1929' Rolls-Royce 20HP

Chassis No – GLN62
Registration number – UL 2631
Unveiled in 1922, the 20HP was a second string to the Rolls-Royce bow – a shorter, more economical sibling to the Silver Ghost which broadened the marque’s reach to span both the very rich and seriously wealthy. Instantly distinguished by its horizontal radiator shutters, the newcomer was constructed around a ladder-frame chassis of 129 inch wheelbase. Power came from a 3, 127cc straight-six, OHV monobloc engine mated to a three-speed manual gearbox. Suspension was by semi-elliptic leaf springs all-round. Braking was initially on the rear wheels alone, while steering was by worm and nut. Progressively updated to feature a four-speed gearbox and servo-assisted all-wheel braking, the ‘baby’ Rolls remained in production until 1929, by when some 2, 885 examples had vacated the company’s Derby factory. Lighter and more responsive than the Silver Ghost, the 20HP was capable of exceeding 60mph.
Delivered new to Windovers Ltd on the 29th January 1929 and specified with raked steering column, standard levers and nickel fittings, ‘GLN62’ was fitted with elegant and rakish Sedanca De Ville coachwork – it arrived with its first custodian S. F. C. Allen Esq (of Buckingham Gate, London just a month later). Not much is known of its early life, however a continuation folding log book issued in March 1962 shows a change of ownership to George Arthur Griffin Esq in 1967. A wealthy Shropshire-born entrepreneur and former racing team boss who’s ‘Dart Spring Company’ produced and sold more than 200, 000 springs each and every day. A prolific collector of pre-War cars; a biography of Griffin and photograph of ‘UL 2631’ features in Peter Hugo’s 1973 title – ‘Private Motor Car Collections of Great Britain’ in which describes the car as being “completely original throughout”.
In more recent times, the car has been maintained meticulously and invoices dating back to the 1980s are included within the large history file – previous keepers even retaining expired tax disks and MOT certificates. Specified from new with some extremely rare fittings, the 20HP still wears its unusual Stephen Grebel headlights with dipping mechanism. Admired by the rich and famous; Hollywood movie-star Sylvester ‘Rocky’ Stallone chose this actual car to deliver him to Blenheim Palace for his wedding ceremony to Jennifer Flavin in 1997. The event was of course well-documented and a photograph appeared on the front cover of ‘The Sun’ newspaper, a copy of which is included in the history file.
Passing into its current ownership in October 2014 (via Ghost Motor Works of Kent); the car has since been treated to more than £17, 000 of expenditure which included an engine rebuild by Mcpheat Automotive and reupholstery of the back seat by Loungy Upholstery Ltd.
Offered with a comprehensive history file comprising a copy of the original construction and test records, continuation folding log book, invoices dating back to the 1980s and a period instruction book