Registration No: JR 700
Chassis No: GSY 68
MOT: Exempt

• First owned by Sir Cecil Algernon Cochrane DCL, JP, a former Liberal Party MP, successful businessman and benefactor of Newcastle University
• Original Hooper All-Weather coachwork and subject to a previous engine overhaul
• Offered from long-term family ownership
• Continuation buff logbook, copy Hooper paperwork, V5C Registration Document, sundry correspondence and restoration bills.

Supplied new to the successful businessman and former Liberal Party MP Sir Cecil Algernon Cochrane DCL JP, chassis GSY68 was clothed by Hooper with All-Weather Body Number 7804. An ingenious design that aimed to provide occupants with the best of both worlds, its fully convertible roof and retractable window frames stowed neatly out of the way when true open-air motoring was desired but were also easy to raise should the weather turn inclement. The provision of an insulated headlining and wind-up windows made the ‘All-Weather’ far cosier than a conventional Tourer. Such versatility came at a price with Hooper charging £594 17s 6d for Body Number 7804; a sum which would have bought a house nine decades ago.

That said, the build quality which had won the renowned coachbuilder a Royal Warrant helped ensure the Rolls-Royce’s survival with a letter on file from J. Fewster Esq dated December 1984 reading as follows: ‘I purchased chassis GSY68 from the family of the original owner in the 1960s. To the best of my knowledge the indicated mileage of 87,000 is correct’. Thereafter, the 20/25 passed through the hands of renowned marque enthusiast and dealer Peter Harper before being purchased by the vendor’s late husband from The Real Car Co of Gwynedd on April 25^th 2000 for £32,000. Accompanying photos show the car looking a little scruffy at the time and finished in Yellow over Black with a Black hood.

As well as reinstating the Rolls-Royce’s original Northumberland registration number ‘JR 700’, the vendor’s late husband significantly improved its mechanical and cosmetic condition during 2000-2001. Repainted Exeter Blue and partially retrimmed, the 20/25 also had its wiring attended to. Entrusted to Rolls-Royce & Bentley Specialists Dennis Pilling & Son, the original engine (number A2N) received a thorough overhaul with associated bills totalling more than £15,000. Maintained and improved thereafter, an invoice from Ristes Motor Company Ltd dated August 2014 for two front brake drum finned rings is among the more recent on file. Sporting a nicely patinated interior complete with what appear to be the original fixtures and fittings and starting readily upon inspection, this rare Hooper-bodied ‘All-Weather’ Rolls-Royce is worthy of close inspection. Offered for sale with continuation buff logbook, copy Hooper paperwork, V5C Registration Document, sundry correspondence and restoration bills.

For more information, please contact:
James McWilliam
james.mcwilliam@handh.co.uk
07943 584760