Russell Cook
1928 Mulliner Weyman Sports Saloon GFN8
A delightful owner-driver example with a full length Kopalapso sunroof, lots of special order items, tall diff, overdrive and lovely history briefly describe the car as auctioned by Brightwells in their December 2022 sale where it was bought by Russell Cook. It was also described as having excellent tyres and good paintwork and fabric covering, running and driving as one would expect and one of the most interesting 20hp’s they have had the pleasure of offering for sale.
Ordered by George Minchin, a man of significant means and supplier of batteries to Rolls – Royce themselves, he had sufficient sway at the factory to incorporate a number of special order items. These included a 1.5 inches taller radiator with black – finish vertical shutters, a 2 inch wider dashboard, higher at the centre and finished in aluminium. The bonnet was 4 inches longer to more approximate a mini Phantom of the period and the carburettor control was on the steering column for the first time. He also asked for an exhaust cut out and a taller 4.16:1 diff ratio.
Mulliner were commissioned to build the coachwork which included a Kopalapso full – length sunroof and a vertical rear mounted spare, all making it look sporty. Very much an owner – driver car it was a regular visitor at his place in France “Villa Beau Geste” and has been well known in RREC circles for many years.
Minchin went on to own 150 cars and wrote some interesting motoring novels, including “N7”, “ Silver Lady” and “Murder on the Monte Carlo Rally”.
Further owners were Cmdr Edward Micklem RN deputy Chairman of Vickers Armstrong who passed it on to Mr de Meray, a relation of Jules de Meray who worked with the designer on the Vickers machine gun.
Colonel D G Davies-Scourfield MC then took it over, the car ending up on display at a museum Near Chichester for nearly 40 years.
The late Michael Sedgwick undertook a valuation in the mid 1980’s describing the car as in fine order and unmodified except for 18inch wheels.
It was later recommissioned for use and sold by The Real Car Co in 2011 to the last registered owner prior to auction, now sadly deceased. In his care it was fastidiously maintained and put to regular use.
Further descriptions by Brightwells say that the condition of the car is impressive, as is the interior, which is stunning and has a full compliment of instruments on the unique dashboard. It has a modern overdrive unit, mascot and town cap. The car came with copies of old invoices plus a few recent ones, a copy of the Rolls-Royce 20hp handbook and factory build records. The car is illustrated on page 143 of Daltons “Those Elegant Rolls-Royce”
1928 Park Ward Limousine GWL40
The completed car was delivered to J C Lawson of Gosford Northumberland on 9th July 1928, chassis cards show the build progress of the car.
Brief History
Not known prior to 1954
Mr Linden Wright of Morpeth Northumberland December 1954 to September 1971
Mr Charles Murray of Newcastle upon Tyne September 1971 to November 1973
Mr Keith Lindsey of Newcastle upon Tyne November 1973 to March 1976
Mr Harry Smith of Great Wakering, Essex March 1976
Then to Mr Clive Press of Nottingham
Then Muess de l’Automobile de Bruxelles until 1996
Dealer in Southampton – Prescote Motor Carriages 1996 until 24th December 1998
Hill Vintage Wedding Cras of Deeside December 1998 to December 2013
Mr Russell Cook December 2013 to date
