Footnotes

• Up until the arrival of the 20hp Rolls-Royce in 1922, the Silver Ghost, with its impeccable Edwardian roots, was the Derby company’s only model. But the new six-cylinder smaller car, of which this is a 1926 example, was specifically created for the very different post-war years. Announced in October 1922, the 20hp (3,127cc) model was the first Rolls-Royce to be equipped with overhead valves. The chassis price was £1,100 and the 20hp was destined to outsell both the Ghost and its Phantom I successor, and by the time production ceased in 1929 to make way for the 20/25 a total of 1,241 had been built. The design is interesting because it reflects Royce’s preoccupation with contemporary American automotive trends. Thus the ‘Twenty’ features unitary construction of the engine and gearbox, the latter being a three-speed unit with a central ball change, together with ‘Hotchkiss drive’ rear axle. Favourably received as the Twenty was, its central gearchange was not well liked and when four-wheel, servo-assisted brakes were introduced in 1925, a four-speed ’box with right-hand, gated change replaced the original three-speeder.
  Originally owned by Sir Malcolm Campbell, chassis number ‘GYK 74’ wears five-seat tourer coachwork by the Biggleswade-based firm of Maythorn, a coachbuilder mainly associated with Daimler, FIAT and Minerva, which also bodied other quality makes including Bentley and Rolls-Royce. The car was acquired in September 1997 by the current owner, who commenced its restoration 12 months later. Works undertaken included stripping the coachwork, wings and all six wheels back to bare metal, priming and repainting. The ash frame, which carries Maythorn plate no. 212, was found to be in superb condition. Only one door skin needed replacing. The electrical system has been completely rewired including circuits for indicators, stoplight, existing front and replacement rear lights; all cables (of original braiding and colour code) being placed within original conduits. Completely re-upholstered in Swedish brown leather, the interior boasts new Wilton beige carpeting while the re-covered hood, tonneau cover and new weather screens are all in double duck material to existing fittings. All brightwork was removed and re-nickeled, and the chassis repainted. Apart from a clean, the only engine work undertaken involved replacing the exhaust manifold and fitting a stainless steel exhaust system. New tyres were fitted all round in June 2008.
  All the forgoing renovation was carried out by companies specialising exclusively in the restoration of prestige motor cars, the bulk being undertaken by John Foy (of Barley, Royston, Herts) with paintwork by Robert Ransley (of Melbourn, Royston, Herts). Completed in 2000, the car is presented in generally good condition and offered with a quantity of restoration invoices and Swansea V5 registration document.
  

Saleroom notices

• This lot is NOT offered with it's mascot as illustrated in the catalogue