Description

1928 Rolls-Royce 20hp Mulliner Sports Saloon

Delightful owner-driver example with a full-length Kopalapso sunroof; lots of special order items; tall diff; overdrive; lovely history

Ordered new by George Minchin - a man of significant means and supplier of Batteries to Rolls-Royce themselves, he had sufficient sway at Crewe to incorporate a number of special order items.

These included a 1.5" taller radiator with black-finish shutters, a 2" wider dashboard, higher at the centre and finished in aluminium. The bonnet was 4" longer to more approximate a mini-Phantom of the period and the carburettor control was on the steering column for the first time. He also asked for an exhaust cut-out and a taller 4.16:1 diff ratio.

Mulliner were commissioned to build the coachwork, which included a Kopalapso full-length sunroof and a vertical mounted spare - all making it look sporty. Very much an owner-driver, it was a regular visitor at his place in France 'Villa Beau Geste' and has been well-known in RREC circles for many years.

Minchin went on to own over 150 cars and wrote some interesting motoring novels, including 'N.7', 'Silver Lady' and 'Murder on the Monte Carlo Rally'.

Further owners were Cmdr Edward Micklem RN, deputy Chairman of Vickers Armstrong who passed it to Mr de Meray, a relation of Jules de Meray who worked with the designer on the Vickers machinegun.

Colonel DG Davies-Scourfield MC then took it over, the car ending up on display at a museum near Chichester for nearly 40 years.

The late Michael Sedgwick undertook a valuation in the mid 1980s, describing the car as in fine order and unmodified bar the 18" wheels and it comes with a file of interesting information on its previous owners.

It was since recommissioned for use and sold by The Real Car Company in 2011 to the current registered keeper, now sadly deceased.

In his care, it was fastidiously maintained and put into regular use. The condition is impressive, as is the interior which is stunningly original and has a full complement of instruments on the unique dashboard. It comes with a modern overdrive unit, mascot and town-cap.

There are copies of old invoices on file, plus a few recent ones and it comes with a copy Rolls-Royce 20 Handbook and copies of its factory build-record. It is also illustrated on page 143 of Daltons 'Those Elegant Rolls-Royce' (not included).

Fitted with excellent tyres and good paintwork and fabric covering, it has been running and driving as one would expect while with us and is one of the most interesting 20hps we have had the pleasure to offer for sale.

Contact matthew.parkin@brighwells.com