1927 | Rolls-Royce 20 HP

1927 Rolls-Royce 20hp all Weather Cabriolet by Hooper
Chassis Number: GRJ51
Registration Number: YV4738
Carrying sumptuous three-position all weather cabriolet bodywork by Hooper, chassis GRJ51 was originally owned by Sir George August Sutton, Bt. (1869-1947), who in 1927 became managing director of Associated Newspapers Ltd. after a stint as chairman of Amalgamated Press, and who kept addresses at Northcliffe House, London EC, and Oxford Lodge, Wimbledon Common. In 1930, the Rolls-Royce passed to Miss Lilian Davies of Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC. Its later history is unknown until it was reimported into Britain from the American state of Maine by the Real Car Co. in 2005. The next year, it was bought by the late owner, a respected Rolls-Royce enthusiast and collector.
As with all his cars, the owner enjoyed the 20hp on Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club rallies, while spending generously on maintenance and upkeep. In 2008, new Firestone tyres were bought and a new exhaust manifold was fitted, with repairs made to the silencer. An overdrive kit was purchased from Fiennes Restoration in 2016, and Fiennes subsequently performed mechanical work totalling around £6000. The speedometer was repaired in 2019 and regular services were completed up to 2020. The car comes with assorted rally plaques showing it to have completed the Irish Gordon Bennet rally on numerous occasions.
Clearly the beneficiary of some older refurbishment, GRJ51 still presents beautifully. The all-weather body includes occasional seats and lots of neat fittings. Sold with a large history file including copies of the Rolls-Royce build sheets, numerous invoices, old MOTs and copy of the 20hp owner’s handbook.
The interior is in timewarp original condition with patinated black leather in very good order to the driveres seats. The rear is of original Bedford cord which is in really fine order given its age & is beautifully preserved. Indeed as awhole this is a car that has a wonderfully original & unmessed around feel to it & drives with a similar feel to it. The car is currently undergoing a full service to make it ready for sale & also is having a new clutch fitted as the current one is at the top of its adjustment & near the end of its useable life. The two tone grey & black paint presnts well despite being at least 25 or more years old.
This is a very versatile body by Hooper whom were nicknamed "The king of coachbuilders" as it may be used fully closed, half open or fully open. When fully open if the wind up division & side screens are up it affords good protection to the rear occupants. Twin fold out occasional seats are fitted allowing for travel by up to 7 people.