
Toby Wilson
Head of Department
LOT 464
1921 Vauxhall 14/40hp M-Type Princeton Tourer Registration no. BF 6712 Chassis no. M730
For 1922 Vauxhall matched its great rival - the Sunbeam company of Wolverhampton - in offering an alternative, smaller and less expensive alternative to its top-of-the-range 30/98: the 2.3-litre 14/40hp M-Type. Similar in looks to the larger 30/98, the latter featured a four-cylinder detachable-head engine; in-unit three-speed gearbox (instead of the separate four-speed type of the larger models); a single-plate clutch; and rear-wheel brakes only. It sold for around £750 against some £1,600 for the 30/98 but was built to the same high standard. From 1925, by which time it was being built to improved 'LM' specification, the 14/40 adopted a four-speed gearbox and for 1926 gained front-wheel brakes. Top speed increased to 65mph from the preceding M-Type's 55-60mph.
An ideal 'entry level' Vintage sports car, this 14/40 Princeton tourer was imported from Australia and registered in the UK on 1st December 2013. (The Society of Automotive Historians has confirmed that it was built in 1921, although it is often thought that manufacture commenced in 1922.) The car benefits from two new tyres; a recently rebuilt carburettor; relined fuel tank; and a new speedometer cable (a newly sourced drive pinion is ready to fit). The dynamo is not charging but we are advised that the battery is healthy. Running well, this handsome Vintage-era Vauxhall is offered with a quantity of spares.
Vendor Score Total: 58 /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
Paint: 3
Glass: 3
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 3
Wheels/Tyres: 3
RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 12 /20
Gearbox/Clutch: 3
Axles: 3
Suspension: 3
Brakes: 3
INTERIOR TOTAL: 13 /20
Seats: 4
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 3
Headlining: 3
Trim: 3
ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 4 /10
Main components: 2
Ancillary components: 2
ENGINE TOTAL: 12 /20
Starting: 3
Running: 3
Under Bonnet: 3
Mechanical components: 3
Car History File: 2





























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