Condition:
The vehicle is in very good original condition with minimal alterations.  Runs very well and drives surprisingly well for an unrestored vehicle.  Original paint was black; however, it was repainted (rather poorly) in the late1960’s with metallic grey.  All wheel covers and locking rings have been kept.  Several original tools can still be found under the driver’s seat.  Original wheel wrench and jacking components are stored in the engine compartment.  Wood and leather are in good condition.  Welting around the driver side door needs to be redone.  The central oiling system and both trafficators work. The original leather coverings around the springs still exist but are looking a bit tattered.  The original suitcase ensemble for the boot was found in the garage at Fordell Castle a few years after I purchased the car.  It was kindly sent to me by Mr. Todd. (See history below).

History:
The vehicle was purchased by Maj. Beaumont from Jack Barclay in 1938.  Title changed to James Henderson in 1950’s.  Vehicle was kept at Fordell Castle in Scotland during the 50’s to mid 60’s.  I believe it was used in the marriage of James Henderson’s daughter, Anne Henderson to Martin Attlee.  Martin Attlee was the only son of Clement Attlee, Britain’s Prime Minister from 1945 to 1951.

When Clement Attlee died in 1967 (then known as Earl Attlee), his son, Martin, inherited the title and his wife, Anne, became the second Lady Attlee.  Consequently the Attlee name became attached to the vehicle.

The car was purchased by David Todd in the late 60’s and imported to Prince George, British Columbia, Canada.  Mr. Todd was a school superintendent in Prince George and was related by marriage to Anne’s brother, Barry.  Mr. Todd wanted the car for his daughter’s wedding.   Because of the extreme temperatures in Prince George, the original black paint flaked off the aluminum body.  Mr. Todd used his influence to have the car painted a metallic grey by students who were enrolled in the automotive program.  After his retirement, Mr. Todd visited Fordell Castle and found the original suitcase ensemble that fits the boot.

I purchased the car from Mr. Todd in 1974 and drove it from Prince George to Vancouver, a distance of 500 miles.  Looking back, I feel very fortunate that I did not encounter any problems during that drive.  I was reassured by Mr. Todd that the car ran well and I naively started the car and simply drove away.  I had no knowledge of Rolls Royce cars let alone a 25/30 or the condition of this particular car. 

During the 30 plus years I have had the car, I’ve attended a few car meets.  In the late 70’s I attended the International RROC meet in Seattle.  Most recently I attended the local chapter of the RROC’s Rolls Royce Centenary celebration in May of 2004.  Other than driving the vehicle around the neighbourhood on a bi weekly basis, I have not been active with the car.

To my surprise, the picture of the car is published in Dalton’s Elegant Rolls Royce.  It is located on page 223, middle picture.  It appears that the picture was taken in 1938 in front of Jack Barclay.

Recently I had the good fortune to meet another relative of the Henderson family, Marny Pierson.  She is the wife of the local RROC executive member, John Pierson.  She recalls being the flower girl at the marriage between the Attlees and the Hendersons.  It is fascinating how GH058 has weaved itself through the lives of many.