Toby Wilson
Head of Department
LOT 119
1914 Simplex LaFrance Speedster Registration no. SV 8056 Chassis no. 569
Estimate: £60,000 - £80,000
Lot 119
1914 Simplex LaFrance Speedster Registration no. SV 8056 Chassis no. 569
1914 Simplex LaFrance Speedster
Registration no. SV 8056
Chassis no. 569
Registration no. SV 8056
Chassis no. 569
Odometer Reading: TBA
MoT Expiry: Exempt
*Unique LaFrance Speedster
*9,500cc engine
*Rebuilt in 1996
Originally known as a manufacturer of fire engines and commercial vehicles, American LaFrance can trace its roots all the wat back to 1871. Upon its founding, the company originally focused on iron working, however the business then diverged and started building rotary steam engines. In 1903, the company then diverged even further and built approximately 25 chain drive cars with tube coil radiators mounted below the front of the frame. In 1909, the company then purchased and shipped Simplex chain-driven rolling chassis to their new factory in Elmira, New York, where new bodies were fitted and badged as a LaFrance. Presented here is a 1917 Simplex LaFrance Speedster that has been rebuilt in 1996. The standard of the build is high, and the car offers a truly unique open-top driving experience. Power comes from LaFrance's large four-cylinder 9½-litre engine that's paired to a 3-speed manual gearbox. The car also features 24" wooden wheels that are shod with Michelin tyres. The car also uses a modern electric starter motor. The Speedster's chassis was professionally shortened and narrowed resulting in an imposing and highly effective Edwardian special. The bodywork, interior, running gear and electrics all present well, and the car also comes with a good history file. The engine starts and runs very well. A truly unique vehicle.
Please click the link to view the walkaround video of this lot: click here
MoT Expiry: Exempt
*Unique LaFrance Speedster
*9,500cc engine
*Rebuilt in 1996
Originally known as a manufacturer of fire engines and commercial vehicles, American LaFrance can trace its roots all the wat back to 1871. Upon its founding, the company originally focused on iron working, however the business then diverged and started building rotary steam engines. In 1903, the company then diverged even further and built approximately 25 chain drive cars with tube coil radiators mounted below the front of the frame. In 1909, the company then purchased and shipped Simplex chain-driven rolling chassis to their new factory in Elmira, New York, where new bodies were fitted and badged as a LaFrance. Presented here is a 1917 Simplex LaFrance Speedster that has been rebuilt in 1996. The standard of the build is high, and the car offers a truly unique open-top driving experience. Power comes from LaFrance's large four-cylinder 9½-litre engine that's paired to a 3-speed manual gearbox. The car also features 24" wooden wheels that are shod with Michelin tyres. The car also uses a modern electric starter motor. The Speedster's chassis was professionally shortened and narrowed resulting in an imposing and highly effective Edwardian special. The bodywork, interior, running gear and electrics all present well, and the car also comes with a good history file. The engine starts and runs very well. A truly unique vehicle.
Please click the link to view the walkaround video of this lot: click here
Footnotes
Vendor Score Total: 65/100
Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.
Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well
EXTERIOR TOTAL: 15/25
Body Work: 3
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 3
Glass: 3
Paint: 3
Wheels/Tyres: 3
INTERIOR TOTAL: 13/20
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 3
Headlining: 3
Seats: 4
Trim: 3
ENGINE TOTAL: 16/20
Mechanical components: 4
Running: 4
Starting: 4
Under Bonnet: 4
RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 12/20
Axles: 3
Brakes: 3
Gearbox/Clutch: 3
Suspension: 3
ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 6/10
Ancillary components: 3
Main components: 3
Car History File: 3
Saleroom notices
Please note the year of manufacture is 1914 as per the title, not 1917 as per the catalogue description.
Additional information
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