OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
Chassis No.
GAJ37
Introduced in 1922, the 20 HP was Rolls-Royce's first small-displacement model, created to satisfy owner-drivers seeking refinement without a chauffeur. Powered by a smooth inline six-cylinder engine and built upon a robust, beautifully engineered chassis, the 20 HP combined mechanical sophistication with bespoke coachwork, quickly earning a reputation for quiet performance, elegance, and understated prestige throughout the 1920s. Well-documented and detailed in multiple binders on file, chassis GAJ37 left the Rolls-Royce factory in London on May 23, 1927, and was shipped to Hamburg, Germany to coachbuilder Seegers et Sohn of Leipzig, Germany. Once furnished with its imposing and elegant body, it was delivered new to its first owner on 10-28-1928, Mr. Herr Otto Schindler. In 1931, this Rolls-Royce was welcomed by its second owner, Dr. Wahi of Zwichau, Germany. When the war broke out, this Rolls was commandeered by the German army motor pool and used in the war. When the Allied Forces invaded Germany and took control of the German motor pool, this Cabriolet became the personal staff car of famous British general, Sir Brian Hurrock. Under his command, this Rolls was painted camouflage and used in 1945 and 1946. When the war ended, this Rolls was taken to the dump, which was the location all military vehicles where placed after overseas service. Discovered by Major W.H. Fraser, he decided to save this automobile from destruction and made it road worthy, retaining it until 1954 when he sold it to another British military officer who imported it to England. Passing through a succession of owners documented by registration records, this example was acquired by Jim Suthard of Marshall Field, Wisconsin in 1961 who imported it to the United States. This Cabriolet was then sold to Allan Dewey of Chicago who would then sell it to its long-term caretaker in 1963, Charles A. Nagler and his son Todd of Detroit, Michigan. Devoted Rolls-Royce collectors, this example fit right at home, and soon after, research commenced on this examples history. Documented by a large file, research led to conversations with the library in Leipzig, a former Seegers' employee, as well as correspondence with former owners. With the newfound information, the Naglers commenced a restoration in the mid-1960s, utilizing correct parts from noted sources that included British coachbuilder Rippon and U.S. importer J.S. Inskip. To celebrate the restoration, this car was shown at Expo 67 in Montreal and achieved both its CCCA and RROC senior award status the same year. A fixture in the Nagler's collection, this Cabriolet became a familiar face at Rolls-Royce Club events and tours, as well as various Concours dElegance, such as Meadowbrook. As years passed by, this example was routinely maintained and cared for, with new lavish oxblood upholstery, a stainless-steel exhaust, and Frank Cooke cylinder head being fitted in the 80s. Lovingly retained by the family from 1963 to 2020, the current collector would acquire this imposing example in 2022, where it has since been routinely maintained, driven, and enjoyed at various shows. Almost unseen to this level, this Rolls-Royce is accompanied by a large treasure trove of documentation that entails copies of the original factory invoice, period letters, correspondence, and past registrations from previous owners, restoration receipts, period photos, maintenance records, and various owners manuals. A fascinating example with imposing and elegant German coachwork that has been extensively documented with known history that can be traced back to new, and single-family ownership for over 55 years, it offers its next astute caretaker a rare opportunity to acquire a Rolls-Royce of remarkable provenance, presence, and preservation. * A fascinating Rolls-Royce with imposing and elegant German coachwork * Single-family collection owned from 1963 to 2020 * Extensively documented with known history from new * Ideal example for CCCA and Rolls-Royce Owner's Club gatherings From the Kruse Auctions
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