1937 Autovia Limousine

The Beaulieu Sale: Collectors' Motor Cars & Automobilia|14 September 2024, 13:00 BST|Beaulieu, National Motor Museum

1937 Autovia Limousine
Registration no. EXA 587
Chassis no. 63106
Engine no. 5

• The earliest known survivor of only 44 built
• Last on the road in 1962
• Single family ownership since then
• Original and unrestored
• Offered in need of total restoration

Autovia is, without doubt, the best car that most people have never heard of. Established in 1936 by Victor Riley, Autovia Cars Ltd used Riley's engineering and technology as the basis for a new luxury car: the Autovia. The newcomer featured a completely new box-section chassis, upswept at the front and underslung at the rear. Damping was via Luvax shock absorbers, with ride control from the driver's seat, while Girling rod-operated brakes provided the stopping power.

The Riley connection is most recognizable in the 2,849cc V8 engine, with its inclined valves in a hemispherical combustion chamber operated by gear-driven camshafts located high in the block for the exhaust valves and centrally for the inlets. Power was transmitted via a four-speed pre-selector gearbox and torque-tube drive to the worm-drive rear axle. Initially there were two body styles: a saloon and a limousine, both coachbuilt by Arthur Mulliner. Sadly, Riley's bankruptcy in 1938 took Autovia down with it.

Built in 1937 and first registered on 4th March 1938, 'EXA 587' is the earliest known survivor of only 44 cars produced. Offered for sale in original unrestored condition, the car was last on the road in 1962 and has been in single family ownership since then. 'EXA 587' has had only two previous owners, the first supposedly a titled lady and the second a photography business in Shrewsbury. Offered for total restoration and sold strictly as viewed, this fascinating motoring 'might-have-been' is offered with an old-style continuation logbook and an old-style V5.

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