1936 Rolls-Royce Other 25/30

This unique six wheeler 25/30 Rolls was originally imported to Australia, as a rolling chassis for body build at Martin and King, Sydney. Years later as a barn find, the car underwent a “mobility rescue”, before new owners shipped it to New Zealand. In a new home, this Rolls was a popular regular participant in many Northland Car Club outings and rallies.

Today, a “Survivor” best describes this car as it shows little sign of the tender care, that may be expected for a Rolls Royce and certainly no restoration. The up-close view partly photographed, reveals aged tired paint, part scratched or blemished with expected patches or pockets of surface rust in some of the steel portioned body while the aluminum body portion areas remain sound for its age. A light cut polish puts a temporary appealing glow on the aged and partly pitted paintwork.

The body style is a change from the voluminous interiors of many early bulky box English sedans, providing a comfortable interior with functional boot containing a secure fuel tank filler. Resulting in a very similar styling to the attractive Riley Pathfinders from late 40’s to early 50’s. Retained are matching chassis and engine numbers to manufactures build along with the very informative original owner’s hand book.

As custodians since 2016 we’ve enjoyed the car, a surprising performer in a number Bay of Plenty Vintage Car Club rallies and periodic ‘Sunday’ drives. It drives and brakes well, starts easily, third and top gears synchro and runs on very good tyres. Interior wood work presents very well, good roof lining with faux leather upholstery. The wrinkled ‘mustard’ colour light weight carpet covers the fitted wooden flooring.

Considerable historical information of the four substantial ‘Baby Roll Royce’ series 20HP, 20/25, 25/30 and Wraith manufactured from 1922 to 1939 is available on line with a summary of the 25/30 on Wikipedia link. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolls-Royce_25/30 Speedo reading in miles.