"By the late 1920s the trend for ever-heavier coachwork on the Rolls-Royce 20hp had inevitably had a detrimental effect on performance. Rolls-Royce’s solution was to increase the comparatively small six-cylinder engine’s capacity from just over three litres to 3699cc which, together with a stronger crankshaft allowing increased rpm, raised its output to 25hp. Over the past eight decades the 20/25hp Rolls-Royce has earned an enviable reputation of being among the most dependable, satisfying and highest quality pre-war models of all. Produced from 1929 to 1935, it represented the marque’s determined effort to move away from massive formal cars, routinely chauffeur-driven, to the newly fashionable owner-driver market for the wealthy private owner-driver. Various detail improvements were made to the 20/25 during its seven year production life including rises in compression ratio in 1930 and 1932; the latter year also saw the introduction of synchromesh for the third and fourth gear ratios, thermostatically controlled radiator grille shutters, a one-shot centralised lubrication system and an electric fuel gauge.
W.C. Atcherley were a little known, Birmingham based coachbuilders whose speciality was exceptional quality and innovation. They were very selective in the cars they worked on and provided bodies for only 10 Rolls-Royces with only one of these being a 20/25; this very car. The car was ordered by Ada Scribbans who specified this very pleasing and unusual two door design. Ada was the wife of Harry, the owner of the largest bakery in the Midlands, who made his fortune during the First World War supplying the armed forces with their daily biscuit ration. The family were great friends of Brough, of Brough Superior fame, who in turn was a friend of William Clive Atcherley; hence her choice of coachbuilder.
‘Ada’, as this example is affectionately known, has been used extensively, competing in numerous club tours and rallies including, as the photographs in the file show, a 4,000 mile jaunt in New Zealand. This was made possible by correct and regular maintenance and service work with no expense spared. She benefits from overdrive, an oil filter system, a radiator recore, a stainless steel exhaust, a DWS jacking system, all undertrays and has been correctly rewired. The car also benefits from a large metal sunroof and the ultimate luxury in 1934 …. a heater!
This stunning looking Rolls-Royce presents well in green, trimmed in magnolia. The superb interior boasts art deco features, beautiful woodwork, pull out picnic tables, pull out storage spaces and even pull out drinks holders on the dashboard. The rear opening windows have blinds and the car feels spacious. The comfortable driving position is made possible by the rare addition of lateral adjustment to the seats. There is a large boot which houses all the original tools. The car was taken for a test drive and is possibly the best driving example of a 20/25 that we have seen, pulling strongly with a smooth gearbox. Offered to auction with a UK V5C registration document, build sheets, various items of paperwork and photographs, notebooks and the owner’s handbook. The registration plate, integral to the story of this tremendous car, is included in this not to be missed opportunity.
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