1927 Lanchester 23hp Saloon Limousine

• Regular attendee of Lanchester Register, VSCC and other events
• Engine upgraded (electric water pump)
• Safety upgrades (flashing indicators, brake lights)

This remarkable Lanchester was offered - and sold - at the recent Bonhams Beaulieu sale in September. The buyer at that sale was unable to complete the purchase and it thus presents another opportunity to the many collectors who expressed an interest at Goodwood. The estimate of £22,000 - 32,000 remains the same and, apart from this disclosure, the catalogue description also remains the same.

Lanchester recommenced civilian production after WWI with a single model, the luxurious 40hp, which was even more expensive than the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, but like their rivals at Crewe was soon offering a smaller and cheaper alternative. Introduced in 1923 at the Olympia Motor Show, the 21hp newcomer was powered by a 3.0-litre overhead-camshaft straight six. The latter was Lanchester's first engine with a detachable cylinder head while the conventional (as opposed to epicyclic) gearbox and four-wheel brakes were likewise new departures for the firm. In 1926 the engine was enlarged to 3.3 litres (rated at 23hp) and in this form the model continued in production until 1931. The top speed was comfortably in excess of 60mph.

Equipped with the 3.3-litre engine, this 23hp model was built in 1927 and registered in 1928. Its elegant Maythorn coachwork includes rotating occasional seats, drawers beneath the front seats, curved glass panels and a vertically opening glass division. Its first owner was Mr Wilson, an architect, who drove the car regularly until WW2. In 1954 the engine was restored and all other components thoroughly checked.

In 1963 the Lanchester was sold to Roger Halliwell of Halifax. It is believed to have been licensed every year since, attending many shows and rallies including annual Manchester/Blackpool tours, and being used as a wedding car. Three vintage silver-plated telephones were installed in 1970 (currently unconnected), with aluminium wheel discs being fitted to the wire wheels that same year.

The Lanchester was restored by Roger Halliwell between 1988 and 2006, the engine being rebored and rebuilt with new pistons, main bearings, big-end bearings and gudgeon pins. Other works included refurbishment of the front wheel bearings, brake drums (new), brake linings, radiator (renewed). In more recent years the electrics were rewired, with new ignition switch, distributor, fuse box, 12v connector, brake lights and flashing indicators. In addition, the engine has been fitted with a 12v electric water pump with manual switch. This luxurious car is ready to use with fresh anti-freeze added. Some bills are available.

The car comes complete with the following: handbook; jack and wooden blocks; wire wheel hub nut spanner; wheel disc spanner; complete second spare wheel and tyre; spare paint for bodywork; and a complete, new set of The Lanchester Legacy (four volumes). The history file contains details of the first owner; photographs of the car in its various colour schemes; detailed maintenance and mileage records for the period 1988-2006; and some original Lanchester parts drawings. The car has been a regular attendee of Lanchester Register, VSCC and other rallies, tours and events.