Background
The Rolls-Royce 20/25 was an entry level model built between 1929 and 1936. Designed as a successor to the highly successful 20hp, the 20/25 was much better to drive in terms of comfort and usability. The model became very popular and effectively helped the brand stay afloat after the Great Depression and established the name as one of the World’s great automobile producers. Different body styles were available; the customer being able to choose between custom-made coachwork from selected coachbuilders or an inventory body style, the car on offer here being a Mulliner-bodied example. During the seven-year production run, a total of 3,827 20/25s were built, an impressive number by the standards of the 1930s. The cars proved to be extremely robust and the fact that over 70% of all 20/25s produced are said to still be on the road today is a testament to that.
Mechanically, the model was quite simple and easy to maintain. Their easy and uncomplicated design is one of the advantages contemporary owners like about these cars. Power came from a 3.7-litre in-line six-cylinder engine with overhead valves mated to a four-speed gearbox with floor shift. The engine block and cylinder head were made from cast iron, whereas the crankcase was produced in aluminum. A single-jet carburetor was responsible for the right mixture. On a good day, the 20/25 is capable of around 65bhp, though Rolls-Royce would never state that number and only refer to its engine power being ‘adequate’ or ‘sufficient’ – a true gentleman does not need to brag about those things.
Nowadays, the model has become immensely popular with enthusiasts of the brand; it was the automobile that helped Rolls-Royce to survive the difficult crisis years after ’29 but the cars also represent good value for money and are usable classics that only require basic maintenance. These are exceptionally well-designed cars, but if something goes wrong (with a car that is close to 90 years old this cannot be excluded), most parts are readily available from specialised dealers and restorers.
