1923 Tilling-Stevens Charabanc Bus

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

1923 Tilling-Stevens Charabanc Bus

Odometer reading: N/A
MOT: Exempt

*Running and driving Tilling-Stevens bus
*Continued restoration over the last 30-years
*Museum kept example

Footnotes

Founded in 1897, Tilling-Stevens was a British bus manufacturer that was a pioneer in producing hybridised combustion engine vehicles. This 1923 Tilling-Stevens Charabanc TS3A is a petrol-electric bus that features a 1919 Charabanc body, and it is a running and driving example (and is believed to be in good running order). The bus has been well maintained and restored over the last 30-years by the vendor's father and a group of bus enthusiasts within the 'South Downs omnibus trust'. The bus has also been stored 'on trust' at the Amberley chalk pits museum in West Sussex, however after a change in circumstances the bus is now ready for sale. The vehicle itself is not 100% complete and still requires further work to be carried out. Some of the seats are still to be upholstered, the rear corners need filling, and the body panels need painting. Beyond that the bus is complete and offers good scope for personalisation. There is little history with the vehicle, but there are two information chalk boards which provide details of the bus – with the body dating from 1919 and the chassis from 1923. This is a unique and rare vehicle that was an early adopter of the now popular hybrid powertrain. This is a well-cared for open-top example that will require little work before it is ready to be enjoyed by a new owner.

Vendor Score Total: 59 /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: 14 /25
Body Work: 3
Paint: 2
Glass: 3
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 3
Wheels/Tyres: 3

RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 15 /20
Gearbox/Clutch: 4
Axles: 4
Suspension: 4
Brakes: 3

INTERIOR TOTAL: 11 /20
Seats: 2
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 3
Headlining: 3
Trim: 3

ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 6 /10
Main components: 3
Ancillary components: 3

ENGINE TOTAL: 12 /20
Starting: 3
Running: 3
Under Bonnet: 3
Mechanical components: 3

Car History File: 1

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
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