1926 Rolls-Royce 20HP Saloon
Radiator shutters on early Rolls-Royce 20HP models were arranged horizontally, visually distinguishing this compact owner-driver chassis introduced in 1922 to complement the larger Silver Ghost.
The 3,127cc overhead-valve inline-six used monobloc construction with a detachable cylinder head, a technical departure from the Ghost’s earlier engine layout, and developed roughly 50 horsepower despite the “20 HP” tax-based designation, allowing suitably light coachwork to exceed about 60 mph when most contemporary traffic cruised nearer 40 mph.
Martin & King coachwork provided an enclosed saloon body on the substantial chassis, which used half-elliptic leaf springs front and rear for a supple ride on poor interwar roads.
From 1925, a four-speed manual gearbox superseded the original three-speed unit, and the gear lever moved to the driver’s right alongside the handbrake, while the open propeller shaft layout contrasted with the torque-tube drives used on Silver Ghosts.
Production reached 2,940 20HP chassis between 1922 and 1929, all supplied as rolling chassis for independent coachbuilders rather than as factory-complete cars.
Henry Royce aimed this model at professional middle-class clients such as doctors, solicitors, and successful businessmen, pricing it at roughly 40 percent below Ghost territory while maintaining the same fundamental construction standards and reputation for mechanical refinement.
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