Lot details Registration No: VN 7885 Chassis No: 546726 Mot Expiry: June 2010
Although named after project consultant and LSR car designer Reid Railton, the Railton marque was the brainchild of former Invicta founder, Noel Macklin. No stranger to the use of proprietary running gear, Macklin settled on the Hudson Essex-Terraplane as the basis for a sporting Anglo-American hybrid. Introduced in 1933, the resultant Railton-Terraplane was a lightweight four-seater with nigh-on 100mph performance. Based around a ladder-frame chassis equipped with lowered semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension, Andre-Hartford telecontrol dampers and four-wheel drum brakes, it was powered by a 4010cc straight-eight engine allied to three-speed manual transmission. If anything, the 1934 cars were faster still thanks to their adoption of the Hudson Challenger Eight chassis with its enlarged 4168cc, 113bhp powerplant. By now known simply as Railtons, they could be had with a variety of saloon, drophead coupe or tourer coachwork. However, each variant bore the same Gordon Crosby designed Invicta-esque radiator shell and riveted bonnet decoration. Enjoying its best ever season in 1935, Railton reputedly sold some 377 cars.
Finished in black with blue leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "good" condition with regard to its engine, three-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, bodywork and paintwork. While, he considers the interior trim to be "very good" and notes that (a) "there is a small dent to the driver's door", (b) "the bonnet fit is slightly misaligned" and (c) "the paint on the spare wheel carriers is a little tired". The subject of an extensive restoration whilst resident in America some years ago, the Carbodies saloon sports a striking Pegasus mascot, capacious boot, dual spotlights / horns and twin side-mounted spare wheels. As well as a sunroof and opening windscreen, the interior benefits from rich wood veneers, picnic tables, vanity mirrors and cut-glass ashtrays. Reported to "start and run well", the Railton is further understood to possess "a very comfortable driving position and loads of torque". Offered for sale due to the downsizing of a fourteen car collection, `VN 7885' is accompanied by MOT certificate valid until June 2010 and sundry tools.
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