• One of the finest sporting cars of the early Vintage period
• Full matching numbers
• Believed delivered new to Australia
• Present ownership since 2014
• Restoration completed by the current owner

The Vauxhall 30-98 is considered by many knowledgeable enthusiasts to be the finest British sporting car of the Vintage period. Its adherents will maintain that while Bentley generated greater publicity - thanks largely to their victories at Le Mans - the Vauxhall company (which raced at both Grand Prix and Tourist Trophy level before the Great War) had produced a car which could run rings around 3-Litre Bentleys on cross-country journeys.

Only a handful of cars were sold before the outbreak of WWI interrupted production, and when manufacture resumed in 1919, the model was given the designation 'E-Type'. Manufacture of the E-type ceased in September 1922 after 287 cars had been constructed; there was then a slight hiatus before its successor, the overhead-valve 'OE', commenced delivery in early 1923. Despite a reduction in capacity to 4.2 litres, the power of the OHV motor went up to 110bhp-plus, although this increase made little difference to the car's performance.

The OE was not to gain front-wheel brakes until late 1923, when a cable system was introduced. This was operated, along with the transmission brake, by the foot pedal. Hydraulic actuation of the front-wheel and transmission brakes was adopted in 1926. By the time the final batch of OE chassis had been completed in early 1927 there were few customers for the 30-98, the antiquity of the design telling against it when compared to the more refined competition from Bentley and Sunbeam. Total production of OEs numbered 312 cars.

'E329' was almost certainly delivered new to Australia as the 30-98 Register records six owners in - variously - New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, and Queensland (list on file). Our vendor purchased this Vauxhall 30/98 circa 2014 and completed its restoration. Works carried out included having a new cast-iron block fitted in the UK when he was there for one of the two 'Flying Scotsman' rallies the car has attended.

The owner describes the car as very reliable, with matching numbers: chassis 'E329', engine 'E329', front axle 'E335', gearbox 'E329' and differential 'E333'. The car is fitted with a replica Velox body, mudguards and bonnet, and is equipped with original CAV lights and correct instruments. The front floor has been modified with a foot well to accommodate drivers with larger feet, while the driver's seat slides back further for more leg room. The car is currently fitted with five well-base wheels; however, five original beaded-edge wheels shod with 820x120 tyres come with the car.