Built between 1922 and 1929, the Twenty was Rolls-Royce's 'small car' for the 1920s and was produced alongside the 40/50 Silver Ghost and the New Phantom.
The Twenty's introduction enabled the company to cater for the increasingly important owner-driver market that appreciated the quality of Rolls-Royce engineering but did not need a car as large as a Ghost or Phantom. The car proved eminently suited to town use, yet could cope admirably with Continental touring when called upon, with a top speed of 60mph.
An all new 3.1-litre in-line six-cylinder overhead valve engine was designed for the car, the cylinders being cast in one block with a detachable cylinder head. Both coil and magneto ignition were fitted. The early cars had three-speed gearboxes with the change lever in the centre, but in 1925 this was replaced by a four-speed unit with traditional right hand change.
The substantial chassis had rigid front and rear axles suspended by half elliptic springs, with braking initially only on the rear wheels. Four-wheel brakes with mechanical servo were introduced in 1925. The rolling chassis cost £1,100 to which the owner would fit a body of his choice from one of the many noted coachbuilders of the day.
This 1928 example has the more desirable right hand gearchange and useful four wheel brakes. It was purchased by the vendor’s late father approximately six years ago who subsequently maintained it in excellent working order. The body maker is unknown, the landaulette coachwork making it eminently practical and comfortable whilst the car looks attractive with its ‘V’ windscreen and folding rear section.
The vendor finds that he does not have the time to use the car regularly and has decided to pass it on to someone who will give it the exercise that it deserves. It started instantly for the photographs and is reported as driving very well - indeed it is to be driven some 70 miles to the sale.
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