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ALL THE MAJOR MODELS ILLUSTRATED
Part One: Before WW2
For
such a small output, typically 1,500-2,000 per annum, Rolls-Royce has produced
an astonishing range of cars.
From 10 hp twin to 40-50 hp six
Rolls-Royce's first production model, in 1904, was the 10 hp, a two-cylinder 1900cc F-head (overhead inlet, side exhaust valves). This was the basis of a "modular" range of 15 hp 3 cyl, 20 hp 4 cyl and 30 hp 6-cylinder F-head models. In addition Rolls-Royce produced a 3.5 litre side valve V8 and a 7.0 litre side-valve in-line six, the "40-50 hp" model.
Like all manufacturers of the time, Rolls-Royce proved their cars in competition. While not thought of as racing cars, Rolls-Royce cars came 2nd outright in the inaugural Isle of Man Tourist Trophy race in 1905, and won in 1906, using the 4-cyl 20 hp model. (The TT was for series production touring cars; sort of like the 1970s Bathurst 1000). A lightened, stripped edition of the 40-50 hp lapped Brooklands banked speedway at over 100 mph (160 km/h).
The massive "40-50 hp" model proved to be a hit with the upper classes. The heavy demand for for it led to the various smaller, less profitable, models being dropped. Rolls-Royce then pursued a one-model policy until the early 1920s. The 40-50 hp became known as the "Silver Ghost" and stayed in production for nearly 20 years. Only 100 or so of the pre-Silver Ghost cars were built.
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| The
2-cylinder 10 hp, the first production model |
Cover
of "Man of Speed" (a biography of Rolls) shows him winning 1906 Isle
of Man TT. Car is a 20 hp 4-cylinder. |
The
40-50 hp Silver Ghost, the car that made Rolls-Royce famous.(1906-1925) |
The Twenty, 20-25 and 25-30 models
In the depressed years after World War 1, Rolls-Royce could see the need for a less expensive (but certainly not cheap!), smaller companion to the giant Silver Ghost. The new "twenty hp" car was introduced in 1922. It had a 3.2 litre pushrod ohv six and a 3-speed gearbox with a central ball-change, US style. This latter feature was soon dropped, as R-R reverted to a 4-speed right-hand gate-change. The Twenty was a very "sweet" car to drive, an excellent town car, but quite slow.
The engine was bored out to 3.6 litres in 1929, becoming the 20-25 hp model, and bored out further to 4.25 litres in 1936 to become the 25-30 hp model. There were of course many chassis and running gear developments in that period, and much improved performance. The final 25-30 model of 1938 was a major redesign, with independent front suspension and many other improvements; it was so different it was named the Wraith.
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| Early
Twenties are marked by horizontal radiator slats and central gearlever. |
The 20-25
was fitted with many elegant bodies, such as this Hooper convertible saloon. |
The 25-30s
were often hard to pick from 20-25s. | The
25-30 Wraith, with independent front suspension. This has an H J Mulliner
limousine body. |
The Phantoms 1, 2 and 3
Rolls-Royce did not neglect the big cars. By 1924 the ageing Silver Ghost model had a much more modern chassis and four-wheel brakes, but retained the 7 litre side valve engine. An all-new engine, a huge 7.8 litre pushrod ohv six, was put in the latest Ghost chassis and the new car was named the New Phantom (retro-named the Phantom 1). This was superseded in 1929 by the Phantom 2, which essentially consisted of an all-new (but still leaf-sprung non-independent) chassis and the preceding 7.8 litre engine. Finally, in 1936 came the first all-new R-R since the Twenty: the Phantom 3, with an aviation-heritage 7.4 litre V12 ohv alloy engine, and with a brand new chassis from front to back with independent front suspension.
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| Massive
7.8 litre Phantom 1 Sedanca De Ville |
Phantom
2 Sedanca De Ville (courtesy Frank Dale & Stepsons) |
Phantom
3 Sedanca De Ville (Frank Dale & Stepsons) |
The Derby Bentleys
In 1931 Rolls-Royce bought the bankrupt Bentley Motor Company, famous for the 3-litre and 4.5 litre overhead cam high-performance sports cars and numerous Le Mans wins. In 1933 R-R brought out their first Bentley model, aimed strictly at wealthy young sports-minded owner-drivers. The car was based on a chassis designed for a projected very small 2.2 litre Rolls-Royce which was never produced. It was fitted with a twin-carb, big valve edition of the 3.6 litre Rolls-Royce 20-25 engine. Much smaller and lighter than the 20-25, the "Derby" Bentley was also much faster, and became known as the "silent sports car". There were three editions: the Bentley 3 1/2 litre (1933-1936), the Bentley 4 1/4 litre (1936-1939), and the Bentley Mark V (1939). The 3 1/2 and 4 1/4 were very similar, but the Mark V was all new, with independent front suspension, and a revised version of the 4.25 litre engine.
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| Stylish
Bentley 3 1/2 three-position.Underneath the wheel discs are sports car
wire wheels.(Frank Dale & Stepsons, London) |
Rear of Bentley 3 1/2 litre seen at left, photographed on the Frank Dale and Stepsons forecourt. | 1937
Bentley 4 1/4 litre with sensationally rakish Franay / Fry drophead coachwork |
Very rare
Mk V (only 14 were made). (Real Car Co, Wales) |