Rolls-Royce 20/25

The Rolls-Royce 20/25 is the second of Rolls-Royce Limited's inter-war entry-level models. Built between 1929 and 1936, it was very popular, becoming the most successful selling inter-war Rolls-Royce. Its success enabled Rolls-Royce to survive the Great Depression, and remain one of World's great brands. 3,827 20/25s were produced, and more than 70% of these survive in use.

Origin

The 20/25 replaced the highly successful 20 hp Rolls-Royce Twenty that had been introduced in 1922. The target market for the 20/25 was the same as the Twenty – the luxury, owner driver market. The project to develop the next generation 20 hp was code named Goshawk.[1] The goal for the new model was to increase power and performance.[2] This was achieved by increasing the bore from 3.00 to 3.25 inches. The stroke was unchanged at 4.5 inch. This increased capacity by 17%, from 3128 to 3,675 cc, and raised the RAC rating up to 25.4 hp.[3]

Today

Today 20/25s are very popular with enthusiasts. They are significantly less expensive than the inter-war large horsepower Rolls-Royces and Bentleys, and are solid drivers on modern roads. The price of a 20/25 is typically between half or one-fifth of that of its larger-horsepower contemporary, the Phantom II[10], and it is more drivable than its predecessor the 20 hp. This makes a 20/25 a suitable inter-war car for an owner who wants to enjoy weekend drives and car club outings.

Maintenance – Inter-war Rolls-Royces were exceptionally well designed vehicles. 3,827 20/25s were produced, and over 70% are still on the road today.[11] The 20/25 is relatively easy to maintain for someone with general automotive experience. Basic parts are still readily available through speciality suppliers. In Europe, the US, and Australia, there is a network of restoration and repair shops that are experienced in inter-war Rolls-Royce and Bentley cars, although the number of quality shops is declining as a generation of experienced specialist mechanics retire. For many, part of the joy of owning a 20/25 is maintaining them. The Rolls-Royce car clubs sponsor on-line forums and regular in-person meetings for members to help each other on all type of repairs and restorations. There is always a member ready to help a fellow enthusiast by sharing his or her experience.

Driving – The driving experience was received positively in 1935.[12] The steering is quite high-geared, so little turning of the wheel is required, and it is accurate, enabling the car to be placed exactly where the driver wants. On country road cruising at 40-50 mph, all but the heaviest bodied cars are unstressed. Many owners have added an overdrive to their 20/25, which enables a car to cruise at highway speeds of 50-65 mph.

Geographic Location – Originally, 93% of new 20/25's were sold within the UK. Due to their global popularity as a drivable, inter-war motor car, they have been re-sold throughout the World. Today only 38% of the surviving cars remain in the UK. There are 20/25s in more than 50 countries.[1]

manufacturer	Rolls-Royce Ltd
production	1929–1936 3,827 made
body style	dependent on coachbuilder
engine	3669 cc
transmission	4-speed manual
length	4.57 m
wheelbase	3.27 m 3.35 m from 1930
predecessor	Twenty
successor	25/30

Origin

Engineering

Improvements made during production run

Performance

Body

Today

Film appearances

Gallery

References