1934 Rolls-Royce 20/25

The vendor and current owner has very helpfully done some valuable sleuthing work on this exceptional vehicle and, consequently, it has a comprehensive and fascinating story to tell.

Ordered as a stock rolling chassis for Windovers Coachworks Ltd., GAF 59’s first owner was a Capt. Walter D.C. Greenacre. 

The completed car had a sports saloon body built to his precise instructions and included a rare kneeling Eleanor mascot. The car was delivered to 40 Beaufort Gardens, London SW3 on 2.3.35. 

Capt. Greenacre eventually rose to the rank of Brigadier in the Welsh Guards and was awarded the DSO for his service in leading the 6th Armoured Tank Regiment during WWII. 

In 1949 the car was purchased by a Dr. Wilfred Sheldon of Harley Street, a man whose task it was to ensure the health and wellbeing of the now Princess Royal and King Charles III. 

At some point after 1960 the car was purchased by an American for his US collection. He later sold the car to another American and it was at this point that rain made its way into the car and rotted the ash frame. 

In 2002 the car was sold by a trustee of the late owner’s estate to The Real Car Co. in Wales. 

The car’s sixth and final owner was, and is, the vendor.

He happened to be on holiday in Wales, popped into The Real Car Co., saw GAF 59 and knew at that moment that he’d found the ideal project for his retirement.

What he wanted was a good chassis with excellent original mechanicals and this car fitted the bill perfectly. 

He started the rebuild on 12.3.13, removing the body and ash frame from the windscreen ‘A’ pillar back. 

Over the next four years a new ash frame and aluminium body were designed and built and, by September 2017, the updated electrics and new trim were completed and the car was a star attraction on the Rolls-Royce stand at the NEC, Birmingham.

The bodywork is true, straight, and untroubled by time or wear.

The panel gaps and shut-lines are crisp and consistent, and the doors close with satisfying weight and precision.

The car’s silver paintwork looks as fresh as the day it was applied and even entirely standard stone chips and light scratches are far more notable for their absence than their presence.

The brightwork is free of any tarnishing, foxing or pitting that we can see, and the wheels and tyres are in fine fettle.

The wooden scallop-edged fascia on the hood storage recess is a particularly delightful design feature. Needless to say, the wood here and elsewhere on the car is in excellent condition.

The hood itself has nothing more than the odd storage crease to show, and it goes up and down as it should.

The good news continues unabated on the inside, where the combination of the beautifully grained frame and the glossy veneers on the dashboard and centre console create a warm and inviting ambience. 

The soft grey leather upholstery with red piping has yet to earn more than a light crease or two, let alone any ingrained patina, and the seats are comfortable and supportive.

The door cards are beyond reproach, as are the instruments, controls, carpets, mats and the hood lining.

The engine bay is spotlessly clean, dry and tidy. Everything appears to be in its right and proper place.

The undersides of the car look to have a great deal of structural integrity and seem to us to be wholly uncompromised by weather, use or the passing of the years. 

The car comes with plenty of bills, invoices and receipts covering both recent and more distant work carried out over the years.

Among the many people and firms that have contributed to the creation and maintenance of this splendid car are Ristes of Nottingham, Tim Payne Overdrive Designs, Jonathan Wood, Autovac, Classic Metal Shaping of Harwich, and Anglia Radiators.

The car also comes with a period handbook, some photographs of the restoration project, a car cover, some spare parts, a signed copy of ‘The History of Windovers’ by Jane Windover, a clear HPI report, a V5C and a copy of its California Certificate of Title.

The vendor has spent a great deal of time and money on this magnificent car and the result of all this work is a unique vehicle that’s in fine mechanical and dynamic order and, in our opinion, has some of the most beautiful, sweeping, graceful lines you’ll see on any Rolls-Royce chassis anywhere.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £40,000 - £45,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.