In the years of the Depression immediately after the First World War, it was inevitable that there would be a drop in demand for luxury cars at the top end of the market. Rolls-Royce knew it could not rely purely on such prestige models as its Silver Ghost for survival and thus decided to produce a smaller and more affordable model. The resultant 20HP was indeed considerably smaller than its previous cars and was powered by an all new six cylinder engine of 3,127cc mated to a three speed transmission with centrally mounted gear lever. This sturdy chassis was leaf-sprung at both ends while brakes were fitted to the rear axle only, on which the centrally-mounted handbrake also operated. Introduced in 1922, and quickly nick-named ''The Baby Rolls'', the 20HP was warmly received and soon became a popular model. Coachwork could be sourced from a wide variety of specialist concerns in closed, open *or* touring forms. The centrally-mounted gear lever and handbrake, however, did lead to some c