1935 Rolls-Royce 20/25 Touring Sports Saloon by Hooper

Rolls-Royce built their 20/25 between 1929 and 1936 as a replacement for the 20hp. Originally intended to be a smaller car for owners to drive themselves, the new model was equipped with a larger 3669cc engine than its predecessor, capable of reaching 75mph.

Of all the distinguished English coachbuilders, Hooper & Co was surely the most prestigious. Based in Westminster, the company began by producing fine horse-drawn carriages in 1805; from 1830, Hooper held the Royal Warrant and the first Royal motor car was a 1900 Daimler with a Hooper & Co body. War service saw the production of aircraft and in 1938, Hooper purchased esteemed rivals Barker & Co.

This exceptional 20/25 benefits from attractive Touring Sports Saloon coachwork by Hooper & Co. With the owner-driver in mind, the body is relatively compact and boasts a stylish sweeping ‘tail’, rather than the usual pedestrian ‘D’ back design. The Rolls-Royce is finished in black with ivory side panels and wheel trims, complimenting the excellently refurbished ivory leather upholstery and headlining. The interior also features a Burr Walnut dashboard, cappings and picnic tables, and a working sunroof.

The impressive motor car is difficult to fault and on a test drive, your writer can confirm that the performance is as one would expect, with correct running temperature and oil pressure. The smooth engine drives through an effortless gearbox with synchromesh on the third and fourth gears.

The current custodian has cared for the 20/25 to a very high standard for almost ten years, but has decided to downsize his collection of historic vehicles.  Work during the current ownership includes the fitting of a new clutch in 2013.

A large history file supplied with BXV 903 reveals many thousands of pounds spent on the motor car during previous ownerships. An original handbook is included, together with the V5C registration certificate, old road tax discs, correspondence, the aforementioned invoices, some photographs and data, copy Autocar road test reports, Hooper & Co records and others.

SOLD