Lot details
Registration: YT7222
Chassis: GRJ36
Odometer: 51,000
Transmission: Manual
MOT: Exempt
- Matching numbers car
- Original Tourer
- Desirable 4-wheel brakes
- New hood in 2020
- Original registration number
The Rolls-Royce Twenty marked a significant shift for the company as its first model specifically designed for owner-drivers rather than being chauffeur-driven. Introduced in 1922 and produced until 1929, the Twenty was powered by a 3.1-litre inline six-cylinder engine and featured a more compact chassis compared to the larger and more opulent Silver Ghost. It was aimed at a new class of wealthy clientele who desired the prestige of a Rolls-Royce in a more manageable and economical package. The chassis was sold independently, with customers commissioning bespoke bodies from renowned coachbuilders such as Park Ward, Mulliner, and Hooper. The Twenty was instrumental in broadening Rolls-Royce’s market appeal in the post-World War I era and laid the foundation for future models like the 20/25 and 25/30, which continued the tradition of combining engineering excellence with luxurious customisation.
We are delighted to offer this 1927 Rolls Royce 20HP Park Ward Tourer in Green Grey with blue leather interior. From the copy paperwork that comes with the car, GRJ-36 was a standard wheelbase chassis, sprung for a Touring body and optioned with front wheel brakes in addition to the standard items on the rear. The specification included matt finish white metal radiator shutters, a luggage grid to the rear and a spare wheel carrier on the nearside. The bodywork was completed by Park Ward and the car supplied to its first owner, Mr Rose of Liverpool. There is a typed sheet recording the details of 10 owners, although we can’t warrant its accuracy. The car comes from a deceased estate and we have been advised that it last ran in July 2024. Apparently, the abundance of masking tape that can be seen in the photos was applied for protection from scratches when leather work was undertaken and, as we can’t be sure when that was, we have elected not to remove it. The six-cylinder engine starts and runs nicely but we would advise a thorough recommission before it is driven. Four new Lucas tyres were fitted in 2016 and the wheels were refurbished the following year. It received a new roof and back window in 2020.
In the flesh, this Rolls Royce is a truly imposing sight. Although not pictured, we do have the Spirit of Ecstasy that has been removed for safe-keeping. There are side screens and it also comes with an Auster screen – a very civilised addition to protect the rear seat occupants from the wind when the top is down. The wooden dash is nice and appears to be complete. The door cards and carpets look pretty fresh but the seats are quite patinated with some cracking. As with any project, we would always recommend coming to view at our facilities here in Cheshire so that you can make your own mind up about the car.
The car comes with V5C, an old buff logbook and some other older V5s, photocopies of the build sheets, a bundle of invoices for parts and maintenance and plenty of guides and wiring diagrams to keep the car going.
As the market has adjusted in recent years, pre-war cars currently represent great value and previously unattainable cars like this Rolls Royce now sit within the reach of many more enthusiasts. Sensibly reserved, this car has huge potential and could be the ideal way to live out your Downton Abbey fantasies.
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