LOT 443

1913 Lancia-Simplex Two-seater Sports Project Registration no. DS 8209 Chassis no. 1911

Sold for £45,000 inc. premium

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Lot 443

1913 Lancia-Simplex Two-seater Sports Project
Registration no. DS 8209 Chassis no. 1911

The Beaulieu Sale: Collectors' Motor Cars & Automobilia|5 September 2021, 10:30 BST|Beaulieu, National Motor Museum

1913 Lancia-Simplex Two-seater Sports Project
Registration no. DS 8209
Chassis no. 1911

Odometer reading: N/A
MOT: Exempt

*Lancia Theta chassis and Simplex 9,750cc engine
*Built by John Brydon and successfully completed the *1990 London to Peking Motor Challenge
*Last raced at Mallory Park in 2003

Footnotes

This wonderful Edwardian 'special' was constructed in its present two-seater form in 1989 by John Brydon, VSCC stalwart and Edwardian-era guru. The basis of the car is a 1913 Lancia Theta chassis complete with 1913 Packard front axle, into which has been transplanted a 1912 Simplex engine, transaxle and rear axle. The Simplex engine is a 9,750cc four-cylinder with T-head (sidevalve) configuration, and the three-speed transmission drives the rear axle by twin chains. Built specifically to compete in the London to Peking Motor Challenge in 1990, the car was constructed to look like the Bearsley Simplex of 1910 (picture on file). The Lancia-Simplex successfully completed this demanding event of over 10,000 miles across two continents, during which it consumed 1,700 gallons of petrol, 86 gallons of oil, and 28 tyres! There is an amusing note from John Brydon on file, stating that during the event they 'lost on the way the foot brake, second gear and first wife'! The Lancia-Simplex was then used in VSCC events and last saw action in the Edwardian Race at Mallory Park in 2003. The cylinder blocks were then removed from the crankcase with the intention of fitting new pistons; they appear to have been re-bored and the set of new pistons are included in the sale. Offered with a V5C registration document and VSCC Buff Form, this is a most exciting project.

Vendor Score Total: 39 /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: 10 /25
Body Work: 2
Paint: 2
Glass: 2
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 2
Wheels/Tyres: 2

RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 8 /20
Gearbox/Clutch: 2
Axles: 2
Suspension: 2
Brakes: 2

INTERIOR TOTAL: 8 /20
Seats: 2
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 2
Headlining: 2
Trim: 2

ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 4 /10
Main components: 2
Ancillary components: 2

ENGINE TOTAL: 6 /20
Starting: 1
Running: 1
Under Bonnet: 2
Mechanical components: 2

Car History File: 3

Saleroom notices

Please note the engine and transaxle are of American LaFrance manufacture and not Simplex as catalogued.

Additional information

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