Lot details Registration No: BMY 820 Chassis No: 26070 Mot Expiry: None
"Of the 36 primary features in modern motorcars, Frederick Lanchester was responsible for 18!" Autocar magazine
Three of the four Lanchester brothers - Fred George and Frank - arguably built the first truly all-British car in 1895 and quickly established a pattern of memorable automotive innovation. Sadly, in common with many other British marques, their company nevertheless succumbed to financial trouble and was taken over by BSA in 1931, which had already absorbed Daimler some eighteen years earlier. As a result of the above, the Lanchester Light Six of 1935/1936 became an early example of badge engineering, being very similar to the BSA Light Six and sharing its body with the Lanchester 10. The standard fare was a four-door, four-seat Saloon mounted on cross-braced chassis. However, some very attractive bespoke alternatives were produced by a range of independent coachbuilders. The newcomer was powered by 1378cc six-cylinder OHV engine that was fed by a single SU carburetter. The unit drove via a fluid flywheel to a four-speed pre-selector gearbox and on to an underslung worm drive rear axle. Suspension was by semi-elliptic springs all round. The standard Saloon would have sold for around £340 in period and some 1,075 examples of the model were made all told, making it a rare car in this day and age.
The Light Six Saloon on offer was manufactured in 1935 and features Black over Blue bodywork and Fawn-coloured interior. The current keeper apparently acquired `BMY 820' from an employee of Vernons Pools, who reportedly used it for "delivering the larger winnings!". The intention had been to fully restore the car and though the paintwork was tended to in the `80s, the job progressed no further, and the Lanchester has been dry stored ever since. The vendor tells us that prior to the car being laid up, the engine, gearbox and axle were in working order and that he currently regards the bodywork and paintwork as "good". The car is being sold without tax or MOT and will, we think it is fair to say, require a fair amount of restoration / recommissioning before taking to the roads once more. An interesting, affordable and potentially rewarding project.
All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.
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