Vintage R.R.20hp to buy or not?

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For years I have hankered over owning one of these lovely old cars but have concerns regarding spares/parts costs. I have previously and currently run vintage, my present car is 1928 Vauxhall 20/60, therefore I am used to 'that side of ownership'. However, the R.R. I have been told are very expensive regarding spare parts, but I guess that maintenance/repair issues are no different to any other quality car. It is also said that the 20hp is very slow on the road? Comment and advise welcomed.

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guru_1071 said:

id say that the 20hp is the last of the 'vintage' rolls with no front brakes etc.

a far better option would be a slighty later 20/25 as they are far more suited to modern roads with the four wheel servod brakes etc etc.

spares are avalible through the club / specalist for both models, but i think the 20/25 is far better catered for

have a look at

http://www.realcar.co.uk/

my old man had had a few off ian & ray over the years and has nothing but praise for them

edit, if your used to looking after old cars you will be ok, most nowdays will be sorted cars (unless you buy a barn find one) that have had problems like overheating sorted.

my dad 20/25 is fine in traffic, up to 55mph, and more it starts to wander a bit and its not as much fun - its also easy to maintain - just oiling and greasing and what not. most of the problems we have is poor work done by people looking to cut corners or not understanding how to work in them.

buy one, you wont regret it! (as long as you dont buy a dog!)

Edited by guru_1071 on Saturday 19th March 14:31

Thanks for the info', interesting stuff. I have seen the realcar site and been looking for a couple of years now. I prefer the looks of the 20hp but appreciate your comments regarding the more up to date 20/25. Maybe I can find a vintage looking model that will satisfy my preferences. I am not a club member but assume the R.R. club could offer pre purchase inspection service?

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Again thank you for tips/advise. I will be selling my Vauxhall and vintage caravan later in the year and then take the R.R. plunge. Seen the 1926 Cockshoot bodied car at Realcar and quite like the looks of it, I know they have had that car in stock for a while now so if its still available in mid Summer may have a closer look. Certainly it has the style that I prefer, don't want to rush into anything but would like to buy this Summer if the right car pops up. Thanks again for tips.

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Now thats truly a prospect I do not relish, I had heard of the complicated engineering of early R.R. which is one reason for my post. My previous pre war cars have been quite simple mechanics, Austin, Morris, Bayliss Thomas and so on, but I imagined the R.R. to be on another level. Thanks for posting Balmoral, food for thought.

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Thanks Warren, a vintage Silver Ghost owner has just moved into the area and is starting an all marque club. Apparently he restored his Ghost so clearly a knowledgeable chap, time to get myself along to the meetings. Then if I still decide to take plunge I will join the RREC as you suggest.

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Thanks for input James, I will certainly join the RREC before deciding on which model to go for, meanwhile my Vauxhall 20/60 is in the car hospital at the moment being treated to an top end overhaul. Also new piston rings are being made, fortunately the engine is in good condition so far as bearings / pistons and so on are concerned. So, if I do decide to sell then it will be running beautifully for test drives and new ownership.