.jpg?w=1)
Details
The ex-1933 Paris Salon Barker Stand
1933 ROLLS-ROYCE 20/25HP THREE-POSITION DROPHEAD COUPÉ
COACHWORK BY BARKER & CO. COACHBUILDERS
Registration No. PO 8383
Chassis No. GTZ 48
Engine No. D 2 L
Brown with red leather interior
Engine: six-cylinder, overhead valve, 3,699cc; Gearbox: four-speed manual with synchromesh between third and fourth; Suspension: semi-elliptic leaf springs; Brakes: four wheel drum. Right hand drive.
GTZ 48 is an incredibly rare example of the most elegant design of its period, the three position drophead coupé. The style itself is one that is more often associated with Gurney Nutting, H.J. Mulliner or Freestone and Webb, and is always coveted as it is not only extremely elegant but an incredibly versatile and practical style, providing fully enclosed, semi-enclosed or open bodywork. However, if there is one failing of the design it is that in the fully convertible position, the hood sits rather high when down. For this particular body, the ingenious designers at Barker, one of the oldest coachbuilding houses of all and one that had been bodying the marque since the earliest days of its existence, have managed to overcome this by a setting a groove within the tail of the bodywork, such that the hood sits perfectly flush.
Barker themselves must have been particularly proud of their work, since they elected to exhibit the car on their stand at the 1933 Paris Salon. This is confirmed by the factory build sheets and although we have not been able to source a photograph of the car on show, a contemporary photograph of the car (illustrated), is proof of its original supply in this form. The build sheets further detail the precise features of the car.
Completed on the 21st October 1933, the show took place a few days later. 10 days later the car was sold to Captain Purchas of Steyning in Sussex and registered with the local plate it wears today. No further owners are recorded on the build sheets and few details of servicing are noted, but the only entry that suggests a change of ownership is a con-rod service at Messers J. Croall, on 12th September 1938, but it is possible that this was necessary attention carried out en route to or from somewhere in Scotland.
As confirmed by him recently, some 25 or so years ago the car was brought to the attention of Jim Denne of West Hoathly Garage in Sussex, at which time it is understood to have been living with a gentleman in Eastbourne. Mr Denne believes that this may even have been the original owner. An extraordinary find, it was still completely original, from paint to interior. Irresistible to him he purchased it immediately. Delighted to have found such a car it was intended to be kept for his collection rather than to have been traded within the business.
The current owner's husband, one of the finest connoisseurs of collectors cars was good friends with the Dennes and a regular visitor to their premises. When he saw the car it had an equally strong effect on him such that he wore them down with his relentless pursuit of the car until it could be his.
Upon acquisition he instructed West Hoathly garage to carry out a light and sympathetic restoration, thoroughly working through the car's mechanicals and opting for a colour change from the original black to its present livery. The heart of the car - its entirely original interior - did not need replacement and so sensibly was retained. An overdrive unit, a practical concession to modern motoring, was fitted at this time also.
When finished, the Rolls-Royce, like others in its stable, saw limited but regular use including some touring on the continent. Throughout this time the car was carefully maintained and its mileage to date is 86,693, a modest sum for 72 year old car. In the last ten years the car has been laid up following the death of its owner. Consignment to storage was undertaken by Tony Fabian of Blackmore Engineering who has in turn re-commissioned the car for the road in preparation for its sale. In doing so, it was found that there was a weep from the top of the radiator and it has been suggested that the rear tyres be replaced, but otherwise no other faults of consequence were noted. Today the car remains entirely unspoilt, lightly aged but not tired and the overall appearance is very presentable. It also comes complete with a full set of tools housed in the boot lid.
Whether on Phantoms or 20/25hps the three-position drophead coupé has always been extremely collectible because of the modest numbers of cars that were built to this form, and often owing to their original owners being flamboyant characters.
GTZ 48 is one of the finest Rolls-Royces Christie's has ever offered for sale; a stunning combination of supreme elegance and originality.
1933 ROLLS-ROYCE 20/25HP THREE-POSITION DROPHEAD COUPÉ
COACHWORK BY BARKER & CO. COACHBUILDERS
Registration No. PO 8383
Chassis No. GTZ 48
Engine No. D 2 L
Brown with red leather interior
Engine: six-cylinder, overhead valve, 3,699cc; Gearbox: four-speed manual with synchromesh between third and fourth; Suspension: semi-elliptic leaf springs; Brakes: four wheel drum. Right hand drive.
GTZ 48 is an incredibly rare example of the most elegant design of its period, the three position drophead coupé. The style itself is one that is more often associated with Gurney Nutting, H.J. Mulliner or Freestone and Webb, and is always coveted as it is not only extremely elegant but an incredibly versatile and practical style, providing fully enclosed, semi-enclosed or open bodywork. However, if there is one failing of the design it is that in the fully convertible position, the hood sits rather high when down. For this particular body, the ingenious designers at Barker, one of the oldest coachbuilding houses of all and one that had been bodying the marque since the earliest days of its existence, have managed to overcome this by a setting a groove within the tail of the bodywork, such that the hood sits perfectly flush.
Barker themselves must have been particularly proud of their work, since they elected to exhibit the car on their stand at the 1933 Paris Salon. This is confirmed by the factory build sheets and although we have not been able to source a photograph of the car on show, a contemporary photograph of the car (illustrated), is proof of its original supply in this form. The build sheets further detail the precise features of the car.
Completed on the 21st October 1933, the show took place a few days later. 10 days later the car was sold to Captain Purchas of Steyning in Sussex and registered with the local plate it wears today. No further owners are recorded on the build sheets and few details of servicing are noted, but the only entry that suggests a change of ownership is a con-rod service at Messers J. Croall, on 12th September 1938, but it is possible that this was necessary attention carried out en route to or from somewhere in Scotland.
As confirmed by him recently, some 25 or so years ago the car was brought to the attention of Jim Denne of West Hoathly Garage in Sussex, at which time it is understood to have been living with a gentleman in Eastbourne. Mr Denne believes that this may even have been the original owner. An extraordinary find, it was still completely original, from paint to interior. Irresistible to him he purchased it immediately. Delighted to have found such a car it was intended to be kept for his collection rather than to have been traded within the business.
The current owner's husband, one of the finest connoisseurs of collectors cars was good friends with the Dennes and a regular visitor to their premises. When he saw the car it had an equally strong effect on him such that he wore them down with his relentless pursuit of the car until it could be his.
Upon acquisition he instructed West Hoathly garage to carry out a light and sympathetic restoration, thoroughly working through the car's mechanicals and opting for a colour change from the original black to its present livery. The heart of the car - its entirely original interior - did not need replacement and so sensibly was retained. An overdrive unit, a practical concession to modern motoring, was fitted at this time also.
When finished, the Rolls-Royce, like others in its stable, saw limited but regular use including some touring on the continent. Throughout this time the car was carefully maintained and its mileage to date is 86,693, a modest sum for 72 year old car. In the last ten years the car has been laid up following the death of its owner. Consignment to storage was undertaken by Tony Fabian of Blackmore Engineering who has in turn re-commissioned the car for the road in preparation for its sale. In doing so, it was found that there was a weep from the top of the radiator and it has been suggested that the rear tyres be replaced, but otherwise no other faults of consequence were noted. Today the car remains entirely unspoilt, lightly aged but not tired and the overall appearance is very presentable. It also comes complete with a full set of tools housed in the boot lid.
Whether on Phantoms or 20/25hps the three-position drophead coupé has always been extremely collectible because of the modest numbers of cars that were built to this form, and often owing to their original owners being flamboyant characters.
GTZ 48 is one of the finest Rolls-Royces Christie's has ever offered for sale; a stunning combination of supreme elegance and originality.
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium, which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.