“This model was introduced to meet requests for a smaller, less expensive car in keeping with the trend after the First World War towards smaller cars for a wider market. Construction was simplified - but standards of workmanship were not compromised.” - Edward Eves, Rolls-Royce, 75 Years of Motoring Excellence.
Changing times after WWI forced the abandonment of Rolls-Royce’s ‘one model’ policy, an all-new 20hp car joining the existing 40/50hp Silver Ghost in 1922. The ‘Twenty’ reflected Royce's interest in contemporary trends within the American automobile industry, incorporating unit construction of engine and gearbox, the latter featuring the modern innovation of a central ball change, and ‘Hotchkiss drive’ rear axle. The engine, Rolls-Royce’s first with overhead valves, was a six-cylinder unit displacing 3,127cc. Favourably received as the Twenty was, its three-speed transmission’s central gearchange was not well liked, and when four-wheel, servo-assisted brakes were introduced in 1925, a four-speed gearbox with right-hand, gated change replaced the original three-speeder.
This right-hand drive example of Rolls-Royce’s successful smaller companion to the Silver Ghost was sold new on 28th May 1927 to Mrs A L Sylvester, Hotel Plaza, New York, USA. Chassis number ‘GAJ 15’ wears unusual ‘panel brougham’ coachwork by the highly respected American firm of Brewster, a company acquired by Rolls-Royce of America Inc in December 1925. After several owners in the United States the car was repatriated to the UK in 1991 and bought by a London-based dealer from whom it was purchased by the vendor. The vehicle was used sparingly until 2000 when it was placed in storage, the loss of the latter facility being the reason for its sale now. After a five-year sojourn off the road, the car will require re-commissioning before further use. Finished in red with black leather upholstery to the front compartment and grey cloth to the rear, ‘GAJ 15’ is offered with Swansea V5 registration document.