Rolls-Royce 20/25

SALE AGREED

A very sound, correct car, with superbly fitting doors, closing with a crisp 'click', indicative of a substantial structure. Nicely presented and looking handsome in black and deep ‘sea green’, listed by Park Ward as ‘Ultramarine’ with gorgeous, original, mature brown ‘furniture leather’ interior, which, combined with excellent woodwork, gives the interior a lovely 'golden glow', enhanced by a large sliding sunroof. Unlike a limousine, the car has an adjustable front seat, suiting the long-legged driver. Running very nicely, unusually fitted with (new) radial tyres, and complete with a selection of original tools and the original handbook with the chassis number stamped in. Now back on its 1930s UK registration number after many years in Canada. Very appealing, and even the underside is clean and well prepared. Offered prepared and MoT tested.


Chassis No. GWE66 Reg. No. BUC 278 £37,500

Snippets: Lord Iveagh’s Residences
GWE66 was registered at 2 properties owned by Rupert Guinness, 2nd Lord Iveagh, his country estate of Pryford Court which was built in 1910 by Clyde Young for Lord Iveagh on land that Lord Iveagh had in fact purchased from his father-in-law Lord Onslow! Lord Iveagh was an early motoring enthusiast & after his marriage in 1904 to Lady Gwendolen Onslow he refused to keep a horse & carriage set as he preferred to travel in stately motor cars which were tall enough for him to wear his top-hat whilst driving! During Lord Iveagh’s political campaigns he used to cover his car in placards & banners thereby attracting a lot more attention than his rivals. The 2nd home that GWE66 was registered at was the family’s “Town House” of Nr. 11 St James’s Square in London. This property was built in the 1730s and was later remodelled in the 1770s by Robert & John Adams; interesting owners of Nr 11 included Sir R. Winn (1736/86) (his ancestor was Draper to Elizabeth I with the family wealth coming from coal & iron ore), Sir Richard Hoare (1786/8) of Hoare’s Bank - he sold Nr 11 to the Curzon family who took out a mortgage of £13,000 with Hoare’s bank. By 1865 Nr 11 was back with the Hoare family (Henry) and during his ownership of the house he added a swimming pool – an unheard of luxury back then. Lord Iveagh purchased Nr 11 St. James’s Square in 1905 shortly after his marriage & there is a reference to him in Vanity Fair in 1905 as “having a taste for old furniture and has of late been adorning his new house in St. James’s Square. He is most fortunately and happily married. He never gambles; but he has had adventures.”