1934 Vauxhall Big Six BXL Limousine

Lot details
Registration No: JB 6472
Chassis No: BXL640436
Mot Expiry: May 2012

Vauxhall, the innovative British manufacturer that brought us such automotive gems as the 30/98, lost its independence to the mighty General Motors in 1925. However, it took some three years for the American company's financial muscle and design influence to filter through to the showroom. First came the 20/60 with its OHV engine, coil ignition and central gearchange, then the Cadet that boasted a synchromesh gearbox. However it was the introduction of the Light Six models in 1933 and the Big Six range the following year that finally propelled Vauxhall into the world of mass production. There were two models of the Light Six (12 and 14hp) and two of the Big Six (20 and 27hp). The latter was powered by a 3180cc OHV unit and featured such niceties as built-in trafficators, auto-chassis lubrication and the Pedomatic system by which the engine was started when the accelerator was first depressed. A range of body styles was offered including Saloon, Limousine, Drophead Coupe and Four-door Cabriolet. The Big Six sold well, with some 3,788 examples departing the Luton factory between 1934 and 1936.

The Big Six on offer is a 27hp BXL model manufactured in 1934/1935. The L in BXL stands for long wheelbase and 'JB 6472' is a Grosvenor Westminster Limousine with chauffeur's partition and fold-out occasional seats. Said to be one of only nine such cars known to the B-type Vauxhall Register (of which just four are currently roadworthy), it is finished in Blue over Black with Brown leather upholstery. Apparently owing its survival to a combination of (a) many years spent as a museum exhibit and (b) a subsequent period of storage, the imposing limousine has since been treated to an extensive but sympathetic restoration that was only recently completed. The vendor now rates the bodywork and paintwork as "excellent", the engine and gearbox as "very good", the chromework as "good/patinated" and the interior trim as "very good/original". Nicely detailed, this delightful looking Big Six plays host to a smoker's hatch, Lucas Owl's Eye rear light, twin cased / side-mounted spare wheels, aeronautically-inspired door handles, solid walnut door cappings and Vauxhall's trademark scalloped bonnet sides etc.