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Details
1933 ROLLS-ROYCE 20/25hp LIMOUSINE
COACHWORK BY HOOPER AND CO.
Registration No. ALF 676
Chassis No. GSY 48
Engine No. N8A
Body No. 7803
Blue and black, with Bedford Cord and black leather interior
Engine: straight-six, 3699cc overhead valves; Gearbox: four speed manual with side change and synchromesh on top ratios; Suspension: beam front, live rear with semi elliptic leaf springs front and rear; Brakes: four-wheel mechanically operated servo assisted drum. Right hand drive.
In 1929, Rolls-Royce decided to update its successful small horsepower model, the Twenty, with a modest increase in engine swept volume to become the 20/25. In this guise it lost none of its now-legendary mechanical refinement and poise, while offering enhanced top-gear performance and all-round liveliness. It served the company admirably in the difficult depression years, continuing to appeal to the well-off private owner-driver and to those who still preferred the services of a professional driver, for the chassis provided an excellent basis for elegant formal coachwork, which coachbuilders such as Barker, Park Ward and Hooper readily supplied.
GSY 48 is a perfect example of one of Hooper's popular limousine designs which was first presented at the Olympia Motor Show in 1932. Of upright and formal design, it features seating for six persons, including two patent Hooper occasional seats, sliding division, tool drawer beneath the driver's front bench seat and opening windscreen.
By 1933 Viscount Enfield had succeeded the Earldom becoming Sixth Earl of Strafford, and it is in his name that the Rolls-Royce was ordered from the company. It is unsure how he regarded the car, but it seems to have been used as everyday transport, though was laid up after his death in 1951. When inspected by Michael Sedgwick in 1977 he noted the mileage to be 82,319 and commented that the condition reflected that number of miles, the bodywork being 'basically sound' and interior 'sound and moth free', and despite the engine being seized there were 'no signs of weeps or cracks under the bonnet'. Later the family decided to return the Rolls to the road, which from the Sedgwick description would have been a relatively simple task. It was repainted in the black over blue livery it wears today and was recommissioned for the road.
Today the car has considerable charm, the now mellowed condition of the paintwork fitting in well with its original interior trim, and the quality of coachwork is evident in its full complement of fittings. Once again the car has remained unused for a while, though it has recently been returned to running condition.
COACHWORK BY HOOPER AND CO.
Registration No. ALF 676
Chassis No. GSY 48
Engine No. N8A
Body No. 7803
Blue and black, with Bedford Cord and black leather interior
Engine: straight-six, 3699cc overhead valves; Gearbox: four speed manual with side change and synchromesh on top ratios; Suspension: beam front, live rear with semi elliptic leaf springs front and rear; Brakes: four-wheel mechanically operated servo assisted drum. Right hand drive.
In 1929, Rolls-Royce decided to update its successful small horsepower model, the Twenty, with a modest increase in engine swept volume to become the 20/25. In this guise it lost none of its now-legendary mechanical refinement and poise, while offering enhanced top-gear performance and all-round liveliness. It served the company admirably in the difficult depression years, continuing to appeal to the well-off private owner-driver and to those who still preferred the services of a professional driver, for the chassis provided an excellent basis for elegant formal coachwork, which coachbuilders such as Barker, Park Ward and Hooper readily supplied.
GSY 48 is a perfect example of one of Hooper's popular limousine designs which was first presented at the Olympia Motor Show in 1932. Of upright and formal design, it features seating for six persons, including two patent Hooper occasional seats, sliding division, tool drawer beneath the driver's front bench seat and opening windscreen.
By 1933 Viscount Enfield had succeeded the Earldom becoming Sixth Earl of Strafford, and it is in his name that the Rolls-Royce was ordered from the company. It is unsure how he regarded the car, but it seems to have been used as everyday transport, though was laid up after his death in 1951. When inspected by Michael Sedgwick in 1977 he noted the mileage to be 82,319 and commented that the condition reflected that number of miles, the bodywork being 'basically sound' and interior 'sound and moth free', and despite the engine being seized there were 'no signs of weeps or cracks under the bonnet'. Later the family decided to return the Rolls to the road, which from the Sedgwick description would have been a relatively simple task. It was repainted in the black over blue livery it wears today and was recommissioned for the road.
Today the car has considerable charm, the now mellowed condition of the paintwork fitting in well with its original interior trim, and the quality of coachwork is evident in its full complement of fittings. Once again the car has remained unused for a while, though it has recently been returned to running condition.