The first production cars were the 10hp Type A models, developed from Royce’ s three experimental prototypes. Nineteen were planned, although only 17 were ultimately constructed.
Chassis 20150 was the first production example, although it is more accurately regarded as a Royce because there is no known evidence of Rolls’ s involvement. Chassis 20151 is generally considered the first Rolls-Royce following their agreement. Then came 20152, the first to feature the radiator shape that would become synonymous with the marque, followed by 20153. Then, in November 1904, came 20154. Developed as a show car, it was fitted with elegant Park Phaeton coachwork by Barker, incorporating an occasional rear seat. It was the third car to feature the new Rolls-Royce radiator and the fourth to carry the Rolls-Royce name.
Its first major assignment was an international debut at the Salon de l’ Automobile in Paris, held from 9 to 25 December 1904.
C. Vivian Moore drove 20154 from London to Southampton, crossed the Channel and then continued from Le Havre to Paris. The Autocar proudly described the Rolls-Royce display as“ all- British cars in the midst of France’ s best”, praising its design and workmanship. The French agreed presenting Rolls with a special medal which today resides with his other driving awards in the
Monmouth Museum. The following February, 20154 appeared on the Rolls-Royce stand at the Olympia Motor Exhibition in London.
Its subsequent life was rather less glamorous, but equally important to its story. Rolls was keen to promote the 10hp as an ideal car for members of the medical profession, and 20154 is believed to have briefly been owned by a Dr
Briggs in 1905. It subsequently passed through several owners in Scotland and Yorkshire before being acquired in 1920 by Percy C. Binns.
Binns used it until 1930, when the veteran was finally retired. For two decades, 20154 effectively disappeared from the motoring world.
Its rediscovery in 1950 is almost as remarkable as its survival.
Oliver Langton, a celebrated pre-war speedway and TT rider, found the car in a farm building at Seacroft, near Leeds. It had reportedly been among vehicles parked in a field during the Second World War to
26 The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run