Oldest surviving £50K 'baby' Rolls to be auctioned

The oldest surviving 'baby' Rolls-Royce in the world is set to be auctioned.

The super-rare 1921 Rolls-Royce 20hp Cabriolet will go under the hammer at Barons auction house, Sandown Park, Surrey, on April 29th.

Believed to be the only surviving model of its kind, the 20hp is the fourth experimental chassis built under the 'Goshawk' code name.

It was originally designed by Rolls-Royce in an attempt to develop a car more suitable for owner-drivers - following the company's realisation the sophisticated Silver Ghost was beyond the skill - and beneath the dignity - of most owners to maintain.

Given the chassis number chassis number 4 G 11 the car played an important role in the development of the company - in possession of the three-speed, centrally located gearbox, and brakes on the rear wheels only.

"It is very exciting to be able to offer such a rare and important piece of Rolls-Royce history. It's also a very usable car, and should prove delightful to own and drive," said Barons' managing director, Laurence Sayers Gillan.

The vehicle is expected to fetch between £30,000 and £50,000.