The luxurious Rolls Royce 20/25 was one of the most successful of the notorious British brand before WWII. Highly regarded for its smooth and powerful engine, as well as its comfortable and luxurious interior, 20/25 was known for its durability and longevity.
Source: Classic Digest
Rolls-Royce produced many remarkable vehicles, including its glorious flagship Phantom. But when the financial crisis, particularly the Great Depression raged, it was necessary to release more affordable and compact vehicles, which would not lack the touch of luxury inherent in the brand. 20/25 appeared in 1929 and was intended as a smaller, more affordable model than the company’s other offerings. In addition, the new automobile was aimed at a new market segment of “owner-drivers” who wanted the prestige of a Rolls-Royce but did not require the larger, more expensive Rolls-Royces like the Phantom. The automobile was well-received and sold well during its production run, with around 3,000 units produced. It is considered a rare classic by collectors today, getting the best feedback for its engineering and quality.
Source: Drom
In the early 1900s, two British engineers, Henry Royce, and Charles Rolls, crossed paths and formed an unlikely partnership. Royce was a skilled craftsman who had been designing and building cars for a few years, while Rolls was a wealthy aristocrat and businessman who shared Royce’s passion for automobiles. They decided to combine their skills and knowledge to create a new brand that would revolutionize the automotive industry.
The year 1929 saw the debut of the Rolls-Royce 20/25, which combined the sophistication and performance of its predecessors with a more affordable price tag. The vehicle’s design was the work of Ivan Evernden, who held the position of chief designer in the company, and it was equipped with a 3.7-liter inline-six engine and a four-speed manual transmission, making it a perfect blend of form and function.
The model was an instant hit and production continued for seven years until 1936, with a total of over 3,000 units produced. Its commercial success not only reinforced Rolls-Royce’s position as one of the world’s top automobile manufacturers but also made it a classic favorite among car enthusiasts. Even today, it remains a cherished classic.
Source: Jonathan Wood
The 1930 release was powered by an inline six-cylinder engine with a displacement of 3,127 ccs and an overhead valve design. With the performance of 20 horsepower (20/25), this engine was paired with a four-speed manual transmission, featuring rear-wheel drive and speeding up to a maximum of 80 mph (130 km/h). This 2800 lb (1270 kg) luxurious automobile with 132 inches (3,353 mm) of wheelbase featured a traditional body style with a separate chassis and a variety of coachwork options. Most commonly it had an open tourer, saloon, limousine, and landaulette.
The interior of the 1930 release was designed to provide a high level of luxury and comfort for its passengers. The automobile featured spacious and well-appointed seating, with large and comfortable seats upholstered in high-quality leather or fabric. The dashboard and door panels were finished in polished wood, and the automobile came with a variety of features such as electric lights, a clock, and a built-in radio. The model also featured richly-textured carpets and a variety of other luxurious touches such as etched glass windows, and embroidered headrests and cushions. The rear compartment of the saloon version, for example, had ample legroom for passengers, and the seats were arranged in such a way as to allow for comfortable conversation. The windows were often fitted with blinds, and the limousine version came with a glass partition to separate the driver’s compartment from the passengers’ space. The overall interior design was elegant and sophisticated, with high-quality materials and finishes that helped to create a sense of luxury and refinement. The automobile was well-known for its smooth ride and high-quality materials and craftsmanship.
Source: PreWarCar
The model that competed in the 1930 24 Hours of Le Mans race was entered by the British Rolls-Royce dealer and racing driver, Woolf Barnato. The vehicle was driven by Tim Birkin, who was also a racing driver and a member of the “Bentley Boys,” a group of wealthy British enthusiasts who raced Bentley automobiles in the 1920s and early 1930s. The automobile had been modified for racing, with the addition of a larger carburetor, high-compression pistons, and a higher-output generator. It was also fitted with a more aerodynamic body, which reduced wind resistance and improved the car’s top speed. Even though it wasn’t a race car and was up against more powerful competitors, the 20/25 performed well in the race, completing a total of 225 laps and finishing in 8th place overall. It was one of only three cars to complete the full distance of the race, which was known for its high attrition rate. The performance was quite remarkable for a luxury vehicle with only a 20hp engine against cars with higher horsepower. This showing was a testament to the model’s durability and reliability, and it helped to further establish Rolls-Royce’s reputation for building some of the finest automakers in the world. It’s interesting to note that the driver Tim Birkin, later set a record time in Brooklands track using a supercharged 20/25.
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