1930 Rolls-Royce 20/25 Barker Sedanca de Ville

An early, vintage example, stylish and in fine condition. The car was originally exhibited at the London Olympia Motor Show, finished in “Ulster blue”, with blue grey cloth to the rear, silver plated fittings and blue leather to the front. Some of this, including silver plated door furniture, remains to this day, and blue is still the theme. Appealing features include ‘Barker Dipping’ headlights, still working nicely, a large Brooks trunk mounted on the rear, double ‘Diver’s helmet’ rear lights, a triangular stop light and a silver plated speedometer in the rear of the car, for the benefit of the passengers! We have a copy of ‘Country Life’ magazine, dated October 1930, which is the ‘Motor Exhibition Number’, showing a photo of what is almost certainly GSR40 on the Barker stand at the show. All in all, a handsome car, sound and smart, solidly built, running nicely, and something to be proud to own. Offered serviced and prepared, driving well.

Price £39,500.

Snippets: Rubber Plantation, Theatrics & Greek Shipping

GSR40 was initially ordered by Mrs Cheshire, the wealthy widow of the brewer Edward Cheshire of Edgbaston – when he died in 1919 he left a sum of £378,000 equivalent to £2.5million today!  It’s not known why Mrs Cheshire didn’t take delivery of GSR40 but it may have been due to ill health as she died in 1932 whilst staying in Llandudno.  Upon her death she only left a tenth of what she had inherited from her husband & made several monetary gifts to her chauffeur, gardener and under-gardener with the gift of an opal & diamond brooch to her lady companion, Annie Linton.

Alderson B Horne (1863/1953) took delivery of GSR40 soon after it had been displayed on the Barker stand at the 1930 Motor Show – his brother was Sir W. Horne Chairman of Prudential Assurance company & Alderson was Chairman of Morib Plantations Ltd who dealt with coconut & rubber production in Malaya.  In the early 1900s Horne became a financial backer of theatres and by WWI was involved in providing entertainment for the troops.  He even took leading roles in several productions under the names of Waldo Wright & Anmer Hall (he claimed this to be his ancestral home but no evidence has been found!).  When Alderson died in 1953 the Rolls-Royce was inherited by his son David E. A. Horne (1898/1970) who was a star of both stage & screen – he excelled at portraying gentlemen of a pompous nature!! These films included Lord of the Manor, The Cardinal, Night Train to Munich, Martin Luther and his final role was in Diamonds for Breakfast cast as the Duke of Windemere.

During the 1980s the car was owned by Alexander Andreadis a scion of the Andreadis Greek shipping family – he married three times & his first wife was none other than the exceptionally well-connected and fabulously wealthy Christina Onassis!  Their union was short lived 1975/1977 and his second, younger wife was a descendant of Comte d’Estainville & Lt. Col Oppenheim (banking).  This 2^nd marriage to Marella Oppenheim lasted a bit longer (1981/1985) and his last marriage in 1988 was to Debra Grace (a model & daughter of a mini-cab driver)!  Alexander was a keen classic car enthusiast and over time his collection included several Rolls-Royce PIIs, a PI Springfield, a PIII, a 20hp & a Silver Wraith.