Rolls-Royce 25/30 HP (1929)

The Rolls-Royce 25/30 built between 1936 and 1938 is an updated version of the 20/25 with a larger engine to provide more power for the over-large bodies which had been fitted to the earlier model leading to complaints about its performance. The in-line six cylinder, overhead valve, engine is similar to that used in the 20/25 but increased in capacity to 4,257cc. A single proprietary Stromberg downdraught carburettor replaced the Rolls-Royce one and magneto ignition was no longer fitted but a spare ignition coil was provided. The riveted chassis has rigid front and rear axles suspended by half elliptic springs with hydraulic dampers. Braking is on all four wheels assisted by a mechanical servo with separate rear brakes fitted for the handbrake. The traditional Rolls-Royce radiator features vertical louvres, the angle of which is controlled thermostatically to control engine cooling. Only the chassis and mechanical parts were made by Rolls-Royce. The body was then made and fitted by a coachbuilder selected by the owner.

First registered on 31st May 1937 this handsome 25/30 tourer is presented in black over cream coachwork with a brown interior and very good matching black hood. We are informed this is a matching numbers UK righthand drive car and the odometer shows just 42,000 miles. Purchased by our vendor as part of a significant private collection in 1999 this example has benefitted from continual maintenance over his 20 years of ownership and when not in use stored inside in a professional ventilated carcoon. Supplied with a V5C registration document, this remains an extremely usable and enjoyable pre-war car, ideally suited to country tours or club rallies with the bonus of open top motoring and that glorious Rolls-Royce badge up front.