The Rolls-Royce 20/25 was an outstanding automobile aimed at the owner/driver market and became tremendously popular, becoming the most successful interwar Rolls-Royce. Its success enabled Rolls-Royce to survive the economic difficulties of the Great Depression and remain one of the world's great brands.

According to a historical summary by Mark Smith on file, this fascinating example was specially ordered by Russian Grand Duke Dmitri Pavlovich Romanov, one of the few of his family to survive the Russian Revolution. Romanov was obviously a man of great taste as he selected French coachbuilder Joseph Figoni, perhaps the greatest stylist of his day, to design the body for his new Rolls-Royce. The design for this 20/25 was rather sporting, being of much smaller proportions than a standard saloon. The history document on file also asserts that Romanov had this car built specifically for his lover, Coco Chanel. Fitting for a woman of such style, this 20/25 saloon displays elegant lines, beautiful proportions, and a stylish, intimate interior. Today, the Rolls-Royce is finished in two-tone cream and black paint with a patinated light cloth interior and red wire wheels.

Accompanied by a copy of its original build sheet and a pair of Marchal Aerolux headlamps, this unique and gorgeous Rolls-Royce offers tremendous value given its unique history and the legendary build quality for which the marque is known.

*Please note that this Lot, like all vehicles in this Auction, has been in long-term static storage and may not be currently operational. It will require mechanical attention prior to any road use.

Gooding & Company presents and conducts the Estate of Mark Smith Auction under the authority of John J. Rendemonti, Executor of the Estate of Mark J. Smith, duly appointed by the Circuit Court of the State of New Hampshire, Probate Division, Case Number 312-2022-ET-00072. The Estate has compiled available title and/or registration paperwork for the Vehicles offered in the Auction and will provide such paperwork to the Buyer if it is available. However, as set forth more fully in the Conditions of Sale, neither the Estate nor Gooding makes any representation or warranty with respect to any existing certificate of title or registration with regard to any Lot in the Auction. Any Lot may be sold on a Bill of Sale. By participating in this Auction, all bidders and buyers recognize that Estate and Gooding have expressly disclaimed all such warranties concerning the availability or sufficiency of any title or registration documentation.