Rolls-Royce’s 20/25 was created to correct a strategic error that arose after the lightweight “Twenty” arrived in 1922. The Twenty was a technological groundbreaker that advanced the owner’s role as driver. The dependence on chauffeurs was fracturing. Yet, prospective owners remained married to the favorite coachbuilders of the day, piling the same heavy bodies onto this smaller chassis as before, thereby hampering performance. The 20/25 boost provided enough horsepower to offset this tendency. The new model became Rolls-Royce’s most popular model, saving the company from the ravages of the Great Depression. This wonderful 1934 Rolls-Royce touring car by Park Ward listed here on eBay is one of the few long wheelbase 20/25s made. It is located in Solon, Ohio, and costs $44,000. The seller notes that he doesn’t drive this car enough and needs more space in his garage.
The Twenties inline six clocked in at less than half the displacement of the Silver Ghosts, but its lighter weight, improved carburetion, high-lift camshaft, and other advancements made it a limber runner. The 20/25 boosted RAC taxable output by 17% over the Twenty. The four-speed manual had synchros on third and fourth, the shocks became adjustable, the radiator shutters were thermostatically controlled, and a knob on the dash delivered chassis lubrication. Like many vehicles of its era, this car utilizes a starting carburetor.
The beautifully patina’d interior is notable for its glove soft leather, burl wood dash, and five-spoke steering wheel. The gearshift lever, like the drive position, is to the right. The rear seats feature service trays.
Looks, 
This view is so evocative of the Rolls marque: the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot topping a broad, upright radiator. And aside from its solidly British looks, this example comes with documentation from new, including photos taken at delivery. The seller mentions that many of this car’s components are “original” but I would make a phone call or perform an inspection to confirm that claim. The values of these grand old cars have been slipping in recent years. The seller’s asking price is on the high side for even a fine sedan; dropheads and cars bodied by niche coachbuilders sell for considerably more. Would you want a pre-war Rolls in your garage?
Great write-up Michelle.
What a gorgeous car. I’ve driven a fair amount of cars in my day but have not a clue what driving something like this would be like.
I know there are plenty of caveats about owning something like this, maintenance being the biggest one, but it sure seems reasonably priced for the amazing car you’d get..
GLWTS and congrats to whomever buys this.
Thank you!
Prewar cars have a lot of manual adjustments. You have to turn the fuel on (then off!), sometimes the magneto; the throttle and advance/retard might be on the steering wheel, and “throttle” means the choke. My Model A has a lever you have to move to signal that you might go into reverse. We also have a battery cutoff. Once started, gotta fiddle with the throttle and adv/retard so you don’t flood the car; once underway, better be good at double-clutching and don’t forget to plan for braking. This RR is a lot more sophisticated than the Model A, but it’s still not going to handle like it’s on rails. It’s a busy time in there!
I’m going to simply say….. Wow. What a beautiful Rolls. The right hand gear shift on a right hand drive is a very interesting feature. I think it would take me a few minutes to get used to shifting with my left hand. I can only imagine someone who was used to shifting with their left hand, now suddenly having to shift with their right hand!!! Buy what beautiful bodywork on this one. Beautiful dash and leather too.
Michelle asked….. Would you want a pre-war Rolls in your garage? In a word yes…. Can I afford it. Sadly no. But I hope someone does and continues the long line of Caretakers this car has had all these years.
Now THAT is what I call a Rolls Royce! I wouldn’t want to own it but It would be fun for a wedding or a prom!!
What a beautiful example of an iconic shape (like the Coke bottle or the DC3) that defined an era! Alas, when my Significant Other tells me to “Fetch The Rolls”, she means “go to the bakery”, and I fear it will ever be so….
In the 1960’s close friend of my parents bought a ‘30’s era RR and drove it home from NYC to Detroit. The story I heard was that RR’s had jack at each corner of the car to change a tire. They had several flat tires on this trip. The husband had a broken shoulder so his wife had to crawl under the car to release the jack. Looking back at this story it seems odd. Does anyone know whether 4 jacks under each corner is true? He gave me a ride in the car one day. It was fusty but oh so elegant.
In the 1960’s close friend of my parents bought a ‘30’s era RR and drove it home from NYC to Detroit. The story I heard was that RR had jack at each corner of the car to change a tire. They had several flat tires on this trip. The husband had a broken shoulder so his wife had to crawl under the car to release the jack. Looking back at this story it seems odd. Does anyone know whether 4 jacks under each corner is true? (He gave me a ride in the car one day. It was fusty, but oh so elegant.)