1917 Lancia Theta 35hp Tourer

Footnotes

This magnificent Lancia Theta is believed to have been imported as a rolling chassis by the UK's Ministry of War in 1917; many were used initially to mount anti-aircraft guns, and later served as mobile searchlight units. The car was bought by the current owner in 1973 as a project that would occupy him for some 20 years, with the fully restored car attending the 50th anniversary rally of the Lancia Motor Club in 1997. The rally was successfully completed, including ascending Prescott Hill in several demonstration runs.

Since then, the car has lived near Bath in a heated garage and is well known among VSCC members and Lancia enthusiasts. It is believed that only 19 Lancia Thetas survive worldwide, built between the commencement of the marque in 1908 and 1917 when this example was made. Its owner Roland Grazebrook, now in his mid-eighties, has been involved with Lancias all his life, including roles as both Chairman and Librarian of the Lancia Motor Club. He has owned 20 Lancias including both inter-war and post-war cars. The Theta is the only car to have remained in his constant ownership for all of the last 49 years.

In regular use, the engine (a replacement of correct type) is described as in sound condition, starting easily on its electric starter motor. This and the original dynamo have been converted to 12v. The gearbox was fitted with many new components as part of the restoration and is said to function well. The clutch is an 18-plate unit, light in action, which we are advised makes for a smooth gearchange that is well in advance of its time.

The chassis is said to be in good condition, having been totally stripped and coated with specialist chassis paint during the restoration. The Holcombe body was built circa 1995 with an ash frame and aluminium panelling. The decision on body style was made when the owner, having looked at examples of the Theta clad in a variety of bodies, found a photograph in the Beaulieu library of a 35hp Theta owned by Noel Macklin: he of Invicta and Railton fame, and designer of the Fairmile torpedo boat. Subsequently a second photograph was found, confirming his ownership of such a car in the early 1920s.

Chosen to match period fire engines, the two-pack paint - chosen for its durability - was applied circa 1995. The colour maintains a deep lustre, which beautifully complements the brass lights and fittings. The interior is reported as excellent, having been reupholstered in the 1970s with deep-buttoned Connolly hide typical of the original cars. The brass instruments are all original and working, although the speedometer could usefully be re-calibrated. The gear lever is original with a brass handle, and the handbrake likewise has a brass handle and the original plated lever. The steering wheel was rebuilt in the 1970s with a new rim and grips. The levers for ignition timing and hand throttle are original. The steering wheel and levers have been re-covered as original.
The car was re-wired using mainly aluminium-bound wiring. The headlamps are original, as is one sidelight, while the second side light was hand-made as a close copy. Both taillights were hand-made using photographs and the parts manual for reference. All lights function correctly, as do the modern indicators, which are painted black.

A great deal of care has been taken to restore the car to factory specification in every possible detail. The original Lancia front axle is still fitted; this was a folded axle in deference to Vincenzo Lancia's commitment to saving weight. Many improvements have been made in the light of experience, particularly to the steering, which involved correcting and adjusting the Ackerman angles. Five rear axle ratios were available in 1917, and the second highest has been chosen for easy cruising, although the torque is so great that top gear can be used to pull away from 15mph! The Theta cruises comfortably at 50mph with an occasional maximum in excess of 60mph. The car is never used in winter conditions and is kept garaged in a heated building.

Details of the Theta's history were recounted in an illustrated article in the Lancia Motor Club magazine, a copy of which is on file together with Veteran Car Services Ltd's dating report and certificate.

This Lot is available to view at Classic Car Storage near Petersfield, Hampshire (by appointment with the Car Department only) from Monday 24th October to Wednesday 2nd November. It will then be available to view at Bonhams, 101 New Bond Street on Friday 4th November from 10am.