Lot details
Registration No: N/A
Chassis No: 16122
Mot Expiry: N/A

Even the non-boating fraternity recognise the name, such has been the power of the Chris Craft marque. It was founded in 1884 by the wonderfully christened Christopher Columbus Smith, and at a time when would-be motor manufacturers were using internal combustion engines to produce the first cars, Smith was doing the same for boats. His company can also be considered one of the founders of the speedboat and was quick to exploit the early interest in powerboat racing, winning the American Powerboat Association's Gold Cup six years running. However, Chris Craft is most famous for its leisure range of mahogany hulled powerboats built from the 1920s through into the 1950s - over that period it was the largest manufacturer of such craft in the world, with a throughput of around 1,000 boats per annum. It also produced a large range of vessels in connection with the war effort, including no less than 10,000 landing craft.

The vessel being sold is a 17-ft DeLuxe Runabout manufactured by Chris Craft in 1935 and first sold though the company's London agent of the time, Arthur Bray. This stunning right-hand drive boat is remarkably original in most respects, its chrome fittings, flagpole, paddle and light pole all as they were when new. However, it has recently been recommissioned by Tim Walker Restorations, at which time an overhauled engine and new fuel tank were installed and the wiring replaced. Varnished as it would have been when new, the Chris Craft is powered by a four-cylinder engine of 55bhp. The vendor considers the hull and the general finish to be "very good" and the restored engine and transmission to be "absolutely fine". This splendid runabout comes complete with a galvanised modern trailer and would be equally at home in Monaco harbour as in attendance at the Henley Regatta.