Registration No: YN 9313
Chassis No: GOK48
MOT: Exempt

• Landaulette coachwork by Barker of London
• In the current ownership since 2001 and the previous custodianship from 1984
• Multiple Rolls-Royce Enthusiast Club event award winner
• Uprated with an overdrive unit in 1994 and subject to an engine overhaul in 2006
• Offered at ‘No Reserve’ from the late Robert Riding’s Estate, the vast majority of which has been left to charity with the RNLI as the predominant beneficiary

Unveiled in 1922, the 20hp was a second string to the Rolls-Royce bow - a shorter, more economical sibling to the Silver Ghost which broadened the marque’s reach to span both the very rich and seriously wealthy. Instantly distinguished by its horizontal radiator shutters, the newcomer was constructed around a ladder-frame chassis with a 129-inch wheelbase. Power came from a 3,127cc straight-six, OHV monobloc engine mated to a three-speed manual gearbox. Suspension was by semi-elliptic leaf springs all-round. Braking was initially on the rear wheels alone, while steering was by worm and nut. Progressively updated to feature a four-speed gearbox and servo-assisted all-wheel braking, the ‘baby’ Rolls remained in production until 1929, by when some 2,885 examples had vacated the company’s Derby factory. Lighter and more responsive than the Silver Ghost, the 20hp was capable of exceeding 60mph.

Taking delivery on 6^th of March 1926, the renowned London coachbuilder Hooper & Co proceeded to clothe chassis ‘GOK 48’ as an undeniably elegant and well-proportioned Landaulette (Barker Body number 5290). Supplied new to a Mrs Stafford of the Hyde Park Hotel in Knightsbridge, the Rolls-Royce was acquired by its second owner a W. Shearer Esq of Messers Balfour & Co. in Chislehurst, Kent on the 12^th of July 1934. Returning to London in 1937, the 20hp was purchased by a Dr Grayton Hume of the famous Harley Street, London. From here, unfortunately, the history of ‘GOK 48’ is unknown until 1967 when the 20hp was discovered in a semi-derelict state. Entrusted to Richard Moss who embarked on a two-year restoration, by December 1967 it was found that the frame was in extremely sound condition.

With the comprehensive restoration completed, ‘YN 9313’ embarked on its first outing to the 1969 Blenheim Palace rally, winning its class on the day. Additional award wins ensued with best-in-class awards at the 1970 and 1971 rally and a 2^nd in class in 1972, before a further class win at Packington Hall in 1977. Offered for auction 1978 with Edwards, Bigwood & Bewlay at their Stratford-upon-Avon racecourse sale, ‘GOK 48’ achieved an auction record at the time, well-surpassing expectations to achieve £17,500. The award-winning did not cease here, with further class wins in 1980 and 1987, a second in class in 1985 and an elegance award in 1990.

Again, the beneficiary of comprehensive restoration work between 1989 and 1992 with invoices to the sum of approximately £42,000 on file and the spend believed to be considerably higher. Mechanical overhauls were supplied throughout as required, as well as a bodywork and paintwork restoration and full interior refresh with new glass division. The 20hp was then subtly upgraded by the then owner with an overdrive unit (in 1994) provided by Tim Payne Overdrive Designs Ltd. Subsequently acquired by Robert Furniss Riding as an addition to his private collection in 2001, ‘YN 9313’ is now offered at No Reserve from the late Robert Riding’s Estate, the vast majority of which has been left to charity with the RNLI as the predominant beneficiary.

Under Robert’s ownership, the 20hp has been subject to much maintenance and improvement work that is documented in the accompanying history file and includes servicing, an engine overhaul in 2006, and much further mechanical attention. ‘GOK 48’ is accompanied by a history file that includes an original handbook; RREC awards; a vast quantity of invoices for work completed since 1988; a collection of previous MOTs from 2001-2012; RREC chassis card records; technical literature and diagrams; sundry paperwork; and current V5C document. This decidedly attractive Rolls-Royce’s return to the market for the first time in twenty-one years is surely an opportunity not to be missed.

About Robert Furniss Riding:

Born in 1940, the only child of only children parents, Bob was educated at Stockport Grammar School then read natural sciences at Christ Church, Oxford. He joined William Deacon’s Bank, and had a stellar ascent through it and its subsequent iterations ending up as Group Treasurer of the Royal Bank of Scotland. He grasped the opportunity of early retirement in 1990 and moved to the Isle of Man where he had been left a house by an aunt. But Bob was far from being inactive, throwing himself into the local community and taking on the turnaround of a local private bank as its Executive Chairman.

Sailing had been a preoccupation during his time in the City, but on coming to the Isle of Man, Bob switched his energies and focus to collecting “quality cars” – principally the products of Cricklewood, Derby and Crewe, but with some maverick exceptions such as Maserati and Caterham. Daimlers and Lanchesters also featured, and he had to move to a large country house to find garaging for the ever-growing collection. His cars were regularly campaigned at rallies for the appropriate marque and were often deserved winners of various trophies. He also got involved in the relevant enthusiast clubs, usually ending up as Chairman – and his list of appointments included the Chairmanship of the Manx Classic Car Club and the Manx Motor Racing Club.

Bob was always a keen supporter of local charities, particularly maritime and those involving young people, and many will have cause to remember with gratitude his generosity and his apparently bottomless well of technical knowledge on “quality cars”, so freely shared. Bob left his Estate predominantly to Charity with the RNLI being the Residuary Beneficiary. Thus, in effect, the entire proceeds of the car collection sale will be received by the RNLI.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452