1928 Rolls-Royce 20 HP, Park Ward Limousine, Chassis Number GKM 42, Engine Number R 9 L and UK Registration Number WW 7562. With the original metal registration bumper tag WW 7562.
"The Journey"
Tom Wetli began his quest to own a classic car beginning at a young age. To raise capital to facilitate the purchase of his “dream classic car” he spent nearly ten years buying, restoring, and selling vintage cars. In the summer of 1968 Tom had raised enough money to purchase a 1928 Rolls-Royce that was for sale in England. Tom finalized the deal to purchase the Rolls Royce in August 1968, purchasing the car from Norman Cox of Belper, Derbyshire, England. Mr. Cox was the third owner of the car with the car first being purchased by Barry Simmons, of Radford, Nottingham who then sold the car to the second owner John Butters LTD, Friar Gate, Derbyshire. Once the deal was made between Tom and Mr. Cox, the car was shipped in late August from Bristol aboard the ship Manchester Commerce and arrived in Toronto City October 16, 1968, then on to Navy Pier in Chicago on October 17th where Tom had traveled to retrieve the car and bring it back to Ohio.
Being a young Midwesterner, who had never driven a Rolls-Royce, Tom had to find a “seasoned” auto enthusiast on the pier to help him figure out how to get into the car and get it started. You see, when it was shipped it was locked from the inside, and the keys were locked in the trunk to prevent the car from being vandalized in route. Once Tom paid the old guy a few dollars to help him, he got into the car and drove it back to Payne, Ohio, from Chicago. Tom has been the only American to own this car.
The Rolls - Royce has been fully restored by D & D Classics in Covington, Ohio, during the years 2010-2013. This classic is in impeccable condition and has won a national award for restoration.
For over 50 years this car has been an important part of Tom and Mary Wetli’s family. Starting with their wedding day in August of 1970, they used the Rolls as their going-away car. Since that time, the car has created terrific memories for their family by escorting their children to prom, driving in parades, exhibiting in car shows, and much more. With Tom’s passing in the summer of 2020, the family has made the decision to sell their beloved Rolls Royce at auction. They hope that this car brings as much enjoyment to the new owners as it has to them over the past fifty years.