Rolls Royce 20-25

Rolls Royce 20/25 History

The Rolls Royce 20/25 was launched in 1929 and replaced the 20hp as Rolls-Royces small car. This car used a virtually unchanged Twenty chassis, but 6 cylinder overhead valve engine was enlarged from 3.1 litres to 3.7 litres, giving a significant increase in performance. Improved power had become a necessity because owners often insisted on fitting elaborate and heavy coachwork, which severely affected the performance. This was an important change considering owners didn't like to be overtaken by what they believed to be inferior cars!

This model was the car of choice for some of the most famous people of the day. Tommy Sopwith owned one, as did the racing driver Prince Bira of Siam and racing driver and record breaker Sir Malcolm Campbell. Praise indeed!

The 20/25 kept the Rolls-Royce tradition of a two-model policy, being sold alongside of the Phantom II. It was offered as a more economical car and was smaller than its big brother. All of the 20/25 chassis were fitted with custom coachbuilt bodies from legendary names such as Vanden Plas, Freestone and Webb, Brewster, Gurney Nutting, Park Ward, Coachcraft, and Thrupp & Maberly.

With nearly 4000 chassis built it is one of Rolls-Royce's best selling models, lasting from 1929 through 1936. During the life of the 20/25, the vehicle received numerous updates. The ignition system, brakes, clutch, and carburetors were just a few of the mechanical areas to receive modifications and improvements. On most cars the radiator shutters are opened and closed to control engine cooling by hand, later cars had the luxury of automatic thermostatically controlled shutters!