1938 Rolls-Royce 25/30: Uncovering the Alluring Charisma and Performance

The Rolls-Royce 25/30 was the third model in the company’s line of “younger” vehicles, even though the name no longer corresponded to its power output or tax classification. The 25/30 was produced for a brief period of two years before the introduction of the Wraith model. 

Source: Second Chance Garage

Imagine cruising down a winding road, feeling the wind in your hair, and hearing the engine’s purr as you quickly navigate each turn. The 25/30 was the embodiment of elegance and power, a true testament to the Rolls-Royce legacy. With its compact design, refined engine, and superior craftsmanship, this vehicle was the logical culmination of a series of small, yet mighty vehicles produced by the brand. 

The origins

Source: Classic Digest

In 1922, Rolls-Royce began its “Baby Rolls”  era by introducing the 20 hp model, designed for middle-class driver-owners seeking to own a Rolls-Royce. The series’ compact design and elegance were highly praised, paving the way for the successful 20/25 model in 1929. The 20/25 boasted 17% more power than its predecessor and was exclusively manufactured in Derby, UK until 1936. During the Great Depression, the 20/25 played a crucial role in helping Rolls-Royce survive the turbulent period. In 1936, the company introduced the 25/30, a successor to the 20/25. Despite being smaller and less expensive than the brand’s larger models, the novelty was not lacking in luxury or prestige. The automobile became popular in the 1930s and was a precursor to the first Derby Bentley after Rolls-Royce acquired the Bentley brand in 1931. The 25/30 continued the tradition of the “silent sports vehicles” with a powerful and prominent engine while sharing the same dashboard as the Bentley. 

The 1938 model year

Source: AutoVercity

The 1938 edition of the Rolls-Royce 25/30 continued the success of the compact luxury car series that had been in production since 1936. Though there were only a few changes to the car’s design and features, the 1938 edition boasted a refined 4.3-liter six-cylinder engine that could produce up to 115 horsepower. With a four-speed manual transmission, the driving experience was smooth and the car had a top speed of around 80 miles per hour. The car’s exterior design was simple, elegant, and available in various colors. The front grille was slightly larger than the previous year’s vehicle, giving it a more commanding presence on the road. Inside, the cabin was spacious and luxurious with a polished wooden dashboard that featured a classic design, as well as high-quality leather seats and large windows that provided ample natural light and a clear view of the road. One significant difference between the 1938 edition and the previous model year was the introduction of hydraulic brakes. These replaced the previous mechanical brakes, which were known for being less reliable and effective. Overall, the 1938 release of the vehicle remained a popular choice, providing buyers with a compact and affordable option that didn’t compromise on luxury or performance.

Did you know?

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The 1938 Rolls-Royce 25/30 had indeed made a few notable appearances in popular films, including the 1964 musical-comedy “My Fair Lady”. In the film, the car was used to transport the main characters, Eliza Doolittle and Professor Henry Higgins, to various locations around London. The car’s luxurious and elegant design was a perfect fit for the upper-class characters in the film and added to the overall ambiance of the story. The 1938 release also made appearances in other films, such as “The Great Race” (1965) and “The Yellow Rolls-Royce” (1965).

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