Take a moment to step back in time. Imagine a car that is a piece of art. It’s a beautifully restored 1929 Rolls-Royce 20 HP Fixed Head Coupe. This car is a true classic. It has an attractive and well-proportioned body. It was made by the famed coachbuilder Park Ward. What makes this particular car so special? It has a documented history that is truly fascinating. It includes journeys through Iraq and Jordan. This car has been to some very unexpected places. It is a CCCA Full Classic. This gives it a special status.
The Elegant Work of Park Ward
In 1929, Rolls-Royce delivered this chassis to Park Ward. The client was a London barrister. Park Ward gave it a unique and elegant coupe body. The car’s low beltline gives it a sleek look. The roofline is fabric-covered. It also has a steeply curved rear deck. The front fenders are open and flowing. This car’s unique style was even featured in a famous book. It was a perfect match of chassis and coachwork. Park Ward was known for their beautiful designs. They were an innovative coachbuilder.
An Epic Journey Through the Middle East
The car’s history is a real adventure story. After World War II, it was owned by several people in Scotland. Then, in 1957, an American diplomat bought it. His name was William B. Bromell. He was stationed in Baghdad, Iraq. The car’s journey to him was quite wild. It was delivered in Beirut. It was then towed through the city. Mr. Bromell drove the car himself to Damascus. The history file includes his written stories. It also has historic photographs. They show him driving the car. He drove from Amman, Jordan, to France. Few cars have such an adventurous story.
Restoration to Concours Quality
This historic car received a top-tier restoration. Its restoration was started by Mr. Bromell himself. The 3.1-liter engine was rebuilt. This happened in the early 2000s. Frank Cooke’s Vintage Garage performed the work. The cosmetic restoration followed. It was done by Enfield Auto Restoration. This was between 2004 and 2006. They are noted Rolls-Royce specialist firms. The current owner completed the final touches. He finished the work in 2021. The car’s history file includes photos and invoices. This documents the extensive work. The restoration is of an award-winning quality.
A Look at the Rolls-Royce 20 HP
The Rolls-Royce 20 HP was created for a different kind of owner. It was designed to be driven by the owner. It was a “small horsepower” model. The car has a 3.1-liter inline-six engine. The engine has overhead valves. It has both coil and magneto ignition. A four-speed manual transmission handles power. It has semi-elliptic leaf springs. This provides a comfortable ride. The car has internal expanding brakes. They are on all four wheels. It also has a handbrake on the rear. The car was known for its quietness. It provided a luxurious drive.
A Winner on the Show Field
Since its restoration, this car has earned many awards. It received a Palmetto Award. This was at the Hilton Head Island Concours. It was also scored First in Class. This was at the 2024 Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club Annual Meet. It scored 391 out of 400 points. This shows how high-quality the restoration is. The car is in excellent overall condition. It is ready for more show appearances. This car is more than just a car. It’s a journey. It promises much adventure. This car is one of a kind.
Disclaimer:This article is for informational purposes only. The accuracy of the details and specifications mentioned in this article cannot be guaranteed. Prospective buyers are encouraged to conduct their own independent verification.
