Unveiled in 1922, the 20hp was a second string to the Rolls-Royce bow – a smaller, more economical sibling to the Silver Ghost which broadened the marque’s reach to include the very rich as well as the inordinately rich.

Distinguished by its horizontal radiator shutters, the newcomer was constructed around a ladder-frame chassis with a 129in 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 which time some 2,885 examples had left the company’s Derby factory.

Lighter and more pert than the Silver Ghost, the 20hp was capable of exceeding 60mph.

Chassis ‘74A9’ was originally supplied to the Bridge Street, Northampton, coachworks of Arthur Mu...