Description

1929 Rolls-Royce 20/25 Barker Limousine

Now No Reserve

Beautifully restored; recent clutch; a very nicely presented example: the ultimate in mechanical sophistication

Chassis GDP7 was commissioned through Barkers coachbuilders for Sir Percy and Lady Bates of Upper Grosvenor St, Mayfair. Ordered with Barkerlite Pullman Limousine Coachwork, it was delivered on 20th December 1929.

A wealthy Merchant Banker and Chairman of the Cunard Line, Sir Percy was to keep it until he passed away in 1946, the car then moving to Syracuse, New York State where it was to remain for the next 20 years or so.

The Real Car Company repatriated it in 1991, and photos on file suggest its new owner undertook a ground-up restoration, which included a full engine rebuild and the fitment of a high ratio crownwheel and pinion.

Its then owner was the chief mechanic of the Priory Vintage Car Company and the mechanical silence of the car is testament to his workmanship. In his hands, the engine recieved new pistons, valve guides, big and little ends etc, and despite not having run for several years, started readily and was only identified as actually running because the cooling fan was revolving!!! Niceties such as a Fiennes-supplied full flow oil filter and a superbly detailed under bonnet area show the care and attention that has been lavished on the car over the restoration period.

The Barker Coachwork was also fully restored at this time, with doors that shut like railway carriages and a high quality paint finish with just a few age-related blemishes. The interior was reputed to have been retrimmed by Rolls-Royce themselves, although we can find no evidence of this in the file, a job nicely done and undertaken in leather to the seats, door cards and occassional seats.

The vendor acquired the car in 2011 and has enjoyed it greatly, while spending freely on its care and maintenance. A service bill from RR&B in 2018 totalled nearly £900 which included a detailed condition report. That same year, RR&B attended to a clutch issue, fitting new linings at a cost of £3,675.

Since then, the car has seen very little use and had not run for several years before arrival on site. Some careful checking and fresh fuel soon had it running - so quietly it has to be heard to be believed.

This fine 20/25 is well worth careful inspection and looks truly magnificent value for the very modest catalogue estimate.

For more information - contact matthew.parkin@brightwells.com