This 1928 Rolls Royce 20 HP (chassis GKM20) was recently re-bodied in this fantastic, sweptback Park Ward Streamline saloon bodywork. Numbered B201, this body was originally commissioned by Bentley’s then-project engineer, Ivan Evernden, as a testbed used to demonstrate the benefits of applied lightness and aerodynamics to skeptical colleagues. Fitted to Bentley chassis B23AE, the car was timed at 103 MPH in November of 1933. Point proven, this 3 ½ liter car was re-bodied in a more traditional Van den Plas drophead replica, the special Streamline body thought to have been lost until recently. Find them both here as a package at realcar.co.uk in Gwynedd, Wales for 75k GBP (~$126,658 today).

​Though not running and in need of work, the Rolls Royce it is currently fitted to is a worthy car with interesting history in its own right, but we agree with the seller that ideally the two should be separated, body reunited to a correct 3 ½ liter Bentley chassis, Rolls fitted with original style Hooper saloon bodywork.

​ Work necessary to adapt the body to this chassis is described as both extensive and professional, the Rolls structure requiring a new scuttle, windscreen frame and aluminum wings, but as the seller points out both the original Bentley works registration number and Park Ward blueprints are available—two more reasons for the car to be given a proper 3 ½ liter chassis. Here’s a historic profile shot of the body as originally fitted to Bentley chassis B23AE.

​Rolls Royce 20HP chassis GKM20 was originally ordered by Sir Walter Runciman to serve as estate car for visiting politicians and nobility, the car in use on his Italianate villa until his death in 1937. A 12 year-old runaway turned shipping magnate, Runciman’s interesting personal history is further detailed in the ad. The car traded hands several times afterwards, and is said to have received a rebuilt motor in 1983—though it hasn’t been run since and will likely need further work again.

​Both bodywork and engine appear to be largely complete, the latter looking surprisingly clean considering its 31 year slumber since rebuild. Bodywork looks solid, and being of lightweight construction may be a mix of wood-framed canvas, thin-gauge steel and aluminum. The interior looks largely intact as well, but like the exterior will need quite a bit of cleaning. We like that everything seems to be pretty serviceable as-is, however, and hope that the body and cabin retain some degree of originality rather than end up over-restored for concours duty, likely though that scenario is.

​We’re surprised and a bit disappointed that such an apparently valuable piece of history ended up on an incorrect car, both pieces modified unnecessarily in the process. It’s a safe bet, however, that both pieces will get the treatment each rightfully deserves, and we look forward to following up on both a few years down the road. Anyone with a spare 3 ½ liter chassis in their cellar?