Rolls Royce 20/25 Sports Saloon by Park Ward 1933 – SOLD £32,330

Wonderfully elegant and restrained long wheel base Park Ward body – believed only 1 of 9 in this style. First registered AUW-294 this fabulous car was specified with sliding sunroof, Bluemel sprung steering wheel, twin side mounted spare wheels, driver’s signal window (a patented feature unique to Park Ward) and glass rain deflectors. Very original unspoilt Art Deco interior features burl walnut with black walnut and sterling silver inlay, fawn Bedford Cord upholstery, fawn carpet, cord pulls, rear picnic tables and front and rear cigar lighters. GHA-7 was supplied through Jack Barclay of Hanover Square W1 London to a Miss May Spinks of Harrogate – an intrepid explorer in her day. A newspaper clipping on file that dates from 1932 reports that Miss Spinks travelled 20,000 miles across Australia, 7000 miles of which were by air, after which she expressed a view that Central Australia was ‘best left to the natives’. Following its time in Miss Spinks custody, GHA7 found its way to the USA in the early 60s. Photos in the history file extracted from ‘The Flying Lady’ magazine show the car on display at Rolls Royce Owners’ Club events on the East Coast from 1962, 1965 and 1976. In 1995 the car was entered into Hershey Auctions by Antique and Classic Automobile Dealer Bruce A. Elder. On the fact sheet at that time, Mr Elder stated the indicated mileage was 36,955. He went on to mention that ‘the original owner sold the car to a Rolls Royce club member who kept the car for many years before selling to the current owner’. He reported that the car was “well maintained original condition with some selected restoration. Very complete and unmodified in every respect. Nicely detailed engine compartment. Original interior trim with the exception of the front seats which have been upholstered in the correct fabrics”. The car was hammered down to a Paddy Guerin of Co Cork Ireland who is well known in vintage circles there. He imported the car to Ireland via the UK where the necessary taxes were paid. 17,000 miles were clocked up on the car before ending up in storage for a number of years. The car currently starts and stops and has just had a new clutch fitted. Some further recommissioning work will be required. Included in the sale are the large and small tools, the Spirit of Ecstasy along with a parking cap, some photos and receipts along with a USA title document. Copies of the owner’s handbook, technical manual and various other workshop information along with the factory build sheets are also present. Offered today for sale for the first time in the UK in nearly 60 years, this is a rare opportunity to acquire an exceptional good looking 20/25. The car is currently registered in the Irish Republic. No VAT or duties are due on importation. We will provide NOVA certification and assist with re-registration in UK.
Chassis number: GHA7

• Condition: 2

• Reg number: ZV860

• Date of registration: 1933

• Mileage: 53,000  (not warranted)

• MOT: –