British Automotive Royalty marries American Technology to Create Peter Ouimet’s 1931 Rolls-Royce Shooting Brake!

May 14, 2025Gordon Ficke15 views

Vintage and Historic Vehicle enthusiast and restorer Peter Ouimet has created the perfect practical classic car! When I first saw this unusual 1931 Rolls-Royce Shooting Brake (woody station wagon), it looked completely original, except for the left hand drive steering wheel! Honestly, I didn’t know that Rolls-Royce even made a station wagon, let alone a Woody!

Peter purchased this Rolls-Royce from an online auction called ‘Bring a Trailer,’ around 3 1/2 years ago from the previous owner who lived in Colorado. This yellow and black model 20/25 was in close to original condition. This car spent the first part of its life in England before being purchased by an American from southern California, some time in the 1970s. It even ran in the 1994 ‘Great Race’ that ran from California to Pennsylvania. Some time afterwards it became part of an automotive collection on the U.S.A.’s east coast before being purchased by the seller who entered it once in the 2013 Great Race, that travelled this time from Saint Paul, Minnesota to Mobile, Alabama.

This 1931 Rolls-Royce model 20/25 Shooting Brake was originally manufactured with a 3.7 litre straight six-cylinder engine with a 4-speed manual gearbox, with synchro in 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears. It was shod with 19” tires and the drum brakes were mechanically assisted. And, as you guessed, it was originally right hand drive.

For those readers that are unfamiliar with the fact that Rolls-Royce manufactured cars in the U.S.A., here are a few facts. They built cars in Springfield, Massachusetts from 1921 until 1931. As a result of the Great Depression, the plant was closed in 1931. Interestingly, in 1925 there was a push for the company to produce left hand drive cars, however that wasn’t implemented until four years later.

“I challenged a friend of mine who owned Monk Custom Woodworking in
Grande Prairie, Alberta to rebuild the complete Rolls-Royce Shooting Brake wooden body. He had experience in building some wooden boats.” Peter reported. “However, I preferred the oak over the mahogany, that was the original wood used, and he agreed!” enthused Ouimet. When his friend was dismantling the wooden body, he encountered termite holes. “We strengthened the wooden body by installing a six inch wall behind the front seats with a bar and picnic trays in the wall.” Peter revealed. “Also, a wall was erected behind the back seats for added strength. This was not factory original.” To add more rigidity to the roof ceiling, custom rabbited joinery on the oak planks were used and then glued into place with epoxy two-part resin.

There was no rust on the body, as the hood, fenders and running boards were all made out of aluminum. The wooden dashboard and all the wood trim were remade with disfigured maple wood that is found in swamps. “While my friend was working on the wood body, we were building the new frame.” Peter explained. “The original 3.7 litre 6-cylinder engine that produced only 20 horsepower was pulled and replaced with an LS3 Chevrolet crate engine that produces 440 horsepower and a 6-speed automatic transmission, purchased from Prestons Chevrolet Performance Parts in Langley, B.C. MTMM Performance and I installed this engine in the Rolls-Royce. We had to modify the hood as it was a very tight fit.” The Rolls-Royce’s frame, four-speed manual transmission, front suspension system, drum brake system, rear end, right-hand steering column, steering wheel and other original parts that were removed from this car, were stored with the original engine on a shelf and will be rebuilt and used in another project.

The I-Beam front axle complete with four bar and heavy leaf spring replaced the original one to allow disc brakes to be fitted, and to maintain the stance and look of the original car. A Ford 9-inch rear end with 3.70 gears with 31 splines replaced the original differential and 9” disc brakes were added all around. Double adjustable shock absorbers with coil over springs were installed front and back. The new steering column, gearbox and Vega Power Steering Box were purchased from Speedway. “We custom fitted the steering column to the left side.” Ouimet exclaimed. “What a big job that turned out to be!” The vintage 1931 steering wheel could not be fitted to the new steering column, so a more modern one was purchased and installed.

A custom-built stainless-steel fuel tank and custom stainless-steel exhaust system attached to the headers on this engine complete this engine and drivetrain build. The beautiful interior was reupholstered by Wallace Upholstery in Kamloops, B.C. Six way power front seats were installed. The seat frames were purchased from Wise Guys. Vintage Air was installed both front and back in the passenger compartment. “I made all the door hardware and latching mechanisms.” Peter declared. “I also made the vinyl padded top that covered the wooden roof.”

The technical work, bodywork and paint were performed by MTMM Performance in Merritt, B.C. The two-tone paint job is Royal Blue for the fenders and silver for the sides. The complete stainless-steel trim and brass finishing work was done by another Merritt company, Nomad Fabricating. All the chrome hardware, bumpers and grille were boxed up and sent to Electroshine in Sidney, B.C. The custom built 18-inch 100 spoke knockoff wheels were made by Dayton Wire Wheels in Ohio, and were also purchased from Speedway. Once they were installed they really made the car shine!

“I enjoyed searching for parts on Britain’s e-Bay.” Ouimet revealed. “For instance, I sourced a brand new set of 1931 Rolls-Royce trafficators (semaphore turn signal indicators that flip out of the B-pillars), as well as horns in a box, etc.”

“All in all this restoration was a three-year project, finally finishing it in the
summer of 2024.” Peter stated with a sigh of accomplishment and relief.
“The Funk’s Garage Car Show was the first appearance for my Shooting
Brake, as I had only finished it a couple of days prior to that event! Joyfully,
for the first time out, this Rolls came away with a First Place Trophy!”

“For 2025 I plan on taking this unique Shooting Brake to a number of B.C. car shows.” Ouimet Confirmed. It will be the feature car at the Central Fraser Valley Car Show on April 27th in Aldergrove, B.C. It will also be in the British Car Show at the Summerland Pyramid Winery on May 4th, the June
20th to 25th Penticton Peach Valley Beach Cruise, The Merritt Cruisers Car Show in Merritt, B.C. on July 27th, and the Abbotsford Agi-Fair on the August long weekend. “I hope to get out to as many car shows as possible to showcase my latest pride and joy!”