1937 Rolls-Royce 25/30 Saloon by Mann Egerton | The Summer Serenade Auction | 18th July

• Matching numbers
• Part of a private collection

The Rolls-Royce 25/30 was produced between 1936 and 1938, succeeding the 20/25 and preceding the Wraith. The updated model featured a larger engine to provide more power to compensate for the larger bodywork. The in-line six-cylinder, overhead valve, engine is like that used in the 20/25 but with an increased capacity of 4,257cc. A single proprietary Stromberg downdraught carburettor replaced the Rolls-Royce one and magneto ignition was no longer fitted but a spare ignition coil was provided. The riveted chassis has rigid front and rear axles suspended by half-elliptic springs with hydraulic dampers. Braking is on all four wheels assisted by a mechanical servo with separate rear brakes fitted for the handbrake. The traditional Rolls-Royce radiator features vertical louvres, the angle of which is controlled thermostatically to control engine cooling. As was customary, Rolls-Royce supplied only the chassis and mechanical components, with the bodywork commissioned from an independent coachbuilder.This elegant saloon was bodied by Norwich-based coachbuilder Mann Egerton and delivered new on 29th January 1937. A matching-numbers example, it is accompanied by a copy of its original sales invoice, specification sheet and a comprehensive history file documenting its provenance. Today, the car presents exceptionally well, with attractive coachwork and an interior that remains in excellent condition following restoration by a previous owner. The 4,257cc straight-six engine performs exactly as one would expect of a Rolls-Royce of this period—smooth, refined, and remarkably quiet in operation.

Having formed part of the vendor's significant private collection, the car has been carefully maintained, dry stored and recently serviced. Now offered as the owner seeks to reduce the size of his collection, this distinguished 25/30 represents a rare opportunity to acquire a beautifully documented example of one of Rolls-Royce's finest pre-war models. Suave, sumptuous and sensibly estimated, it offers an ideal entry into the opulent world of coachbuilt motoring. Consigned by Charlie McCreery