1936 Albion SPL 126 Van

Registration No: DLB 485
Chassis No: 36013K
MOT: Exempt

• Supplied new to J. Lyons & Co Ltd of Cadby Hall, Kensington
• Extensively restored between 2005 and 2008 (as documented by a 2,700 plus word report on file)
• Current owner used to be a Lyons employee and has treated the Albion to a thorough engine overhaul by Jonathan Wood and the fitment of overdrive (the latter permitting a 55mph cruise to be held)
• Winner of the 'Best Vehicle' Award at the Historic Commercial Vehicle Society's 2009 Trans Pennine and Tyne Tees Run and said to still be in 'first class order'

Introduced in September 1935, the Albion Model 126 boasted a lighter chassis and greater payload than its rivals. With an unladen weight of less than 50 cwt, the newcomer was allowed to operate at a higher maximum speed than other 3.5 – 4.5 ton commercial vehicles. Based around a massive ladder frame chassis featuring leaf-sprung suspension and four-wheel drum brakes, the Model 126 was powered by a choice of petrol or diesel engines. The former, designated EN212, was a 3.9 litre unit. Rated at 65hp, the four-cylinder was notable for the attention paid to its vibration damping (another plus for high-speed running). Remaining in production until the outbreak of World War Two, the Model 126 did much to reinforce Albion’s ‘Sure as the Sunrise’ marketing slogan.

According to the accompanying buff logbook, chassis 36013K was first registered as ‘DLB 485’ to J. Lyons & Co Ltd at its Cadby Hall factory in Kensington. The commercial’s beautifully applied livery includes a logo for Normand Garages which was effectively Lyons’ engineering department and responsible for not only servicing its fleet but also making van and lorry bodies. Acquired by its previous keeper in 2005, the Albion was treated to an exhaustive three-year restoration (the intricacies of which are detailed in a 2,700-word report on file) using a host of original spare parts. Subsequently featured in various magazines, the Model 126 finished runner-up at the Historic Commercial Vehicle Society’s London to Brighton Run in 2008 and won the 'Best Vehicle' award at the HCVS's Trans-Pennine and Tyne-Tees runs in 2009. A former Lyons & Co Ltd employee whose connection with the company thus ran deeper than fond memories of their famous tea shops or even Swiss rolls, the vendor purchased ‘DLB 485’ via a Bonhams’ Harrogate sale for £18,975 in 2013. Since then, the Albion has gone onto claim ‘Best in Show’ at the 2015 Sprat & Winkle Run from Sevenoaks to Hastings and been entered for the HCVS’s aborted 2018 London to Brighton Run. The seller has also used the Model 126 to transport his Veteran trikes around; a task made significantly easier after renowned Veteran and Vintage specialist Jonathan Wood completely overhauled the engine and Tim Payne installed an overdrive. Reportedly able to hold 55mph with ease, this wonderful Model 126 is capable of turning heads for more reasons than one! A genuinely lovely Post-Vintage commercial that is worthy of close inspection.

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737