
Toby Wilson
Head of Department
LOT 446
1927 Vauxhall 30-98 OE-Type Velox Tourer Registration no. YX 6843 Chassis no. OE295 Engine no. OE295
Vauxhall 30-98 adherents will maintain that while Bentley generated greater publicity - thanks largely to their victories at Le Mans - the Vauxhall company (which raced at both Grand Prix and Tourist Trophy level before the Great War) had produced a car that could run rings around 3-Litre Bentleys on cross-country journeys, despite the apparent handicap of a sidevalve engine. By the time the final batch of OE-Type chassis had been completed in early 1927, a total of 312 of these successor overhead-valve models had been made.
A late example boasting hydraulic brakes from new and the traditional transmission brake, this matching-numbers OE retains its original factory-built Velox tourer coachwork. Well-known in Vauxhall circles, 'OE295' was and acquired by the vendor in 1993 and restored shortly after. The restoration included an engine rebuild fitting high-compression pistons; a chassis check by Julian Ghosh (Green Farm Racing); and body frame restoration by Eric Peppercorn. The 30-98 was then much used by the enthusiast vendor for various VSCC events. In 2014 the rear axle and front-axle kingpins were rebuilt by marque specialist Jeremy Brewster, and rewired by expert electrician Winston Teague. The car's copy 30-98 Register entry lists a further three owners dating back to 1950, and the history file also includes restoration invoices, an old-style logbook and a V5C document. Sensibly estimated, this delightful OE 30-98 represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire a most handsome example of what is considered by many knowledgeable enthusiasts to be the finest British sporting car of the Vintage period.
Vendor Score Total: 77 /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: 20 /25
Body Work: 4
Paint: 4
Glass: 4
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 4
Wheels/Tyres: 4
RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 16 /20
Gearbox/Clutch: 4
Axles: 4
Suspension: 4
Brakes: 4
INTERIOR TOTAL: 12 /20
Seats: 3
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 3
Headlining: 3
Trim: 3
ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 8 /10
Main components: 4
Ancillary components: 4
ENGINE TOTAL: 17 /20
Starting: 5
Running: 4
Under Bonnet: 4
Mechanical components: 4
Car History File: 4
















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