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Like many of our vintage cars, this Rolls-Royce 'Twenty' comes to us with an interesting history. At a time when the famous manufacturer produced only complete chassis for external coachbuilders, the 'Twenty' was intended as a high quality, lower priced and lighter car intended for the owner-driver. In fact many were actually used as chauffeur-driven cars. Introduced in 1922 with rear wheel only brakes and a centre-change three speed gearbox, from 1925 production the car was much improved by the fitting of four-wheel brakes with servo assistance. Ours car is of this later specification.
Originally the chassis was intended for Northern coachbuilders Joseph Cockshoot and Co Ltd. of Manchester - a company with a reputation for high quality earned as a carriage builder first established in 1844. This chassis was subsequently sent for coachbuilding to Arthur Mulliner of the famous Mulliner coachbuilding family, a direct descendant of F. Mulliner who built his business making mail coaches in Northampton around 1760.
The complete car was ordered by Mann Egerton for a wealthy Norwich shoe manufacturer called H J Sexton of 410 Unthank Road Norwich. The copy of the chassis record shows him to have been the first owner of the completed car on Valentines Day, February 14th 1927. Unthank Road was the central road in the 'Golden Triangle' of Norwich - a term used to highlight this popular area established during the Victorian period by a few rich landowners. Mr Sexton kept the car until February 1936 when he sold it to a Mr Brett, his next-door neighbour at number 412.
The car runs sweetly and the suspension with it's lovely leather-covered spring gaiters is very supple. The last owner acquired the car in 2002 and kept it for 16 years, returning it to the Rolls-Royce Royce specialists he had originally bought it from. They sold it on, requiring some engine work which was completed before we purchased the car in June. We have continued the programme of improvement works, which have included some strengthening of the original and very sound body frame and various paintwork improvements. The car's nickel plating has been lacquered to protect it. This really is a delightful early Rolls-Royce which will soon approach it's centenary in fine condition as a result of our efforts.
The car is due to be serviced and valeted. It comes with a history file, containing a copy of the chassis record card, photos of the recent engine work and a reprinted workshop manual.