23rd Nov, 2005 0:00

The Pavilion Gardens

 
  Lot 68
 
Lot 68 - 1927 Lombard AL3 GL/R Drophead Coupe

1927 Lombard AL3 GL/R Drophead Coupe

Sold for £36,562

(including buyers premium)


Lot details
Registration No: UN-REG
Chassis No: 9
Mot Expiry: None

Founded by a group of French capitalists in 1927, the Lombard Company was named after its figurehead, the famous Salmson racing driver, Albert Lombard. Operating from a small factory in the Parisian suburbs, the new concern's first production design debuted at the 1927 Paris Salon. Christened the Type AL3, it was the work of engineer Vareilles whose previous projects had included the short-lived Vagova racer (notable for its advanced desmodronic valve gear). Built around a 94-inch wheelbase, 52-inch track ladder-frame chassis, the AL3 featured an underslung rear axle, leaf-sprung suspension and generous 13-inch four-wheel Perrot drum brakes. Powered by a sophisticated dohc four-cylinder 1100cc engine (complete with roller-bearing crankshaft) mated to a compact four-speed manual gearbox, the diminutive sportscar was credited with some 45bhp @ 4,800rpm. Reputedly capable of 85mph, the AL3 could be had in either closed 'Berlinetta' or open two-seater guises. An immediate success in voiturette racing circles, its popularity was enhanced still further by works driver Christian's class victory in the 1928 Circuit des Routes Pavees and Dhome's win in the 1929 Bol d'Or 24-hours race at an average speed of 46.8mph. Though, by the time of this latter triumph an over ambitious development programme had forced Lombard to sell the intellectual rights / patterns for the AL3 to rivals B.N.C.
Finished in yellow with black rexine upholstery, this particular MKI example (identifiable by its scuttle mounted fuel tank) wears coachwork by C.H. Duvale of Boulogne (or so an attached plaque bearing the number 5077 would imply). Though, whether or not it began life as a drophead coupe is unknown. Bought by Yasu Suzuki of Classic Lines Ltd from well-known historic racer Flavien Marcais in 2001, the Lombard had been part of the Frenchman's family since its acquisition by his grandfather (a former Lombard competitor) many years before. Subsequently entrusted to Ecurie Bertelli Ltd, they are now offering it for sale "to cover debts" following Classic Lines Ltd's cessation of trading and Yasu Suzuki's disappearance in 2002. Thought to have last run about ten years ago, it appears to be substantially complete. Exceptionally rare (total Lombard AL3 production is estimated to have been between 94 and 100 units) it has the makings of a thoroughly rewarding restoration project.

PLEASE NOTE: THE VENDOR OF THIS LOT HAS INFORMED US THAT TO THE BEST OF HIS KNOWLEDGE HE HAS DONE EVERYTHING NECESSARY UNDER UK LAW TO ENABLE HIM TO OFFER IT FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION. WHILE, HE DOES NOT POSSESS CLEAR TITLE TO THE LOMBARD A LETTER FROM HIS SOLICITORS STATING THAT HE "CAN STILL PROCEED WITH THE SALE BY AUCTION" (AS WELL AS CONFIRMING HIS / THEIR ATTEMPTS TO CONTACT MR SUZUKI) FORMS PART OF THE CAR'S PAPERWORK AND WILL BE AVAILABLE TO VIEW AT THE SALE.

PLEASE NOTE: WE HAVE ALSO BEEN INFORMED THAT DUE TO THE HAND BUILT NATURE OF LOMBARD PRODUCTION, NOT ALL THEIR ENGINES CONTAINED ROLLER BEARING CRANKSHAFTS.

PLEASE NOTE: We have not had this vehicle running.
 

All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.

You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:

               

Auction: The Pavilion Gardens, 23rd Nov, 2005

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