1907 Rover 6hp Two-Seater
Registration no. AJ 498 Chassis no. 1524

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

1907 Rover 6hp Two-Seater
Registration no. AJ 498
Chassis no. 1524

Odometer reading: N/A
MOT: Exempt

*First owned by Sir Francis Samuelson
*Completely original
*Sympathetically restored
*Complete provenance

Footnotes

'AJ 498' was purchased for Sir Francis Samuelson by his father as a Christmas present in 1907. In 1908 he set out to tour France in the Rover, recording the events in a diary that gives a fascinating insight into what motoring was like in those pioneering days. He replaced the car in 1909 with a similar model, and at that point began his successful motor racing career. A four-page article covering his career features in the April 1963 edition of Motor Sport magazine (copy on file).

Sir Francis lost track of his car, but in 1950 saw an advertisement in Autocar magazine for a Rover and wrote to the seller (reply on file). He agreed to purchase the car, which had a few features he recognised, and the local vehicle licensing office confirmed that he had indeed bought back his Christmas present from 1907! Sir Francis kept the car until his death in 1981 when it passed to his son, from whom it was purchased by the immediately preceding owner, who went on to carry out a sympathetic restoration. The current enthusiast owner purchased the Rover at Bonhams' Beaulieu sale in September 2017 (Lot 563) and has used it sparingly since, preferring his Vintage Bentley. Offered with a substantial history file, this charming early Rover is ideal for Veteran Car Cub events, the popular 'Creepy Crawly' in particular.

Vendor Score Total: 79 /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: 16 /20
Seats: 4
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 4
Headlining: 4
Trim: 4

ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 8 /10
Main components: 4
Ancillary components: 4

ENGINE TOTAL: 16 /20
Starting: 4
Running: 4
Under Bonnet: 4
Mechanical components: 4

Car History File: 3

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.
Buyers Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge what is known as a Buyer's Premium. Buyer's Premium on all Automobilia lots will adhere to Bonhams group policy:
27.5% on the first £10,000 of the hammer price;
25% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £10,001 up to and including £450,000; 20% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £450,001 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,001. (subject to VAT)
For Motor Cars and Motorcycles a 12.5% Buyer's Premium is payable on the final Hammer Price of each Lot. VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Some lots may be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price. These lots will be clearly marked with the relevant symbol printed beside the lot number in the catalogue.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import Licence or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such Licence or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancellation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
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For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
Motor Cars
Vehicles must be collected from the sale venue by 12 noon on Monday 6 September 2021 after which they will be uplifted to store at the buyers expense.
Buyers should satisfy themselves that they have collected all relevant log books, documents and keys relating to their Lot(s) at time of collection. Otherwise Lots shall be removed to storage at the Buyer's expense (see below). Lots are at the Buyer's risk from the fall of the hammer. It is strongly advisable that overseas purchasers and absentee bidders make arrangements regarding collection with Bonhams MPH in advance of Sale.
Removal and Storage of Vehicles
All Lots not removed in accordance with the above will be transported by E M Rogers to their depot.
Vehicle Removal charges
£270 + VAT per vehicle
Vehicle Storage charges
£10 + VAT per motor car per day
Transport and Shipping
A representative of E M Rogers, will be at the
Sale and can arrange national and international transportation as agent for the Buyer or the Seller (as the case may be).
Contact Sarah, Laura or John
E M Rogers
2 Ryehill Court
Lodge Farm Industrial Estate Northampton NN5 7UA
+44 (0) 1604 755 511
[email protected] www.emrogerstransport.com
Automobilia
All Automobilia purchased lots must be cleared from the sale venue by 6pm on Sunday 5 September 2021. All un-collected purchased lots shall then be removed to Bonhams Guildford office at the buyers expense.
Bonhams Guildford office located at:
4 Millmead Guildford, GU2 4BE Monday to Friday by appointment only and will be available for collection from 11am Thursday 9 September 2021 by appointment only. (Owing to the department's attendance at the Goodwood Revival Auction).
To arrange collection please contact the Automobilia Department +44 (0) 1483 445 496 or +44 (0) 1483 445 494 or email automobilia@ bonhams.com to make an appointment.
All lots will be charged £10+VAT uplift and storage at £1+VAT per day per lot.
All lots marked with a "diamond" symbol will be charged £25+VAT uplift and storage at £5+VAT per day per lot.
All lots marked with a "two diamond" symbol will be charged £50+VAT uplift and storage at £10+VAT per day per lot.
All lots marked with a "three diamond" will be removed by
E M Rogers to their Northampton store at the buyers expense. Each lot will be charged £100+VAT uplift and £5+VAT per lot per day storage.
Storage will commence from Tuesday 7 September. NB: E M Rogers provide storage but cannot ship Automobilia lots.
Shippers or Agents wishing to collect on behalf of the purchaser must provide written instruction from the client before Bonhams will release the lot(s).
All purchases are at buyers risk from the fall of
the hammer.
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