Lot details
Registration No: BL 4181
Chassis No: 16090
Mot Expiry: Exempt

- Bodied by the Olympia Carriage Works Ltd of Hammersmith

- Featured in The Beaulieu Encyclopaedia of the Automobile (Volume 2)

- Well known in VCC circles (and dated on 24th August 1957)

Further Info:

Introduced in 1912, the Vinot 12/14hp was powered by a four-cylinder 1692cc monobloc engine allied to four-speed manual transmission. The former featured pressure lubrication; while the latter employed a vertical change mechanism (3rd and 4th being sited under 1st and 2nd within its cylindrical casing). One of just two cars known to have been bodied by the Olympia Carriage Works Ltd of Hammersmith - the other being a Bentley 3 Litre - chassis 16090 was first registered as `BL 4181' on 6th April 1915. Supplied new to Edward Freeman of Wellington College, the Tourer subsequently passed to Arthur Curtis of Middlesex (December 1916) and Arthur Short of Nottingham (March 1919). Reputedly belonging to the Skelmesdale Shoe and Slipper Co by c.1940, the Vinot was sold to Douglas Dixon of St Helens during 1956 and only entered the current family ownership upon his death some forty-four years later. Writing to Motor Sport magazine in June 1976, Mr Dixon recalled that he had (a) found the 12/14hp `in complete and original condition, only in need of a repaint', (b) `done many thousands of miles both on rallies and long runs for my own pleasure' and (c) placed 3rd-in-class during the VCC's 1960 Prescott meeting. Well known in Veteran Car Club circles since it was issued with Certificate of Dating No. 657 on 24th August 1957, `BL 4181' has also graced the pages of Veteran & Vintage magazine (June 1964) and The Beaulieu Encyclopaedia of the Automobile (Volume 2, edited by Nick Georgano). Treated to sundry rewiring in 2000 and refurbished wire wheels / fresh tyres in 2003, the Tourer underwent a thorough engine overhaul in 2005 (circa 800 miles ago). Upgraded with a dynamo, electric fan and modern starter motor, this delightfully patinated Vinot burst eagerly into life upon a recent inspection. Offered for sale with history file including old MOT certificates dating back to 1961, assorted marque information and numerous invoices.