By the 1920s, Rolls Royce had absorbed the notion that owners might want to drive their own cars, rather than always employ a chauffeur. Moreover, financial pressures in Europe post WWI had diminished the market for luxury cars, creating space for a less expensive model. The company introduced its relatively diminutive Twenty in 1922, aimed at the owner/driver market. Almost 3000 sold over eight years, considered a success. In 1929, the company followed the Twenty with the 20/25. Significantly more powerful, the new car was credited with saving Rolls Royce from the worst effects of the Great Depression. Today’s example is a 1934 saloon, with body by Park Ward, for sale here on craigslist. The seller-dealer representing the car is asking $49,950, and it’s located in the Boston area. We owe thanks to Jack M. for the tip – thanks, Jack!

The big in-line six-cylinder displaces 3699 ccs and breathes through a single carburetor. Compression was gradually hiked over the production period; output is estimated at 65 hp. A four-speed partially synchro-meshed manual gearbox helped launch the car to about 65 mph – in time – though much more than that was an effort. This example was most recently registered this year by its twenty-year owner and can be driven, but the seller notes that the steering is binding badly.

This is a right-hand drive car; helpfully, the seller has noted the steering wheel with instructions – here, for shut-off. Starting is a ritual also worthy of written instructions – pre-war cars require turning on the gas (we had a ’22 Marmon, and the valve was next to the firewall under the bonnet), activating the electricity, retarding the ignition and the throttle, setting the mixture to “start”, and finally, pressing the starter. Oh, and be sure to be in neutral! Aside from the grease pen notes, the interior wears the vestiges of luxury – a full set of gauges including a clock, leather upholstery, wood dash. The seat surfaces are worn, and the wood needs help, but every element that belongs here, is here.

The Spirit of Ecstasy flies in front, one of the most famous hallmarks of a brand ever created. Rolls Royce began using this mascot – originally designed by Charles Sykes – in 1911. Its origin is wrapped in an illicit love affair conducted by Sykes’ friend, Lord John Walter Edward Douglas-Scott-Montagu, with a woman named Eleanor Velasco Thornton. Ecstasy is, in fact, a stylized likeness of Thornton. As beautiful as she is, the new owner must be concerned most with the car behind the flying lady, the value of which has experienced a severe ebb over the last few years. Top-down and rare body styles still command prices breaching six figures, but saloons are hovering in the $30k range for fine examples. This seller will likely need to negotiate to move this majestic car to another garage; what do you think?