1924 Rolls-Royce 20HP Open Drive Landaulette by Hooper
Rolls Royce 20HP Open Drive Landaulette
Year: 1924
Chassis no: GA63
Registration: XR1651
Registered In: UK
Price: Sold
1924 Rolls-Royce 20HP Open Drive Landaulette by Hooper
Registration: XR1651
Chassis no: GA63
Engine no: G679
Mileage shown: 9,824
First registered in February of 1924; GA63 comes to us from the current ownership spanning longer than half a century, during which she has had seldom use and thorough maintenance; as a result of this the overall mechanical and body condition is excellent. We also have the purchase invoice dated 2ndDecember 1967 from Gaylard’s Motors on file.
The rare and desirable Hooper Open Drive Landaulette Coachwork is in original and excellent condition; the main body is finished in its original colour; a deep (almost midnight) blue. The lower sill panels and wing are all finished in gloss black. There is a light coachline between the door handles and body swage line, from this point upwards the body is finished in black, including the window surrounds. The paint finish is in overall great condition and certainly does not require attention.
The rear “Landaulette” compartment is easily released and folds down effortlessly; this instantly transforms the passenger compartment allowing for an open feel. The beauty of this body is that aesthetically she looks excellent with the rear in either open or closed position.
Being an early 20HP the gear lever is in the centre position, which means you can gain access to the front from either side. In true “Open drive” style the front drivers compartment is finished in the more durable leather (Connolly of course), the seat squab and back are both evenly fluted, showing no signs of wear the interior certainly wants for nothing. There is also a fitted carpet with rubber heel matt installed to protect the floor. The mahogany dashboard has all of the period correct gauges in full working order, the quality of the wood is excellent, as is the slated wood above the drivers head. If more air is needed in the cabin there are side vents on the skuttle and the top section of the windscreen also opens.
When you open the rear door you are met by an abundance of Bedford Cord and Wilton carpet. The rear compartment is an area of sheer opulence; it is hard to imagine a finer place to be. The wood and trim work is to the highest of standards, there are also two occasional seats that fold out allowing for extra passengers.
Under the bonnet the engine and bulkhead are gleaming, if you look down you will see the original factory under trays that so often becomes discarded. The engine fires immediately and almost instantly you can bring the hand throttle down allowing her to purr silently. On the road the drive is magnificent; whether you are planning to a short jaunt or drive across Europe, she is certainly capable and ready to go.
Chassis number GA63 was ordered by Lady Elinor Lewis Hammick from Torquay, Devon with the chassis being on test on 25th September 1923. The chassis was then dispatched to Hooper & Co for Landaulet coachwork to be fitted. The car was completed on 12th December 1923 & registered in February of 1924.
The chassis build cards confirm the car was originally specified with central position levers, straight sided wheels, side light wiring to front wings and an A.T. speedo. Also included in the chassis cards are maintenance notes including a ‘light overhaul’ carried out in 1934, and the supply of a new clutch and 2nd gear for Lady Hammick!
Rolls-Royce records indicate that Lady Hammick ceased to own GA63 in 1942 (the year of her death). A logbook issued in 1942 accompanies the car and confirms the car’s colour was blue and Reg John Coombe of Torquay as the registered keeper. In 1956, the registered keeper changed to John Gary Fraser Calpin. The logbook then shows in 1972 the registered keeper changed again, to the current owner.
During the current ownership, the car has formed part of a large collection of cars and has been well maintained. In 1978, Antique Automobiles Ltd. carried out substantial recommissioning and a retrim. It is due to the few previous owners and little use, that the car remains in charming original condition.
To summarise, this highly original car has a continuous known history with only four owners from new. It has been in the current ownership for 48 years and is a super example of an early 20, having central gear/handbrake levers and rear wheel only brakes – just as originally conceived by Henry Royce.
Vehicle details
Additional Information / Service History
1924 Rolls-Royce 20HP Open Drive Landaulette by Hooper
Registration: XR1651
Chassis no: GA63
Engine no: G679
Mileage shown: 9,824
First registered in February of 1924; GA63 comes to us from the current ownership spanning longer than half a century, during which she has had seldom use and thorough maintenance; as a result of this the overall mechanical and body condition is excellent. We also have the purchase invoice dated 2ndDecember 1967 from Gaylard’s Motors on file.
The rare and desirable Hooper Open Drive Landaulette Coachwork is in original and excellent condition; the main body is finished in its original colour; a deep (almost midnight) blue. The lower sill panels and wing are all finished in gloss black. There is a light coachline between the door handles and body swage line, from this point upwards the body is finished in black, including the window surrounds. The paint finish is in overall great condition and certainly does not require attention.
The rear “Landaulette” compartment is easily released and folds down effortlessly; this instantly transforms the passenger compartment allowing for an open feel. The beauty of this body is that aesthetically she looks excellent with the rear in either open or closed position.
Being an early 20HP the gear lever is in the centre position, which means you can gain access to the front from either side. In true “Open drive” style the front drivers compartment is finished in the more durable leather (Connolly of course), the seat squab and back are both evenly fluted, showing no signs of wear the interior certainly wants for nothing. There is also a fitted carpet with rubber heel matt installed to protect the floor. The mahogany dashboard has all of the period correct gauges in full working order, the quality of the wood is excellent, as is the slated wood above the drivers head. If more air is needed in the cabin there are side vents on the skuttle and the top section of the windscreen also opens.
When you open the rear door you are met by an abundance of Bedford Cord and Wilton carpet. The rear compartment is an area of sheer opulence; it is hard to imagine a finer place to be. The wood and trim work is to the highest of standards, there are also two occasional seats that fold out allowing for extra passengers.
Under the bonnet the engine and bulkhead are gleaming, if you look down you will see the original factory under trays that so often becomes discarded. The engine fires immediately and almost instantly you can bring the hand throttle down allowing her to purr silently. On the road the drive is magnificent; whether you are planning to a short jaunt or drive across Europe, she is certainly capable and ready to go.
Chassis number GA63 was ordered by Lady Elinor Lewis Hammick from Torquay, Devon with the chassis being on test on 25th September 1923. The chassis was then dispatched to Hooper & Co for Landaulet coachwork to be fitted. The car was completed on 12th December 1923 & registered in February of 1924.
The chassis build cards confirm the car was originally specified with central position levers, straight sided wheels, side light wiring to front wings and an A.T. speedo. Also included in the chassis cards are maintenance notes including a ‘light overhaul’ carried out in 1934, and the supply of a new clutch and 2nd gear for Lady Hammick!
Rolls-Royce records indicate that Lady Hammick ceased to own GA63 in 1942 (the year of her death). A logbook issued in 1942 accompanies the car and confirms the car’s colour was blue and Reg John Coombe of Torquay as the registered keeper. In 1956, the registered keeper changed to John Gary Fraser Calpin. The logbook then shows in 1972 the registered keeper changed again, to the current owner.
During the current ownership, the car has formed part of a large collection of cars and has been well maintained. In 1978, Antique Automobiles Ltd. carried out substantial recommissioning and a retrim. It is due to the few previous owners and little use, that the car remains in charming original condition.
To summarise, this highly original car has a continuous known history with only four owners from new. It has been in the current ownership for 48 years and is a super example of an early 20, having central gear/handbrake levers and rear wheel only brakes – just as originally conceived by Henry Royce.
RICHARD BIDDULPH
SALES & VALUATIONS
m: +44 (0) 7967 260 673
e: richard@vandp.net
SIMONE DELLA CORTE
SHOWROOM MANAGER
t: +44 (0)7377 070 943
e: simone@vandp.net
MICHAEL KLIEBENSTEIN
EUROPEAN SALES and MARKETING
m: +49 170 204 3831
e: michael.kliebenstein@t-online.de
JAN KURTY
EASTERN EUROPE SALES and MARKETING
m: +44 7872 932 675
e: kurtyinterbiz@btinternet.com