Description
H&H Classic Auction @Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
27th Nov, 2024 13:00
1933 Rolls Royce 20/ 25 Limousine
Coachwork by Thrupp & Maberly
Estimate
£20, 000 - £25, 000
Registration No: AGC 496
Chassis No: GAW 36
MOT: Exempt
Supplied with a healthy history files with chassis cards, invoices for maintenance and more
Described as 'a well-maintained' example with matching chassis and engine numbers
Featured in Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts' Club Magazine - 1978 and 1991
Subject to an extensive engine overhaul
The Rolls-Royce 20/ 25 was built between 1929 and 1936 and succeeded the 20hp as Rolls-Royce's "small car". It was intended to appeal to owner drivers, but many were sold to customers with chauffeurs. The in-line 6-cylinder overhead valve engine was similar to that used in the 20hp but was enlarged to 3699cc by increasing the bore from 76mm to 82mm with the stroke remaining at 114mm. A single Rolls-Royce carburettor was used and both coil and magneto ignitions were fitted. The four-speed gearbox was mounted in unit with the engine and a traditional right hand change used. Synchromesh was fitted to third and top gears from 1932. The substantial chassis had rigid front and rear axles suspended by half elliptic springs with braking on all four wheels assisted by a mechanical servo. Separate rear brakes were fitted for the handbrake. The famous Rolls-Royce radiator with triangular top was used with vertical louvres, the angle of which could be adjusted to control engine cooling. To begin with, the radiator shutters were operated manually via a lever on the dash with later cars fitted with automatic control via a thermostat. The larger engine allowed the top speed to increase to but many owners had large limousine bodies fitted to the chassis with the predictable decline in performance. As far back as the 1880’s, Thrupp & Maberly began its move from making horse-drawn carriages to car bodies. By the spring of 1897, Thrupp & Maberly held the British licence for the Duryea Motor Wagon. More commissions followed and the business grew, leading to large numbers of bodies for staff cars being made during World War I. After the war, Thrupp & Maberly produced a range of bespoke bodies for up-market British and European marques and in 1924, they moved to new premises in Cricklewood, London, but kept a showroom in North Audley Street which in 1925, was bought by the Rootes brothers. Thrupp & Maberly remained a prestige coachbuilder, concentrating on luxury bodies for Rolls-Royce, Daimler and Bentley automobiles and in 1929, they built the body for Sir Henry Segrave's land speed record car, the Golden Arrow.
Known as ‘Lady Primrose’, this is a 1932 Rolls Royce D-Back Limousine with coachwork by Thrupp & Maberly. A delightful example of early ‘30s luxury motoring it is said to have been 'well-maintained' with matching chassis and engine numbers. It has featured in the Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club Magazine 1978 and 1991. Purchased by the current owner in 2021 it has since received an engine overhaul including new white-metal bearings and a balanced crankshaft assembly. A new aluminium cylinder head is also present, accompanying a recently rebuilt water pump and Calorstat. It also benefits from the addition of an over-drive fitted by Ben Smith Restorations. Ben Smith has looked after maintenance for many years and in this time has compiled several reports, including a large photo album of restoration.
A regular participant of overseas trips, many with the RREC, before 1997 the Limousine resided on Guernsey. It was here that the Primrose Yellow coachwork was acquired, together with some additional restoration work also detailed in the file. The occasional seats were also removed and a drinks cabinet fabricated, however, the seats are included in the sale. The interior is very tidy, with the fawn cloth to the rear seat and headlining in almost excellent condition. Sound deadening has also been added under the carpets. Tools also included are for the removal and refitting of the Ace wheel discs, the wheel hub spanner and jack. The large Lucas P100 head lamps with foot operated dipping solenoids are fitted and calibrated with modern improved halogen bulbs to aid night driving whilst the side lights use an MG B hazard repeater, utilising them as indicators, as well as the working trafficators. Floating along on soft suspension, this is a car to be used and enjoyed. Supplied with a V5C, a healthy history file – including journey logs, chassis cards, invoices for maintenance, extensive restoration and engine overhaul documentation, copies of the magazines in which it has featured and the occasional seats.
