1939 Rolls-Royce 25/30hp Limousine, Coachwork by Thrupp & Maberly Registration no. GKJ 33 Chassis no. WHC20

* Limousine with sliding division coachwork
* Present ownership since circa 1970
* Used sparingly in recent years for occasional weddings
* Smooth and quiet engine

Latest in the line of 'small' Rolls-Royces that had begun with the 'Twenty' in 1922, the much-revised 25/30hp arrived in 1936. The newcomer was a development of the immediately preceding 20/25hp model that had been introduced in 1929 featuring an enlarged (from 3,127 to 3,699cc) and more-powerful cross-flow version of its predecessor's six-cylinder, overhead-valve engine. Apart from the latter, early 20/25 chassis were identical to those of the last 20s, both models being produced during 1929. Thus the 20/25 inherited the right-hand gearchange lever and servo-assisted brakes introduced on its predecessor, as well as Phantom-style radiator shutters. Produced contemporaneously with the Phantom II, the 20/25 benefited from many of the features - such as synchromesh gears and centralised chassis lubrication - developed for the larger model.

Eventually the trend towards increasingly weighty coachwork prompted Rolls-Royce to revise the 20/25 for 1936. Raising engine capacity to 4,257cc provided the required power increase while the policy of using more proprietary components begun towards the end of 20/25 production saw the new 25/30 adopt a Stromberg carburettor and SU fuel pumps. In its superlative build quality and all other respects the new Rolls-Royce 25/30 remained much as its immediate predecessor, lasting in production until 1939 by which time 1,201 cars had been built.

This particular Rolls-Royce 25/30 - chassis number 'WHC20' - wears formal limousine-with-division coachwork by the respected London-based firm of Thrupp & Maberly, a concern noted for a succession of coachbuilding innovations during the 1920s and 1930s. Copy chassis cards record that the Rolls-Royce was delivered on 2nd March 1939 to Rootes.

Purchased by the current owners circa 1970 to complement their luxury hotel and restaurant, the car has been used sparingly in recent years for occasional weddings. There are receipts on file for works and renovations carried out. Noteworthy features include a single side-mount spare wheel and Spirit of Ecstasy mascot with combined pennant holder. The car is finished in cream over Burgundy, with very tidy Burgundy leather upholstery and matching carpets to the interior. Paintwork and brightwork are very good, as is the interior woodwork, veneers, and beige cloth headlining, while the engine starts and runs smoothly and quietly. A handsome and well-proportioned formal limousine.