Chassis number GLG53, offered here, was one of two Rolls-Royce 20/25s fitted with coupe bodies to this design by Freestone & Webb, highly regarded for their sporting “razor edge” style. Featuring sweeping fenders and an especially tasteful roofline, it was specified for continental touring with firmer springs, lower headlights, and dual spares by its original owner, James Henderson, Esq., a British diplomat living in Milan at the time. The elegant coupe is shown as delivered in Lawrence Dalton’s Those Elegant Rolls-Royce, as well as in a period advertisement by London dealer Jack Barclay, who appeared especially proud of this sale.

Factory records indicate that the car next passed to a Mr. Stroppel, then to Donald Fraser of Harley Street, London, and to American enthusiast W.E. Hurlock in 1965. Two additional owners, Fred Pennington of Pennsylvania and Thomas Moody of Florida, followed before the car was acquired by the present caretaker, an avid Rolls-Royce enthusiast.

Beginning in 2016, the owner undertook a full restoration of the car to its original condition. Much of the work was completed in his own hands, including rebuilding the inner wood framework, repairing the sheet metal, and finishing the body in a period-correct color scheme of Embassy Beige and Sandstorm Beige. The engine was rebuilt by James Long and the upholstery done by L&S Auto Trim of Gainesville, Florida, using wool and leather materials matched to samples of the originals.

With restoration at last complete, the car was shown quite successfully in competition, including appearances at Keeneland and Hilton Head in 2018, an Antique Automobile Club of America First Junior at Palatka in 2019, and first place in the Early Small Horsepower Concours class at the Rolls-Royce Owners’ Club Annual Meet at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in 2023. Still in excellent overall condition, it is accompanied by a particularly interesting history file, including photographs and invoices from the restoration.

One of the most award-winning and best-finished “small” Rolls-Royces offered in recent memory, with especially pleasing and dramatic styling, this is an exceptional example of the 20/25, offered from one excellent caretaker to the next.