Style - Rolls Royce Silver Wraith II	Elegance - Rolls Royce 20/25	Glamour - Bentley Series 3

ELEGANCE – 1936 ROLLS ROYCE 20/25 PARK WARD TOURING SALOON

Is there any car more elegant than a 1930s Rolls Royce?  This car has authority and a commanding presence; it turns heads like no other.  The rear compartment is light and airy, offering excellent photo opportunities, and it will accommodate the most elaborate bridal gowns with ease.  The rearward opening doors make this an easy car to enter or exit with grace and elegance.  The car is painted in the traditional black over claret colour scheme favoured by the Royal family in the 1930s, offering a fine backdrop for photographs when combined with the gleaming nickel and chrome of the headlights.  There is no more romantic way to arrive at your wedding, and your memories of travelling in this car will, we hope, be amongst the highlights of your special day.

The Rolls Royce 20/25

Before the Second World War, Rolls Royce built only chassis, which were then despatched by the new owner to their preferred coachbuilder for completion of the body work and interior.  Firms such as Hooper, Barker and Gurney Nutting produced some stunning cars in this way.  But by the late 1920s, Rolls Royce realised that their existing 20hp chassis was getting short on power, so a new version, named the 20/25, was launched.  It was noticeably faster and more powerful than its predecessor, but retained the smoothness and build quality which had long been Rolls Royce hallmarks.  Together with the new Rolls Royce Phantom II, these cars continued to set the 1930s benchmark to which other manufacturers aspired, and they represent probably the epitome of the pre-war, handbuilt English motorcar.  The late 1930s also saw perhaps the highwater mark of the coachbuilders art, and the 20/25 appeared in numerous versions including sports coupe, sports saloon, sedanca de ville, and formal limousine.  Our car was completed by Park Ward & Co (Coachbuilders) in 1936 for its first owner, the Hon Mrs Arnold Henderson.  Founded in 1919, Park Ward enjoyed a long and close relationship with Rolls Royce, becoming part of the company in 1939.  They were one of the most successful coachbuilders, producing elegant and balanced designs which have stood the test of time.  Our car is a 'touring saloon', being less upright and bulky than a formal limousine, but retaining the division between chauffeur and passengers.  The swept tail design at the rear is typical of late 1930s coachbuilding, which had something of a  fling with the aerodynamic 'airline' look.  Although a big car, the design is balanced enough not to appear bulbous, resulting in a handsome look from most angles.  The big Lucas headlamps, chrome trumpet horns and driving lamp lend a sporting air, preventing the car from looking overly pompous, and the interior accoutrements and large rear trunk with fitted suitcases provide everything that the smart 1930s couple would need for long distance touring.  Presented in immaculate condition, we hope you will agree this is a very special car.



Technical Specification

Engine:	3669cc in line six
Transmission:	Rolls Royce 4 speed manual
Length:	15ft 3in (chassis length)
Width:	5ft 10in
0-60 mph:	35s depending on body
Max speed:	75mph depending on body
Average fuel consumption:	12 mpg
UK price on introduction (1929):	£1185 chassis only