Rolls-Royce 20/25 Thrupp & Maberly Limousine

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Launched in 1929, the 20/25 was the successor to the 20hp Rolls-Royce and, although based around the same leaf-sprung, drum braked chassis design, it enjoyed notably sharper acceleration, a higher top speed and better fuel economy thanks to its enlarged 3,669cc straight-six OHV engine.

Produced concurrently with the Phantom II and built to the same exacting standards, the 20/25 benefited from many of the larger model's improvements (such as synchromesh gears, servo-assisted brakes, centralised chassis lubrication and thermostatically controlled radiator shutters), becoming the best-selling Rolls-Royce of the inter-war period. Contemporary road tests commented on the exquisite precision of all the controls, the entire absence of mechanical noise and the uncanny smoothness of the ride –one saying that the car behaved so beautifully that it was difficult to drive badly.

Dating from 1934, this 20/25 is fitted with an all-aluminium Thrupp & Maberly limousine body painted in two-tone grey with a glass division and two additional fold-away seats in the rear. Among its early owners were the Rootes Group who later purchased Thrupp & Maberly.

The vendor states that tens of thousands have been spent on the car in recent years and that it is now in excellent condition throughout. This included a full repaint and interior retrim in 2004 including re-veneered woodwork, a new headlining and new seat covers. The engine was fully rebuilt by marque specialists Colbrook in 2005/6 with a reground crank, reprofiled camshaft, new pistons and bearings, new clutch etc. More recently the car has received a new radiator, overhauled dynamo, new tyres, new king pins, new brakes, new wiring and a stainless exhaust. A new overdrive unit has also been fitted for more relaxed cruising on long journeys.

The chromework is said to be in excellent condition and the built-in jacks function as they should. Supplied with a large file of bills, photographs and other paperwork, the car also comes with a fitted Brexton luggage trunk, a driver’s handbook and a quantity of useful spares including a spare windscreen. Taxed until the end of May and MOTd until next April (with no advisories recorded), this magnificent Rolls is ready for immediate use.