Description
In 1922, Rolls-Royce introduced an entirely new model. The ‘Twenty’ was Rolls-Royce’s first engine using overhead valves. It featured a six-cylinder engine with a capacity of 3, 127 cc. Although the Twenty was well-received, the central shifting of the three-speed gearbox was not very popular. Therefore, in 1925, the three-speed gearbox was replaced with a four-speed gearbox with right-hand shifting.
The introduction of the ‘smaller’ Twenty allowed Rolls-Royce to cater to a growing market of (potential) customers who appreciated the quality of Rolls-Royce engineering but did not need a car as large as a 40/ 50 HP Ghost or Phantom. The Twenty proved to be extremely suitable for city use, but was also very capable for longer distances when needed. Its successor, the 20/ 25 HP, introduced in 1929, further refined this concept with several innovations, featuring an enlarged (from 3, 127 to 3, 669 cc) and more powerful six-cylinder engine based on the Twenty’s unit. This increased power gave custom bodybuilders more freedom to satisfy a demanding clientele that demanded increasingly larger and more luxurious designs.
This particular example is a Twenty Drophead Coupe and features a magnificent design! Originally, Rolls-Royce delivered this example as a sedan. In the mid-1930s, this Rolls-Royce received a Drophead Coupe body by Barker. The body boasts a stunning design reminiscent of high-end French brands of that era with their extravagant bodywork and magnificent creations.
In 1972, this beautiful Twenty was imported from the United States and has been in the Netherlands ever since, with Dutch registration. As this example has been stationary for some time and although the engine runs, this car requires some thorough attention. Please refer to the photos for an impression.
With this Rolls, you have two options. Either you preserve the car as much as possible, thoroughly inspect the mechanics, and start driving it, or you use this example as the basis for a high-quality restoration. The choice is yours. We find an unrestored car incredibly beautiful, but we understand that it is not to everyone’ s taste.
If your interest has been piqued by this unique Rolls-Royce, please feel free to contact us via the ‘request more information’ form, and we will get in touch with you as soon as possible.