1931 Rolls-Royce 20/25hp 'Dreadnought Special'
Coachwork by Bespoke Bodyworks
Registration no. TL 1663
Chassis no. GNS39
Engine no. Y6J
•Unique Blower Bentley-style special
•Supercharged engine (190bhp, 350lb/ft torque)
•Shortened (108' wheelbase) chassis
•Extensively up-rated running gear
•Extensive build details and records available
Footnotes:
Reconfigured as a Bentley-style 'Dreadnought Special', this exciting one-off, coachbuilt Rolls-Royce 20/25 is eligible for VSCC events. One of an estimated 3,827 produced, chassis number 'GNS39' was off test on 21st January 1931 and completed with two-door drophead coupé coachwork by H J Mulliner. On 3rd March 1931 the car was given the registration 'TL 1663', which it retains. The first owner was a Mr Vincent Hemery. When photographed in 1966, the car was still fitted with its original body.

In June 2014 the Rolls-Royce was purchased by the current vendor, whose intention was to create a unique special. Without question the Dreadnought's most striking feature is its Brooklands Bentley-style aluminium race body by Bespoke Bodywork of Church Crookham, who hand-formed it over an ash frame. The chassis was shortened to the 108' wheelbase of the Bentley 3-Litre Supersports 100mph 'Green Label' model, while the springs were lowered, reset, and cord bound. Suspension movement is damped by André Hartford racing shock absorbers, while braking is looked after by bespoke Alfin aluminium brake drums with cast-iron liners and modern friction material. Boasting 'Dreadnought'-engraved spinners, the wheels are shod with road-legal Blockley racing tyres.

The 3.7-litre six-cylinder overhead-valve engine is fed by a period Godfrey Marshall K300 blower and is said to produce 190bhp at 4,000rpm and 350lb/ft of torque. This rebuilt and extensively up-rated engine incorporates a new Fiennes Restorations alloy cylinder head; forged pistons, a lightweight flywheel, and a bespoke Newman camshaft specifically ground for supercharged application. All machining work was carried out by a pre-eminent UK classic racing engine builder, and the engine was set up and dynamometer-tested by a leading UK supercharging specialist. The transmission has been rebuilt and modified to incorporate an AP Racing clutch and Laycock overdrive. The body is finished in a dark green, while the cockpit has been trimmed in Burgundy leather by Trevor Norris. The build was completed in 2018, since when only some 1,000 miles have been covered.

Accompanying this unique car are volumes of history including a copy of the original purchase order from Rolls-Royce; previous registration documents; current V5C document; restoration receipts; and a complete photographic record of all work carried out. All in all, this is an incredible, prize-winning car that attracts favourable attention wherever it goes. Obviously not a genuine Blower Bentley, it is on offer at a fraction of genuine Blower Bentley money.