Rolls-Royce 20/25 (1932)
The Rolls-Royce 20/25 was built by the British marque from 1929 to 1936. Under that very long bonnet lies a six-cylinder engine displacing 3,699 cc. The Straight Six engine was naturally aspirated and was mated to a four-speed gearbox with the shift lever placed on the floor to the right of the driver who also sat on the right. The angle of the vertical radiator shutters could be adjusted to provide optimal engine cooling, while the ignition timing could be adjusted via a knob on the large four-spoke steering wheel. Brakes on the 20/25 were mechanically operated drums that required no hydraulic fluid but instead relied on a system of cables.
Braking was done mechanically on all four wheels with servo assist to ensure that the big and heavy vehicle stopped without disturbing the wealthy aristocrat at the back. The half elliptic spring suspension ironed out the shocks or riding over cobblestones that were often what made up the road surface in Edwardian England.
Given that Rolls-Royces were primarily meant to be chauffeur-driven limousines, the cabin is separated into two parts with a part of it being meant for the chauffeur and any assistant he might have and the majority being retained for the comfort of the rear passengers. It is important to mention that in those early days of motoring, Rolls-Royce only manufactured the drivetrain and the chassis. The body was built as a separate unit by reputed coach builders of the time as per the specifications of the buyer. The body, of which there could be several types, was then fitted on top of the chassis.
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