Africa, where it saw combat duty and was reputedly blown off the road by a mortar shell. Restoration was completed in 2015.

Shooting Brake
Chassis number: GAU2

GAU2 is a member of the best-selling Rolls-Royce class between WWI and WWII - the 20/25 series. The engine, transmission, and other major chassis components are the same today as were originally delivered. Adhering to the Rolls-Royce practice of the time the completed chassis was delivered to a coachbuilder for finishing. In this case, Park Ward installed a four-light saloon body with division on the chassis, and the car was delivered to Major H.H. Beaver on June 20, 1932. Later in 1946, the second owner working with Rolls-Royce dealer Jack Barclay had the body refitted with its current Shooting Brake platform by Golden Arrow Body Manufacturing Ltd. Golden Arrow was known for the high quality of its limited number of unique bodies. The car has remained in its current configuration for the past 75 years. It left the UK in 1958 and has remained in the United States since.

Rolls-Royce introduced the replacement for the Twenty in 1929, dubbed the 20/25 HP, and utilized the chassis of its predecessor. The engine was enlarged from 3.1 liters to 3.7 liters, giving a significant increase in performance. Improved power had become a necessity because owners often insisted on fitting elaborate and heavy coachwork, which severely affected the performance. This was an important change considering owners did not like to be overtaken by what they believed to be inferior cars.

An 'Autocar' report in 1931 describes the 20/25 thus: 'Every single feature spells durability, the machine is on a plane altogether superior to the normal style of motor car'. This claim is backed up by the fact that this model was the choice of some of the most famous sporting drivers of the day. Tommy Sopwith owned one, as did the famous racing driver Prince Bira of Siam and racing driver and record-breaker Sir Malcolm Campbell.

- Rolls-Rocye Motor Cars

Overview

The 20/25 kept the Rolls-Royce tradition of a two-model policy, being sold alongside of the Phantom II. It was offered as a more economical car and was smaller than its sibling. All of the 20/25HP were outfitted with custom coachbuilt bodies from legendary names such as Vanden Plas, Freestone and Webb, Brewster, Gurney Nutting, Park Ward, Coachcraft, and Thrupp & Maberly.

With nearly 4000 chassis created it is one of Rolls-Royce's best selling contemporary models, lasting from 1929 through 1936. During the production lifespan of the 20/25, the vehicle received many updates. The ignition, brakes, clutch, and carburetors were just a few of the mechanical areas to received modifications and improvements. In 1932 shock absorbers and thermostat-controlled devices were introduced. The thermostats operated the radiator air-flow automatically eliminating the need to operate the radiator shutters by hand.

by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

by Rolls-Royce