Gregor Wenner
Specialist Consultant
LOT 136 *
1931 Invicta 4½-Litre S-Type Low Chassis Sports Coachwork by Vanden Plas Chassis no. S40 Engine no. 7407
Estimate: €900,000 - €1,000,000
Lot 136*
1931 Invicta 4½-Litre S-Type Low Chassis Sports
1931 Invicta 4½-Litre S-Type Low Chassis Sports
Coachwork by Vanden Plas
Chassis no. S40
Engine no. 7407
Coachwork by Vanden Plas
Chassis no. S40
Engine no. 7407
• One of the finest sports cars of the Vintage era
• One of an estimated 77 S-Types built
• Known ownership history
• Present ownership since 2016
• Extensively campaigned
• Retains all major matching-number components and absolutely standard down to the original carpets
• Guaranteed entry into the most prestigious events worldwide including the Mille Miglia
"The low chassis Invicta was probably the best-looking sports car in the vintage tradition ever to be produced in England. I can think of no contemporary un-supercharged motorcar of similar capacity, made here, which could outperform it – and very few built elsewhere..." – J R Buckley, The 4½-Litre S-type Invicta, Profile Publications, 1966.
In an era when most cars stood tall, the 4½-litre S-Type Invicta, with its dramatically lowered chassis, caused a sensation: few sports cars before or since have so looked the part. The Invicta Company's origins go back to 1924 when Noel Macklin and Oliver Lyle, both of whom had motor industry experience, got together to create a car combining American levels of flexibility and performance with European quality and roadholding. In particular, Macklin wanted to build a car powered by an internal combustion engine that would rival a steam-powered car for flexibility.
Like the contemporary Bentley, the Invicta was produced to an exemplary standard. Price was only a secondary consideration, a factor that contributed largely to both firms' failure to weather the Depression years of the early 1930s. The final Invicta left the factory, appropriately enough, on Friday 13th October 1933, though a handful of cars was assembled at the company's service depot between 1934 and 1936. It is estimated that approximately 1,000-or-so Invictas of all types were made.
Apart from a handful of prototypes, all Invictas were powered by the tireless six-cylinder engines made by Henry Meadows. Launched at the 1930 Olympia Motor Show, the S-type featured an new under-slung chassis that achieved a much lower centre of gravity by positioning the rear axle above the frame rails instead of below as was normal practice at the time. Like most low-revving engines, the 4½-litre Meadows delivered ample torque in the lower and middle speed ranges. Indeed, the Invicta can be throttled down to 6-8mph in top gear, despite its relatively high 3.6:1 final drive ratio, and will then accelerate rapidly and without complaint when the accelerator is depressed. The Meadows engine initially produced 115bhp at 3,000rpm, figures that were improved upon by subsequent development. In standard trim the meadows-engined S-Type breathed through twin 40mm SU carburettors and had twin-plug ignition sparked by battery/coil and a Lucas magneto. Alloy-finned 14"-diameter brake drums restrained the S-Type's outstanding performance.
It comes as no surprise to learn that Invictas shone in competitions of all kinds. The Cordery sisters set many long-distance with their Invicta, while Raymond Mays held the Brooklands Class C Mountain Circuit record for a time with his tuned (158bhp) India Tyres-sponsored S-Type. Mays also held the Shelsley Walsh sports car record by 1932. Stripped S-Types were capable of lapping Brooklands at almost 109mph, while away from the racetrack, Donald Healey's Invicta won the 1931 Monte Carlo Rally. Invictas also appeared in lesser rallies, hill climbs and beach races.
The popular '100mph Invicta' tag notwithstanding, standard cars had a – still impressive – top speed of around 95mph with more to come in racing trim. However, it must be stressed that the S-type Invicta was primarily a very fast but comfortable high-speed touring car (comfortably at home on modern motorways), its greatest attribute being an ability to cover a substantial mileage at high average speeds with no strain, either to driver or the machinery.
Invictas are about as indestructible in normal use as a car can be. Approximately 68 of the 77-or-so S-types built are known to survive and most are in excellent order, testifying to the fact that they have always been regarded as high quality motor cars. Indeed, in pre-war days there was a club dedicated exclusively to the model and members famously christened individual cars with names like 'Scythe', 'Scrapper' and 'Sea Lion'.
Dating from March 1931, this particular Invicta is one of only a dozen S-Types out of some 77 built to have bodywork by Vanden Plas. It is identical to the S-Type shown on the maker's stand at the 1930 Motor Show. First registered on 13th March 1931 as 'WD 2024', the S-Type was sold by the Birmingham dealer Flewitt Ltd to John Harry Ansell (who later bought a second low-chassis Invicta). In 1938 it was registered to Clifford Motors of Southampton. The name of its owner from 1940-42 is given in the file as a 'Sub-Lieutenant T Thistlewaite' (could this have been racing driver and former Bentley Boy, Thomas 'Scrap' Thistlethwaite?) but the next owner, who bought it in June 1942, only kept it for two months before selling it to the late George Milligen for £175.
Milligen soon discovered the reason for the hasty sale: "The man I bought it off was shortly afterwards being pursued by the police for murdering his wife but he escaped and installed himself on a yacht in Malta Harbour, so they couldn't get him."
The Invicta was repainted in George Milligen's favourite shade of RAF Blue and over the next 60 years was much used - his service notes indicate a total of 50,000 miles, which included trips to his favourite winter retreat in the South of France - and received the meticulous maintenance that characterised the ownership of all his cars. In 1955 the engine was rebuilt by Laystall's, resulting in an almost 15 per cent improvement in the power output, and Milligen's notes indicate an easy top gear range of 6-90mph, when the engine was turning over at just 3,500rpm.
Following its sale by Bonhams at the Goodwood Revival when the late George Milligan's collection was dispersed in September 2004 (Lot 143), the Invicta comes with receipts for work carried out by Blakeney Motorsport circa 2010 together with others for work on the gearbox, rear axle and engine from Setford and Company, who fully rebuilt the car for our vendor – preserving its uniquely original look and feel – and have been looking after it for him since 2016. The engine internals are all new (it has a 'fast road' camshaft); the gearbox has been rebuilt with close ratios; and the differential overhauled. The suspension has been rebuilt and greasers fitted on the upper spring reunions to improve lubrication. In addition, the electrics have been rewired, a new dynamo and starter motor installed, and some of the paintwork refreshed. Milligen had adapted part of the dashboard during his ownership, and the current owner has added a chronometric clock from a Bristol Blenheim, obtained from VSCC, 'Chain-Gang' enthusiast and former RAF bomber crewman Harry Bicerton for accurate timing on long-distance tours.
Since 2016 the Invicta (known as 'Victor') has undertaken considerable Continental touring in this ownership, and in 2019 was exhibited at the Heveningham Hall Concours, which was featured in The Automobile magazine. The car has been raced once in the current ownership (at Donington Park) and has completed many Continental tours, mainly to France, Switzerland and Italy; the owner has kept notes on mileages, fuel consumption, etc although these are conservative by 10-12% as the rear axle has a high-ratio crown wheel and pinion.
According to the owner, the Invicta is very good at handling mountain passes and hairpins! His account of his last epic Alpine tour was published in the Invicta Club magazine and makes fascinating reading (copy on file). "In total (covering) about 4,000 miles without real problems and proof of what a magnificent car a standard low chassis Invicta is. Over the last years, and through the Pandemic, I have averaged 4,000 miles a year!" Featured in The Invicta S-Type Low Chassis by Mike Riedner, 'S40' also comes with a copy of the aforementioned Profile Publications book on the marque by Buckley. Also contained within the most substantial history file are the following documents:
Old-style duplicate buff logbook in George Milligen's name
Old V5 registration document in Milligen's name
Old MoTs
Hand-written notebook detailing work carried out
Various receipts
Notes from Laystall's
VSCC eligibility document
The Low Chassis Invicta S-Type is now regarded as one of the most desirable pre-war sports cars, sought after by collectors for its exceptional driving abilities, style and sheer presence. A guaranteed entry into the most prestigious rallies, Concours d'Élégance events and race meetings around the world, the Low Chassis has an enviable reputation among connoisseurs and examples are to be found in some of the most important private collections. With only some 68 surviving, and examples seldom offered for sale, 'S40' represents a possibly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the discerning collector to become part of this remarkable marque's ongoing story with a car that is original and unmodified. The original dynamo (for rebuilding) is included in the sale together with the original camshaft, gearbox pinions, crankshaft (cracked), etc.
Please note that if this vehicle is sold to a French private buyer or an EU private individual the reduced rate of Import VAT at 5.5% will be charged on the hammer price. The Import VAT will be invoiced to you by our custom broker who will also charge a clearance fee. If you buy as a Trader or Company however, the Finances Publiques will charge you directly (based on our customs broker clearance) and the French VAT Import Charges will not appear on your Bonhams invoice. Please note that if you purchase as an EU Company, you are required to pay the VAT in your registered country at the relevant rate. Import rates to other EU Countries may vary and an administration fee will be charged to prepare the necessary customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.
• One of an estimated 77 S-Types built
• Known ownership history
• Present ownership since 2016
• Extensively campaigned
• Retains all major matching-number components and absolutely standard down to the original carpets
• Guaranteed entry into the most prestigious events worldwide including the Mille Miglia
"The low chassis Invicta was probably the best-looking sports car in the vintage tradition ever to be produced in England. I can think of no contemporary un-supercharged motorcar of similar capacity, made here, which could outperform it – and very few built elsewhere..." – J R Buckley, The 4½-Litre S-type Invicta, Profile Publications, 1966.
In an era when most cars stood tall, the 4½-litre S-Type Invicta, with its dramatically lowered chassis, caused a sensation: few sports cars before or since have so looked the part. The Invicta Company's origins go back to 1924 when Noel Macklin and Oliver Lyle, both of whom had motor industry experience, got together to create a car combining American levels of flexibility and performance with European quality and roadholding. In particular, Macklin wanted to build a car powered by an internal combustion engine that would rival a steam-powered car for flexibility.
Like the contemporary Bentley, the Invicta was produced to an exemplary standard. Price was only a secondary consideration, a factor that contributed largely to both firms' failure to weather the Depression years of the early 1930s. The final Invicta left the factory, appropriately enough, on Friday 13th October 1933, though a handful of cars was assembled at the company's service depot between 1934 and 1936. It is estimated that approximately 1,000-or-so Invictas of all types were made.
Apart from a handful of prototypes, all Invictas were powered by the tireless six-cylinder engines made by Henry Meadows. Launched at the 1930 Olympia Motor Show, the S-type featured an new under-slung chassis that achieved a much lower centre of gravity by positioning the rear axle above the frame rails instead of below as was normal practice at the time. Like most low-revving engines, the 4½-litre Meadows delivered ample torque in the lower and middle speed ranges. Indeed, the Invicta can be throttled down to 6-8mph in top gear, despite its relatively high 3.6:1 final drive ratio, and will then accelerate rapidly and without complaint when the accelerator is depressed. The Meadows engine initially produced 115bhp at 3,000rpm, figures that were improved upon by subsequent development. In standard trim the meadows-engined S-Type breathed through twin 40mm SU carburettors and had twin-plug ignition sparked by battery/coil and a Lucas magneto. Alloy-finned 14"-diameter brake drums restrained the S-Type's outstanding performance.
It comes as no surprise to learn that Invictas shone in competitions of all kinds. The Cordery sisters set many long-distance with their Invicta, while Raymond Mays held the Brooklands Class C Mountain Circuit record for a time with his tuned (158bhp) India Tyres-sponsored S-Type. Mays also held the Shelsley Walsh sports car record by 1932. Stripped S-Types were capable of lapping Brooklands at almost 109mph, while away from the racetrack, Donald Healey's Invicta won the 1931 Monte Carlo Rally. Invictas also appeared in lesser rallies, hill climbs and beach races.
The popular '100mph Invicta' tag notwithstanding, standard cars had a – still impressive – top speed of around 95mph with more to come in racing trim. However, it must be stressed that the S-type Invicta was primarily a very fast but comfortable high-speed touring car (comfortably at home on modern motorways), its greatest attribute being an ability to cover a substantial mileage at high average speeds with no strain, either to driver or the machinery.
Invictas are about as indestructible in normal use as a car can be. Approximately 68 of the 77-or-so S-types built are known to survive and most are in excellent order, testifying to the fact that they have always been regarded as high quality motor cars. Indeed, in pre-war days there was a club dedicated exclusively to the model and members famously christened individual cars with names like 'Scythe', 'Scrapper' and 'Sea Lion'.
Dating from March 1931, this particular Invicta is one of only a dozen S-Types out of some 77 built to have bodywork by Vanden Plas. It is identical to the S-Type shown on the maker's stand at the 1930 Motor Show. First registered on 13th March 1931 as 'WD 2024', the S-Type was sold by the Birmingham dealer Flewitt Ltd to John Harry Ansell (who later bought a second low-chassis Invicta). In 1938 it was registered to Clifford Motors of Southampton. The name of its owner from 1940-42 is given in the file as a 'Sub-Lieutenant T Thistlewaite' (could this have been racing driver and former Bentley Boy, Thomas 'Scrap' Thistlethwaite?) but the next owner, who bought it in June 1942, only kept it for two months before selling it to the late George Milligen for £175.
Milligen soon discovered the reason for the hasty sale: "The man I bought it off was shortly afterwards being pursued by the police for murdering his wife but he escaped and installed himself on a yacht in Malta Harbour, so they couldn't get him."
The Invicta was repainted in George Milligen's favourite shade of RAF Blue and over the next 60 years was much used - his service notes indicate a total of 50,000 miles, which included trips to his favourite winter retreat in the South of France - and received the meticulous maintenance that characterised the ownership of all his cars. In 1955 the engine was rebuilt by Laystall's, resulting in an almost 15 per cent improvement in the power output, and Milligen's notes indicate an easy top gear range of 6-90mph, when the engine was turning over at just 3,500rpm.
Following its sale by Bonhams at the Goodwood Revival when the late George Milligan's collection was dispersed in September 2004 (Lot 143), the Invicta comes with receipts for work carried out by Blakeney Motorsport circa 2010 together with others for work on the gearbox, rear axle and engine from Setford and Company, who fully rebuilt the car for our vendor – preserving its uniquely original look and feel – and have been looking after it for him since 2016. The engine internals are all new (it has a 'fast road' camshaft); the gearbox has been rebuilt with close ratios; and the differential overhauled. The suspension has been rebuilt and greasers fitted on the upper spring reunions to improve lubrication. In addition, the electrics have been rewired, a new dynamo and starter motor installed, and some of the paintwork refreshed. Milligen had adapted part of the dashboard during his ownership, and the current owner has added a chronometric clock from a Bristol Blenheim, obtained from VSCC, 'Chain-Gang' enthusiast and former RAF bomber crewman Harry Bicerton for accurate timing on long-distance tours.
Since 2016 the Invicta (known as 'Victor') has undertaken considerable Continental touring in this ownership, and in 2019 was exhibited at the Heveningham Hall Concours, which was featured in The Automobile magazine. The car has been raced once in the current ownership (at Donington Park) and has completed many Continental tours, mainly to France, Switzerland and Italy; the owner has kept notes on mileages, fuel consumption, etc although these are conservative by 10-12% as the rear axle has a high-ratio crown wheel and pinion.
According to the owner, the Invicta is very good at handling mountain passes and hairpins! His account of his last epic Alpine tour was published in the Invicta Club magazine and makes fascinating reading (copy on file). "In total (covering) about 4,000 miles without real problems and proof of what a magnificent car a standard low chassis Invicta is. Over the last years, and through the Pandemic, I have averaged 4,000 miles a year!" Featured in The Invicta S-Type Low Chassis by Mike Riedner, 'S40' also comes with a copy of the aforementioned Profile Publications book on the marque by Buckley. Also contained within the most substantial history file are the following documents:
Old-style duplicate buff logbook in George Milligen's name
Old V5 registration document in Milligen's name
Old MoTs
Hand-written notebook detailing work carried out
Various receipts
Notes from Laystall's
VSCC eligibility document
The Low Chassis Invicta S-Type is now regarded as one of the most desirable pre-war sports cars, sought after by collectors for its exceptional driving abilities, style and sheer presence. A guaranteed entry into the most prestigious rallies, Concours d'Élégance events and race meetings around the world, the Low Chassis has an enviable reputation among connoisseurs and examples are to be found in some of the most important private collections. With only some 68 surviving, and examples seldom offered for sale, 'S40' represents a possibly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the discerning collector to become part of this remarkable marque's ongoing story with a car that is original and unmodified. The original dynamo (for rebuilding) is included in the sale together with the original camshaft, gearbox pinions, crankshaft (cracked), etc.
Please note that if this vehicle is sold to a French private buyer or an EU private individual the reduced rate of Import VAT at 5.5% will be charged on the hammer price. The Import VAT will be invoiced to you by our custom broker who will also charge a clearance fee. If you buy as a Trader or Company however, the Finances Publiques will charge you directly (based on our customs broker clearance) and the French VAT Import Charges will not appear on your Bonhams invoice. Please note that if you purchase as an EU Company, you are required to pay the VAT in your registered country at the relevant rate. Import rates to other EU Countries may vary and an administration fee will be charged to prepare the necessary customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.
Footnotes
1931 Invicta 4½ litres S-Type Sport surbaissé
Carrossée par Vanden Plas
Châssis n° S40
Moteur n° 7407
• L'une des plus belles voitures de sport d'avant-guerre
• Production des S-Type estimée à 77 exemplaires
• Historique de propriété connu
• Propriété de son vendeur depuis 2016
• Fréquemment engagée en course
• Principaux composants à numéros concordants toujours présents ; complètement de série jusqu'à ses tapis d'origine
• Possibilité assurée de participer aux plus prestigieuses manifestations mondiales, dont les Mille Miglia
"L'Invicta à châssis surbaissé était probablement la voiture de sport qui avait le plus d'allure, de tous les vintages jamais produites en Angleterre. Parmi les voitures de l'époque non suralimentées et de cylindrée comparable produites ici, je n'en vois pas qui puisse la surpasser – et j'en vois peu venues d'ailleurs..." – J. R. Buckley, The 4½-Litre S-type Invicta, Editions Profile, 1966.
A une époque où la plupart des voitures étaient hautes sur pattes, l'Invicta 4½ litres S-Type au châssis spectaculairement surbaissé fit sensation ; peu de voitures de sport, tant avant qu'après elle, ont eu une telle allure. Les origines de l'Invicta Company remontent à 1924, lorsque Noel Macklin et Oliver Lyle, tous deux familiers de l'industrie automobile, s'associèrent pour créer une voiture qui allierait la souplesse et les performances américaines à la qualité et à la tenue de route européennes. Macklin voulait en particulier construire une voiture dont le moteur à combustion interne puisse rivaliser en souplesse avec un moteur à vapeur.
Comme sa contemporaine la Bentley, l'Invicta était fabriquée à un niveau de qualité exemplaire. Le prix n'était que secondaire, et c'est en bonne partie cela qui fit que les deux firmes ne purent survivre à la Dépression du début des années 1930. La dernière Invicta sortit des chaînes, avec un certain à-propos, le vendredi 13 octobre 1933, puis une poignée de voitures fut assemblée entre 1934 et 1936 dans les locaux du service après-vente de la marque. On estime à environ 1 000 le nombre d'Invicta produites, tous types confondus.
Excepté quelques prototypes, toutes les Invicta étaient motorisées par les infatigables six-cylindres de Henry Meadows. La S-Type, lancée au Salon de l'Olympia 1930, était équipée d'un nouveau châssis surbaissé qui abaissait considérablement son centre de gravité du fait d'un essieu arrière situé au-dessus des longerons, et non en dessous comme c'était alors la norme. Comme tous les moteurs lents, le 4½ litres Meadows délivrait un généreux couple à bas et moyen régimes. De fait, on pouvait écraser la pédale d'accélérateur dès 10 à 13 km/h sur le rapport le plus élevé et la voiture accélérait rapidement et sans heurt, bien que son pont au rapport de 3,6:1 fût assez long. Ce moteur Meadows développait initialement 117 ch à 3 000 tr/min, un chiffre qui augmenta lors de développements ultérieurs. Dans sa version standard, il était équipé de deux carburateurs SU de 40 mm et disposait d'un allumage à doubles bougies alimentées par une bobine et une batterie ainsi qu'une magnéto Lucas. Des freins à tambour à ailettes d'aluminium permettaient de contenir les performances époustouflantes de la S-Type.
On ne sera pas surpris de lire que les Invicta brillèrent dans toutes sortes de compétitions. Les sœurs Cordery établirent avec la leur plusieurs records sur longue distance et Raymond Mays détint pendant quelque temps celui du Brooklands Class C Mountain Circuit au volant de sa S-Type spéciale de 160 ch sponsorisée par les pneus India. Il détint aussi le record des voitures de sport du Shelsley Walsh en 1932. Des S-Type allégées furent capables de boucler un tour à Brooklands à près de 174 km/h, tandis que, loin des pistes, l'Invicta de Donald Healey remporta le rallye de Monte-Carlo 1931. On vit aussi des Invicta dans des rallyes de moindre importance, des courses de côte et des courses sur sable.
Bien que l'association des termes 'Invicta' et '160 km/h' soit très répandue, les voitures de série n'atteignaient que le chiffre, déjà impressionnant, de 153 km/h – mais davantage en version course. Il faut toutefois souligner que l'Invicta S-Type était avant tout une voiture de tourisme très rapide mais confortable, qui serait à son aise sur les autoroutes modernes, sa principale qualité étant sa capacité à parcourir de longues distances à des moyennes élevées sans effort, ni pour le conducteur ni pour la mécanique.
Les Invicta sont aussi indestructibles en usage normal qu'une automobile peut l'être. On recense environ 68 survivantes sur les quelque 77 S-Type construites, la plupart en excellent état, ce qui justifie qu'elles aient toujours été considérées comme des voitures de haute qualité. Il existait d'ailleurs avant la guerre un club réservé à ce modèle, dont les membres avaient baptisé leur voiture de noms tels que 'Scythe (la faux)', 'Scrapper (le bulldozer)' ou 'Sea Lion (le lion de mer)'.
Sortie d'usine en mars 1931, l'Invicta proposée fait partie des seulement 12, parmi les quelques 77 construites, qui furent carrossées par Vanden Plas. Elle est identique à la S-Type exposée par le constructeur sur son stand du Salon 1930. Elle fut immatriculée pour la première fois le 13 mars 1931 sous le numéro WD 2024 pour être vendue par Flewitt Ltd, le concessionnaire de Birmingham, à John Harry Ansell (lequel acheta par la suite une deuxième Invicta à châssis surbaissé). En 1938, elle était immatriculée au nom de Clifford Motors, à Southampton. Son dossier indique comme propriétaire à partir de 1940-42 le sous-Lieutenant T. Thistlewaite (s'agissait-il du pilote de course et ex-Bentley Boy Thomas 'Scrap' Thistlethwaite ?). Son propriétaire suivant, qui l'acheta en juin 1942, ne la conserva que deux mois avant de la revendre à feu George Milligen pour la somme de 175 £.
Milligen ne tarda pas à découvrir la raison de cette revente si rapide: "L'homme à qui je l'avais achetée fut peu après poursuivi par la police pour le meurtre de sa femme, mais il s'échappa et s'installa sur un yacht à Malte et ils ne purent donc pas l'attraper."
Il fit repeindre son Invicta dans sa couleur préférée, le bleu RAF, l'utilisa souvent pendant les soixante années qui suivirent – son carnet d'entretien fait état d'un total de 80 000 km, fait en particulier de voyages vers sa retraite hivernale favorite du sud de la France – et il l'entretint avec la méticulosité dont il faisait preuve avec toutes ses voitures. En 1955, il fit refaire son moteur par Laystall, ce qui se traduisit par un gain de puissance de près de 15% ; les notes de Milligen mentionnent des reprises aisées de 10 à 145 km/h sur le rapport final, le moteur ne tournant alors qu'à 3 500 tr/min.
L'Invicta fut vendue au Goodwood Revival de septembre 2004 par Bonhams (lot 143), lors de la dispersion de la collection de feu George Milligan. Des travaux effectués vers 2010 par Blakeney Motorsport sont attestés par des reçus, et d'autres le furent sur la boîte de vitesses, l'essieu arrière et le moteur par Setford and Company, qui reconstruisit complètement la voiture pour le compte de son vendeur, tout en conservant son aspect et son ambiance d'origine, puis en prit soin à partir de 2016. Les composants internes du moteur sont tout neufs (l'arbre à cames est un "haute vitesse"), la boîte de vitesses a été reconstruite avec un étagement resserré et le pont a été rénové. La suspension a été reconstruite et les fixations supérieures de ressorts ont reçu un graisseur qui en améliore la lubrification. Les faisceaux électriques ont par ailleurs été refaits, une dynamo et un démarreur neufs installés et une partie de la peinture rafraîchie. Milligen avait modifié une partie du tableau de bord et le propriétaire actuel a ajouté, pour mesurer avec précision ses temps sur les longs parcours, un chronomètre issu d'un Bristol Blenheim, qu'il tient d'un membre du Vintage Sports-Car Club, le "forçat" passionné Harry Bicerton, ancien équipier sur les bombardiers de la RAF.
Depuis 2016, l'Invicta (nommée Victor) a effectué avec son propriétaire de longs parcours sur le continent, essentiellement en France, en Suisse et en Italie, et a été exposée en 2019 au concours de Heveningham Hall, qui a fait l'objet d'une mention dans le magazine The Automobile. Elle a aussi couru une fois à Donington Park. Son propriétaire a relevé les kilométrages, consommation de carburant, etc., ces derniers étant pessimistes de 10 à 12% du fait du rapport élevé du pont arrière.
Selon son propriétaire, cette Invicta se comporte très bien dans les cols et les épingles à cheveux. Il a publié dans le magazine de l'Invicta Club un compte-rendu, fascinant à lire, de son dernier périple dans les Alpes (copie présente au dossier). "J'ai effectué au total environ 6 500 km sans réels problèmes, ce qui prouve à quel point l'Invicta standard à châssis surbaissé est formidable. Ces dernières années, et malgré le Covid, j'ai parcouru en moyenne 6 500 km par an !" Cité dans The Invicta S-Type Low Chassis de Mike Riedner, ce châssis S40 est proposé avec une copie du livre consacré à la marque par Buckley aux éditions Profile, déjà cité. On trouve aussi parmi un dossier d'historique très fourni les documents suivants :
Un carnet de bord à l'ancienne de couleur chamois, au nom de George Milligen
Un ancien document d'immatriculation V5 au nom de Milligen
D'anciens contrôles techniques
Un carnet manuscrit détaillant les travaux effectués
Différentes quittances
Des notes venant de Laystall
Un document d'éligibilité au Vintage Sports-Car Club
L'Invicta S-Type à châssis surbaissé est maintenant considérée comme l'une des voitures de sport d'avant-guerre les plus séduisantes ; elle est recherchée des collectionneurs pour ses qualités routières, sa prestance et son style exceptionnels. Elle permet à coup sûr d'accéder aux rallyes, aux concours d'élégance et aux rassemblements sportifs les plus prestigieux. Elle jouit d'une réputation enviable auprès des connaisseurs et on peut en trouver des exemplaires au sein des collections privées les plus importantes. La rareté des quelque 68 survivantes, peu souvent mises en vente, fait que ce châssis S40, d'origine et non modifié, représente pour un collectionneur averti une opportunité qu'il risque de ne plus rencontrer de faire lui aussi partie de l'histoire de cette remarquable marque. Sont également incluses dans la vente des pièces d'origine telles que la dynamo (à rénover), l'arbre à cames, les pignons de boîte de vitesses, le vilebrequin (fissuré), etc.
Veuillez noter que, si ce véhicule est vendu à un acheteur français privé ou à un particulier membre d'un pays de l'UE, le taux réduit de TVA d'importation de 5,5% sera appliqué au prix d'adjudication. La TVA d'importation vous sera facturée par notre courtier en douane qui vous facturera aussi des frais de dédouanement. Toutefois, si vous achetez en tant que marchand ou que société, les Finances Publiques vous factureront directement (sur la base du dédouanement effectué par notre courtier en douane) et la TVA française d'importation n'apparaîtra pas sur la facture que Bonhams vous délivrera. Veuillez noter que, si vous achetez en tant que société de l'UE, vous devez payer la TVA dans votre pays d'immatriculation, au taux en vigueur. Les taux pour importation dans les autres pays de l'UE peuvent varier, et il vous sera facturé des frais administratifs relatifs à la préparation des opérations de dédouanement. Pour toute question relative au dédouanement, veuillez contacter le département Motorcar de Bonhams ou les sociétés de transport que nous recommandons.
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| * | Import low rate |
| VAT on imported items at a reduced rate of 5.5% on the hammer price and the prevailing rate on buyer's premium if the item remains in EU. TVA sur les objets importés à un taux réduit de 5.5% sur le prix d'adjudication et un taux en vigueur sur la prime d'achat dans le cas où l'objet reste dans l'Union Européenne. |
