1937 Rolls-royce 25/30 Sedanca De Ville by Gurney Nutting to cross the block at COYS

1937 Rolls-royce 25/30 Sedanca De Ville by Gurney Nutting to cross the block at COYS

Auction    at Chiswick House

ESTIMATE £130,000- £140,000
Reg. Number    TBC
Chassis Number    GXM25

The Rolls-Royce 25/30, built between 1936 and 1938, is an updated version of the 20/25 featuring a larger engine than had been fitted to the earlier model which provided more power to compensate for the over-size bodies being built. The in-line six cylinder, overhead valve, engine was similar to that used in the 20/25 but increased in capacity to 4,257cc. A single proprietary Stromberg downdraught carburettor replaced the Rolls-Royce one and magneto ignition was no longer fitted but a spare ignition coil was provided. The riveted chassis had rigid front and rear axles suspended by half elliptic springs with hydraulic dampers. Braking was on all four wheels assisted by a mechanical servo with separate rear brakes fitted for the handbrake. 

Also fitted was the traditional Rolls-Royce radiator with vertical louvres, the angle of which was controlled thermostatically to control engine cooling. Only the chassis and mechanical parts were made by Rolls-Royce. The body was then made and fitted by a coachbuilder selected by the owner.

In the early 1930s, all luxury marques were delivered as rolling chassis to one of many marque-approved coachbuilders for completion.

This example, chassis ‘GXM25’, was bodied by Gurney Nutting in the Sedance De Ville design. The rolling chassis ‘GXM25’ and the 4250cc engine were driven out of the Rolls-Royce factory on July 4th, 1936 and handed to famed coachbuilder Gurney Nutting to be delivered on 5-9-1937.

The Rolls-Royce is believed to have only three previous custodians, one of which owned the car as part of a Rolls-Royce collection in Kent, which twenty or so other examples from the marque.

Finished in deep blue over black, with grey leather interior piped in blue, this example has the wonderful Sedanca canvas top, unfurling from the hidden compartment in the front of the roof. The rear compartment has one occasional seat folding from the bulkhead, on the opposite side is a fold out footrest. Between the two is a small cocktail cabinet with twin glasses and a decanter. Twin vanity alcoves are mounted with recessed mirrors reading lights. All interior woodwork is in fine order.

Acceleration is said to be responsive, with the car feeling light and extremely manoeuvrable with firm but supple suspension. We have been informed that the car starts instantly and runs silently, with the radiator shutters operating perfectly via the thermostat. The owner has covered many miles in the car without any problems, and with a new overdrive, allowing the car to cruise at 65 to 75mph. All tools are in their appointed place and the original Bakelite coil covers are also correctly mounted. The car comes to us with a large history file, tools and original hand book.

AUCTION DETAILS
Address    : Chiswick House, Chiswick, London W4
Date    26 May 2018
Time    3:00 PM

Viewing    
Thursday 24th May from 1.00pm to 6.00pm
Friday 25th May from 9.00am to 6.00pm
On the day of the sale from 9.00am to start of sale


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