Lot details
Registration No: UM 2060
Chassis No: OE 250
Mot Expiry: Oct 2013

Now into its ninth decade, the argument as to whether the Vauxhall 30/98 is superior to the Bentley 4½ Litre (or vice versa) shows no sign of abating. Famously derived from Joseph Higginson's all conquering hillclimb special, the Luton machine has been a stalwart of the Vintage Sports Car Club since its inception. Evolving from E to OE specification in early 1923, the 30/98 had its chassis revised and engine reworked; the latter gaining a detachable cylinder head with overhead valve gear not to mention an extra 20bhp or so (up to 115bhp @ 3,300rpm). Front wheel brakes became optional on the newcomer later that year, while the last of the line variants boasted a closer ratio gearbox and hydraulic actuation for their anchors. GM subsumed Vauxhall in 1925 and OE-Type production ceased two years later after some 313 cars had been made.

This particular example - chassis number OE250 - is known to have left the Vauxhall Erecting Shop on 27th July 1925 and to have been road registered as 'UM 2060' by Leeds County Council that same day. The style and maker of its original coachwork are a mystery but an advertisement placed in the Autocar on 9th September 1927 indicates that by then the 30/98 had covered some 3,000 miles and was capable of 100mph.

Surviving World War Two, the Vauxhall was pictured in the 2nd April 1949 issue of Motorsport. A rolling chassis at the time complete with front axle, gearbox, rear axle, steering box / column / wheel, handbrake, gear lever, pedal assembly, driver's seat, radiator, rear wings and wheels plus the sidevalve engine from E344 (modified via a cutaway block to utilise twin SU carburettors), it was seemingly bereft of a body or bulkhead. The published photograph was taken by Arthur Archer Esq. who had just paid a five pound deposit to Eclin Molyneux Esq. of Angmering, Sussex for one 'Vauxhall 30/98 No: UM 2060'. Mr Molyneux told the story of how he had acquired the derelict car from Barry Drake Esq., Assistant Workshop Manager of Ricardo, in exchange for a Corgi folding motorcycle before convincing another Ricardo employee, Peter Smith Esq., to tow it back to Angmering.

Arthur Archer arranged for chassis OE 250 to be delivered to his father's premises in Dunmow, Essex by train on 27th April 1949. Upon arrival it joined another non-running Vauxhall 30/98 (chassis number E312) which had been included in the purchase of Mr Archer Senior's premises due to an unpaid debt. Arthur Archer lost little time in stripping and refurbishing chassis OE250. Keeping a journal along the way, he photographed the restored chassis, steering box and gearbox prior to installing the Mann Egerton body from chassis E312.

Between 1949 and 1953 Arthur Archer campaigned 'UM 2060' in a number of events, primarily with the Vintage Sports Car Club, including the Bisley Rally, the Welsh Trial and Prescott Hillclimb. However, the death of Mr Archer Senior in 1953 saw his son concentrate on the family business and chassis OE250 relegated to road use only thereafter. In keeping with the model's reputation for effortless torque and versatility, the 30/98 was used to tow start a local bus and was also responsible for conveying a young Mr and Mrs Archer on their first date to the cinema. During this period, Mr. Archer purchased a correct-type 'balanced crank' engine for 'UM 2060'; the unit in question being numbered OE244 (just six digits removed from that of the car's original powerplant). OE250 remained on the road until 1970 when it was laid up, with the intention of one day fitting engine OE244.

In 1984 the Mann Egerton body was returned to chassis E312. Entering the current ownership the following July, chassis OE250 was accompanied by engine OE244 not to mention a host of choice parts that Arthur Archer had gathered over time such as a near perfect cylinder head with the original factory machined markings and a good set of original 30/98 clutch discs.

Unsurprisingly given its acknowledged 30/98 expertise, Arthur Archer's company - A. Archer Co Ltd of Dunmow, Essex - was commissioned to comprehensively overhaul the car's back axle and OE244 engine (the latter benefiting from one of Julian Ghosh's slightly hotter camshafts in the process). A photographic record of both are included in the history file. As a point of interest, the Autovac currently fuelling engine OE244 was displayed on one of the Autovac company's Motorshow stands during the 1920's. Once reassembled, chassis OE250 was entrusted to Steve Penny who built a replica Velox body for it of exceptional quality. Following further work by A. Archer Co Ltd, the car was sent to John Foy for trimming. Interestingly, Mr Foy was also responsible for upholstering 30/98 historian Nic Portway's unique saloon. Although, the Vauxhall presently employs a Scintilla magneto, it comes with a correct-type Watford FO4 Magneto that has just been refurbished.

A participant in three VSCC Welsh Trials whilst in the vendor's care, 'UM 2060' has also been enjoyed as a touring car. It is described by him as a car which "goes well, drives beautifully and is in good working order without being spoilt by over restoration".

Benefitting from a recent service by A. Archer Co. Ltd this Vauxhall 30/98 offers a wonderful opportunity to purchase a magnificent example of 'The Finest of Sporting Cars' with a rich and eventful history.

PLEASE NOTE: The engine number for this vehicle is OE224 and not as stated in the catalogue.

PLEASE NOTE: This vehicle has an MOT until October 2013.