1935 Rolls-Royce 20/25 Limousine by Thrupp and Maberly

Much has been written about the Rolls-Royce 20/25hp cars, built during the 1930s, many as rolling chassis, which were then passed to a chosen firm of coachbuilders on which to have a bespoke body built and finished to the purchaser’s specification. One such firm was formed by Mr Thrupp and Mr Maberly, both well-known coach builders in their own right and operating out of premises in the West End of London for some two centuries until closed by the Rootes Group in 1967. They were coach-makers to the Queen ( Victoria) and had an excellent reputation for fine workmanship.

Here we are pleased to offer an interesting Thrupp and Maberly Limousine restoration project. The motor car was purchased by a Mr Metherell in 1958, for the princely sum of £200 from Clifford Harris Automobiles of London, and appears to have remained in that ownership up until at least the 1980s. It was well maintained and cared for during the 1960s; the services of Rolls-Royce Ltd were used on several occasions, including for crankshaft work, as evidenced in the history file. At some point, possibly not long after the 1960s, it was put into storage with two other Rolls-Royces and remained there up until recently, hence its current condition. We understand that the engine is surprisingly good; apparently it turns and if one was to remove the valve cover, we are told that the internals appear as new!

A full body restoration will be required, the interior is scruffy and the glass division has been removed. The original headlamps and instrumentation are in place, apart from the clock. Frustratingly, the mascot and radiator cap have been stolen. A lovely project though, a motor car that fully deserves to be returned to its former glory!

There is no V5C or older registration document present, apart from an RF60 continuation book dating from 1959-64. The new custodian will need to apply to DVLA for a registration certificate, but we cannot envisage any problems, given the history and potentially the support of the RREC.

The history file contains an original instruction book (minus cover), a photocopy handbook, correspondence from Rolls-Royce Ltd from the 1960s, a stock list circa mid-Twentieth Century, invoices from the 1960s, MOT test certificates from the same era, the bill of sale in 1958 and the aforesaid RF60 continuation book.

SOLD