2006 Melbourne International Motor Show Auction
Lot
26
1923 Rolls-Royce 20 HP 'Waring Bros' Tourer
Sold: $33,000
Sold
Specifications
Engine | In-line 6-cylinder, 3127cc |
---|---|
Gearbox | 3-speed manual |
Body Work | Open Tourer |
Colour | Yellow |
Description
This lot is no
longer available
Due to the prevailing economic conditions of the day, Rolls-Royce introduced a smaller model in 1922 to sit along side the classic Silver Ghost in the form of the 20hp and it became the first in a long and successful line of Baby Rolls-Royces produced up to the War. The 20hp, or Twenty as it is often described, was an innovative design featuring a 3.1-litre six-cylinder monobloc engine with a one-piece detachable cylinder head made in unit with a three-speed centre-change gearbox mounted in a 129-inch wheelbase chassis with semi-elliptic suspension front and rear.
Distinguishable visually from the bigger Silver Ghost by the horizontal shutters on the radiator, the Twenty had been intended by its makers for light tourer coachwork for the owner/driver but all too often they were burdened by the additional weight of cumbersome Limousines, Sedancas and Landaulettes.
On the other hand, the press and customers alike were enamoured with the impressively smooth new engine, silent running and superb build quality. Rolls-Royce had successfully introduced a new breed of clientele to 'The Best Car in the World'. In total some 2,885 examples of the Twenty were introduced before its replacement, the 20/25hp, was launched in 1929 and quite a number made their way to Australia when new.