Lot Ended
Description
Delightfully original example in running order; ideal mount
for VSCC Light Car events; rare survivor; find another!
Dubbed ‘The
Nippy Nine’, Rover’s 9/20 of 1924 was a more sophisticated alternative to the
preceding air-cooled Eight with a notably smooth 1,076cc four-cylinder OHV
engine allied to a 3-speed gearbox which gave it a top speed of 60mph.
They could have called it ‘The Thrifty Nine’ – a
1926 RAC Trial to see how far the 9/20 could travel on £5 worth of fuel and oil
found the answer to be 2,007 miles, an average of 41.9mpg. Available as a
saloon, an open two-seater and a four-seat tourer, it remained in production
until 1927 by which time around 13,000 had been sold.
First registered in March 1927, this delightfully original 9/20
four-seat tourer has four-wheel brakes and a wider chassis, features introduced
from 1925 onwards. Supplied new by Burridge’s Motor Works of Chippenham (their
plaque is still on the dash) it sadly comes with very little history but has
clearly led a sheltered life.
Our vendor acquired
the car in 2015 from a Wisbech gent who had owned it since 2007, reputedly
having the engine rebuilt and new wiring during his ownership, although there
are no invoices to support this.
In 2017 our
vendor had the SU carb rebuilt by Southern Carburettors (£300) and the magneto
was rebuilt by DH Day of Swindon who also supplied a set of the correct
(unsuppressed) rubber plug caps (£500). In regular light use until about four
years ago, the car has been garage-stored since and will require some
precautionary recommissioning before venturing forth once more.
Supplied with a hood and side-screens, all in
good condition. It also retains its original Wiltshire-issue number plate, MR
9021, which is transferable.
As you can see in
the photos, it looks correct and original, with bags of character, and would be
an ideal mount for VSCC Light Car events with room for all the family.
In 20 years of hosting these sales, this is the
first Rover 9 we have ever offered so you are unlikely to see another for sale
any time soon.
For more information contact
James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com
* All charges are subject to VAT