Rolls-Royce 20HP

SALE AGREED A well constructed open tourer, built in the 1980s and retained by the coachbuilder for his own use until 2007, since when it has been with one owner. Smartly finished in pale Primrose with black wings and good quality blue leather interior. Hood and side-screens in black are in good order, and the car comes with a handsome set of lamps, nice, early instruments and a rear-mounted trunk. Running well, the price includes dealing with some attention that the car is in need of, but alternatively we can offer a worthwhile discount ‘as is’. We are currently in the process of re-instating the original registration number, VR 3935, and we hope that this will be achieved soon. An open, vintage Rolls-Royce at a sensible price, whether bought 'as is' or prepared - the choice is yours.

Chassis No. GFN47 Reg. No. SV6837

Snippets: Ribbons, Colours & Hats
The 1st owner of GFN47 was Harold Berisford of Hale in Cheshire, he was the eldest son of Charles Berisford who together with his brothers Francis & William had started the firm of Berisfords Ribbons in 1858. The 3 brothers initially leased part of Victoria Mill but within 15 years they could afford to buy the whole mill and by 1898 (when Charles died) the firm had offices in London, Bristol, Leeds & Manchester. The 2nd generation of Berifords also consisted of 3 brothers with Harold and his two brothers Philip & Ernest taking over the reins and in 1916 the company became Ltd. There is a book entitled “The Ribbon People” which delves into the family history which we have obtained showing that the family can be traced back to 1087, with a Thomas Berisforde fighting at Agincourt! The chassis cards show that in 1932 GFN47 was with Sir Frederick Norman (KT1914) of Runcorn, a scientist who specialised in the field of chemical colours for use in the earthen wear & pottery industries. Both Sir Norman and Harold Berisford died in 1936 with Sir Norman being 78 and Harold 72. After Sir Norman’s death the car was registered with the engineering firm of James Moores & Son Ltd of Warmingham who, in 1947, claimed that their Twin Seal Tap had a life of 40 years of domestic use! Perhaps someone can confirm the longevity of their product.