1st Oct, 2023 12:00
The Bolesworth Castle October 2023 Classic & Performance Car Auction
1924 Rolls-Royce 20hp Roadster
Formerly the property of Fred Astaire
Registration - SV5322
Chassis No - 87K5
M.O.T. - Exempt
Odometer - 4,000
There are dance enthusiasts the world over who’d give anything to witness the incomparable Fred Astaire perform live once more. Sadly, that’s a wish we cannot grant, but we can offer you the chance to own a very special motorcar that once belonged to him – ie this spectacular-looking 1924 Rolls-Royce 20hp roadster. Finished in yellow that’s complemented by a tan hood and tan leather upholstery, it was exported early on to the USA, where it is thought to have had its its dashing roadster-style coachwork fashioned by Inskip of New York, and where it was for a while the property of one of the most famous dancers of all time. By 1988 it had been repatriated and designated the registration ‘SV 5322’. The accompanying history file shows the roadster was then entrusted to Dennis Pilling & Son of Leigh in Lancashire, who performed a thorough mechanical overhaul on the Rolls-Royce, at a cost of almost £30,000 (a very large sum at the time). The vendor presently classes the six-cylinder engine, dickie-seat roadster bodywork and upholstery as ‘excellent’, and the four-speed central-change gearbox and paintwork as ‘good’. The motorcar comes complete with a large history folder containing an assortment of receipts and invoices, plus photographs and an array of other documents that prove the connection to Fred Astaire.
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 of 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.
In summary:
- The most eye-catching of roadster-bodied Rolls-Royce 20s
- Once the property of the one and only Fred Astaire
- Presented in fine overall order complete with history file
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Estimated at £55,000 - £65,000Registration - SV5322
Chassis No - 87K5
M.O.T. - Exempt
Odometer - 4,000
There are dance enthusiasts the world over who’d give anything to witness the incomparable Fred Astaire perform live once more. Sadly, that’s a wish we cannot grant, but we can offer you the chance to own a very special motorcar that once belonged to him – ie this spectacular-looking 1924 Rolls-Royce 20hp roadster. Finished in yellow that’s complemented by a tan hood and tan leather upholstery, it was exported early on to the USA, where it is thought to have had its its dashing roadster-style coachwork fashioned by Inskip of New York, and where it was for a while the property of one of the most famous dancers of all time. By 1988 it had been repatriated and designated the registration ‘SV 5322’. The accompanying history file shows the roadster was then entrusted to Dennis Pilling & Son of Leigh in Lancashire, who performed a thorough mechanical overhaul on the Rolls-Royce, at a cost of almost £30,000 (a very large sum at the time). The vendor presently classes the six-cylinder engine, dickie-seat roadster bodywork and upholstery as ‘excellent’, and the four-speed central-change gearbox and paintwork as ‘good’. The motorcar comes complete with a large history folder containing an assortment of receipts and invoices, plus photographs and an array of other documents that prove the connection to Fred Astaire.
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 of 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.
In summary:
- The most eye-catching of roadster-bodied Rolls-Royce 20s
- Once the property of the one and only Fred Astaire
- Presented in fine overall order complete with history file
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Auction: The Bolesworth Castle October 2023 Classic & Performance Car Auction, 1st Oct, 2023
Our October auction of classic, modern classic and prestige cars and motorbikes.
Viewing Days:
Saturday 30th September, 1pm - 7pm
Sunday 1st October, 9am - 12 noon
If you wish to consign your vehicle to this auction, you can request a valuation here or by calling one of the Hampson Auctions team on 01606 828124
Fill in the form below and one of our team will get in touch with a no-obligation valuation. We will also take you through the consignment and valuation process, to enable you to make an informed decision.
If you prefer to contact us directly please call 01606 828 124 or email info@hampsonauctions.com
