1928 Rolls Royce 20 (3-position) Drophead Coupe. Sold
The actual blue 1928 Rolls-Royce 20 featured in the 1955 romantic comedy ‘To Paris With Love’, in which it was driven to Paris by Alec Guinness.
‘BX 99’ was built for Royal Naval Commander Nigel Battine, who was Captain of HMS Valentine in WW1, and who was quite a character and mentioned by Agatha Christie in her memoirs. Subsequent owners would include Viscountess Combermere of Breconshire. In 2000 the car emerged from a £257,000 restoration in the superb condition in which it is presented today.
The Restoration was carried out by Ristes Motor Company, over a period of 6 years from 1994 to 2000, a very well known Vintage Rolls Specialist.
Chassis delivered to Rootes (Main RR Agents for London) in December 1927, and then delivered to coach builder Weymann of Addlestone in February 1928. Their aircraft fabric body system when used on cars provided quieter travel, and improved performance because of the body’s light weight; but gave little protection in the event of a serious accident, and without care (the materials being prone to rot), a potentially short life. Weymann’s bodies fell out of popularity within a decade, consequently this car was rebodied in the 30’s by Southern Coachcraft with modern streamlined 3-position Drophead Coachwork in alloy, which it wears to this day. The chassis being updated with chrome and stainless bright work replacing the earlier nickel, and newer RR radiator with vertical instead of horizontal vanes.
Second owner . Viscountess Cumbermere of Breckonshire.
Third Owner . J Daren Webb of the Wiltshire School of Flying, High End Aerodrome, Salisbury.
Fourth Owner . The Purity Mineral Water Manufacturing Company, Maidenhead.
Fifth Owner . Dr F Lascelles of Liverpool.
Rank Film Co used the car in 2 films in the fifties and a video of the Alec Guiness one is included with sale.
The car spent some time in America, keeping its Reg number BX 99 and on its return to England was restored at great expense to its present magnificent condition now sporting faultless bodywork, a leather interior to die for and meticulous engine bay detailing.
In 2001 the newly finished car was invited to the official display at the Goodwood Revival which is considered a great honour and reserved for very important cars only.
