Introduced at the 1929 Olympia Motor Show, the Rolls-Royce 20/25, also known as the “Goshawk,” supplanted the 20 HP model as the company’s entry-level offering. Immensely popular, the 20/25 soon became the company’s most successful interwar model, with approximately 3,827 rolling chassis produced.

Chassis number GFT31 is the 31st of 81 examples designated with the GFT chassis prefix. According to factory documents on file, the Rolls-Royce was ordered new on behalf of Mr. J. Rubin, of Geneva, Switzerland. Originally earmarked to receive coachwork from the Parisian carrosserie Million-Guiet, the 20/25 was eventually dispatched to Colmar, Alsace, to be bodied by Gangloff. By 1937, the car had come into the ownership of Albert Nobele, of Geneva, and it is believed that at that time the present drophead coupe body by Carrosserie Worblaufen was mounted.

The Rolls-Royce was reportedly imported to the United States from Switzerland in the late 1950s by Dr. J.V. Neff, of Newport Beach, California, and he is believed to have sold it to Ric Brecheisen of Phoenix, Arizona, who retained possession through the late 1960s. By 1976 the 20/25 was owned by C. Fred Brown, of Portsmouth, Ohio, and it subsequently passed in the early 1980s to David Rosenheim, of West End, New Jersey. Reportedly sold from Mr. Rosenheim’s estate by John P. Smalley in 1983, the drophead coupe was acquired by Johnny Pascucci of Meriden, Connecticut. The 20/25 was then sold in 1989 to collector John Moir of Chocurua, New Hampshire, and he kept the car through October 2014, accounting for an impressive period of 25 years of single ownership.

Purchased then by the consignor, the Rolls-Royce was submitted to marque expert Steve Litten of Vintage Auto Rebuilds in Chardon, Ohio, for a three-year no-expense-spared comprehensive restoration that has resulted in concours-level quality. In addition to a complete rebuild of the engine and running gear, the coachwork was refinished in silver complemented with a light grey top, while the interior was reupholstered with burgundy leather.

Documented with the factory build information, former owner’s correspondence, research materials on Worblaufen, Rolls-Royce maintenance guides and reference materials, and restoration invoices, this impressive drophead coupe is very likely the most finely restored 20/25 in the world. It would make a singular acquisition for any Rolls-Royce enthusiast, ideal for prewar vintage driving events or presentation at marque club gatherings and regional concours d’elegance, truly becoming of the Spirit of Ecstasy.