Rolls-Royce 20HP (1926)

SALE AGREED

An original-bodied open car with a fascinating history, having been delivered new to Malaya. Briefly back in the UK for an engine overhaul in 1952, the car returned to its ‘home country’ later the same year, only to come back to the UK again in 1968. Since then, it had been part of a private collection, until aquired by ourselves in 2012. We then sold it to a gentleman who knew the car during its time in Malaya, enthusiastically taking ownership and researching the car's background further. Sadly, he passed away a few months ago, and the car is back with us, waiting for it next adventure in life. Masses of history accompany the car, including lots of photos, old logbooks, documentation, correspondence, etc, telling a story of ownership, competitive, military and royal use, and much more besides. A well-loved car which has been used and enjoyed in varied ways, always with passion and dedication. An opportunity which in all probability will never be repeated! Condition is good, being sound, tidy, correct and running well, and equipped with original 23" wheels with recent new Dunlop straight sided tyres, louvred bonnet, excellent hood, tonneau cover and side screens, and various other touches which give the car character and charm. Don't miss it!

Chassis No. GCK32 Reg. No. MLV 347

Snippets: Henrietta’s journeys from Malaysia to Wales
In 1926 GCK32 was purchased in the name of Kapitan Chung Thye Pin on his sister’s behalf for her son, Choon Kee Lam, a car enthusiast. In April 1929 when HRH Prince Henry (Duke of Gloucester) visited Malaya GCK32 was used to transport HRH around the country. In December 1941 the Japanese captured GCK32 & used her for “strenuous work” whilst running her on a rubber spirit – this fuel seemed to right off most vehicles but Rolls-Royce and Austin Sevens appeared to survive! After WWII Choon Kee Lam attempted to reclaim Henrietta but it was not until 1946 that he succeeded in his mission, he died in 1947 and in 1949 the family sold the little 20hp to an expat Henry Stonor whose many links include Stonor Park as his grandfather’s brother was the 3rd Lord Camoys and the family tree can be traced back to the early 1300s. Henry Stonor brought GCK32 back to the UK in 1951 in order to have her overhauled and serviced by his “wizard” Robert Owen of Llanerchymedd, Anglesey – Henry Stonor had learnt to drive on the beaches of Anglesey when he was a mere 12 years old! Once GCK32 had been fettled she & Henry came back to Malaya on the SS Ulysses and for the next 16 years the pair were a common sight around the rubber plantations and race tracks of Malaya. These events included the 1953 Malacca Speed Trials and1954 Rally of Malaya, however in 1955 the pair were off the road for a few months due to a collision with a rubber tree! In 1955 after repairs GCK32 was driven by Mr Morton in the Seremban Rally and came 4th, the late ‘50s include several hill climbs and in 1967 she was in a support race for the Malaysian Grand Prix and came 3rd. In 1968 GCK32 returned to the UK with Eric Lister, a friend of Henry’s and was placed in the 1969 Sotheby’s Auction, she did not sell but after the auction was acquired by the three Sharpe brothers alongside Henry Stonor’s 1924 Bentley 3litre. The Sharpe brothers ran a family motor business in Essex and started their car collection in the 1950s and by 2005 when they decided to sell it was realised that the collection consisted of over 200 cars ranging from a 1903 Wolseley to a 1970s Bond Bug and 50 motorcycles. GCK32 remained with the brothers as did the 3ltr Bentley until 2012 when we acquired GCK32 and returned her to Wales.

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