Lot details
Registration No: EY 2671
Chassis No: 45210
Mot Expiry: May 2012

A civil engineer by profession, Reginald Walter Maudslay was quick to recognise the rapidly increasing scope of the horseless carriage and founded the Standard Motor Company in Coventry during 1903. By the end of that year, three cars powered by over-square, single-cylinder engines had been produced and a labour force of twenty-five amassed. There are various explanations for the company name, from the cars being assembled from 'standardised patterns and interchangeable parts' to the founder proclaiming he 'was determined to maintain the best possible standard'. Whatever, success came its way and in 1924 production reached 10,000 cars, earning it a market share comparable to that of the Austin Motor Company. The models produced in the '20s were named after English towns - not just those local to the factory, such as Canley, Kenilworth and Warwick, but some much further afield, eg Teignmouth, Falmouth and Exmouth. The Warwick SLO4 was a 4/5-seater Tourer powered by an advanced 1944cc four-cylinder OHV engine of 13.9 hp mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. Records suggest that there are only three or four Warwicks remaining worldwide, making them a very rare find indeed.

The right-hand drive 1923 Warwick SLO4 Tourer offered is finished in Cream matched by a Brown interior. It was acquired by the vendor in 1992 in partly restored form - the refurbishment was then completed two years later. The mechanical work carried out included: an engine and magneto overhaul; clutch reline; electrical upgrade to incorporate Lucas dynamo and cut-out (the original items are included in the sale). The attention to the bodywork encompassed: the fitting of replacement wings (these were manufactured using originals as patterns); a retrim in Rexine using a sister car for reference; the hood recovered by Sussex trimmer Mick Triggs. The vendor describes the car as "a good reliable runner with decent performance" and, since the restoration, has regularly employed it for rallies and club events etc. He informs us that 'EY 2671' is recorded by the Standard Register and the Tourer comes complete with history file and is taxed and MOT'd into May next year. A great opportunity to acquire a rare but very usable vintage Tourer.