1933 Rolls-Royce 20/25hp Foursome Drophead Coupé by Vanden Plas
- Colour
- Van Dyke Brown over Caramel
A 1933 Rolls-Royce 20/25hp Foursome Drophead Coupé on chassis GRW44, bodied by Vanden Plas in their celebrated three-position drophead style and originally commissioned by Captain Guy Earle through Jack Olding of Mayfair. Retaining its original chassis, body, and engine, the car has undergone extensive mechanical and electrical restoration and has accumulated around 4,000 miles since its engine rebuild. It is a multiple prize-winner at Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts' Club concours events and has been illustrated in two authoritative reference works on the marque.
Ownership
- 2019-12-07Auction saleSold £81,000 (≈ $101K)
- 1933-03-01 → 1934Factory deliveryCaptain Guy Earlefull documentation
Ordered via Jack Olding Ltd dealership in Mayfair, taking over an order originally placed by another customer. Car delivered to his Hanover Gate address in London with several personalised specifications.
- 1934 →Acquisition unknownJ C Hanburypartial documentation
Chelmsford-based member of the Truman, Hanbury, Buxton brewing family.
- 1937-12-01 →Acquisition unknownW L Wade-Daltonpartial documentation
Resident of Hauxwell Hall in Leyburn, North Yorkshire.
- 2002 → 2003Acquisition unknownReal Car Companypartial documentation
Wales-based classic car dealer; held the car for approximately one year before selling to a German buyer.
- 2003 → 2004Private saleGerman ownerpartial documentation
Identity not recorded; car returned to the Real Car Company the following year.
- 2004 → 2004Acquisition unknownReal Car Companypartial documentation
Wales-based dealer; held the car briefly before selling it later in the same year.
- 2004 → 2005-12-01Private saleSydney Cooperfull documentation
Ireland-based owner who commissioned extensive mechanical and electrical restoration, including hardened valve seats for unleaded fuel and an overdrive unit. Car was actively used in R-REC events during his tenure, with all major works documented by invoices.
- 2005-12-01 →AuctionCurrent vendorfull documentation
Purchased at a Bonhams sale; subsequently undertook further improvements through recognised specialists including engine overhaul, new radiator, high-ratio rear axle, and interior re-trimming. Car has accumulated roughly 4,000 miles since the engine rebuild.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownRichard Chesney Sargantpartial documentation
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownBarry Grantpartial documentation
Acquired the car at some point during the 1980s.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownDaniel Herscherpartial documentation
Los Angeles, California-based owner; the car had been exported to the United States by this time. Known to have held it in 1999.
Competition
- 2007R-RECR-REC National Annual Rally, Kelmarsh HallMost Elegant in Class
- 2008-09-01R-RECSt Moritz Euro RallyBest Three-position Coupé
- 2009R-RECR-REC Annual National Rally, Kelmarsh HallBest Touring Car
- 2010R-RECR-REC Rally and Concours, Rockingham Castle
Car featured on the front cover of the event programme.
- 2011-06-01R-RECR-REC Rally and Concours, Rockingham Castle
Car again appeared on the front cover of the event programme.
- —R-REC Irish SectionR-REC Annual RallyDriver: Sydney Cooper
Car was regularly entered in events run by the R-REC Irish Section and also rallied in Scotland during Cooper's ownership period.
- —R-RECR-REC Annual Rally, Kelmarsh HallDriver: Sydney Cooper
Car participated and was reported as completely reliable throughout.
Maintenance & restoration
- —RestorationFiennes Restoration, P W Cooper, A J Glew, Garry Wright
Comprehensive mechanical and electrical refurbishment during Sydney Cooper's ownership, encompassing hardened valve seat installation to allow use of unleaded fuel and fitment of an overdrive gearbox. Work carried out by multiple recognised Rolls-Royce specialists.
Invoices on file covering all major work performed.
- —Engine rebuildSargeants of Goudhurst, Fiennes Restoration, Alan Glew
Full engine overhaul completed after acquisition by the current vendor; approximately 4,000 miles accumulated since completion.
Works documented by receipts on file.
- —MechanicalSargeants of Goudhurst, Fiennes Restoration, Alan Glew
Fitment of a new radiator, high-ratio rear axle, new clutch, overhauled steering box, new exhaust manifold, and stainless steel exhaust system during current vendor's ownership.
Part of the wider programme of improvements documented by receipts.
- —BodyworkDavid Pierce
Front interior seats re-trimmed in tan leather.
Work attributed to David Pierce, son of trimmer Jimmy Pierce.
- —Modification
Discreet installation of modern flashing indicators; original semaphore indicators disconnected but retained.
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