The ex-Lord David Strathcarron; Sir Ray Tindle
1903 Georges Richard Type H 10hp Twin-cylinder Two-seater Brougham

• Many-time London-Brighton Run participant
• Formerly displayed in the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu
• Offered from a private museum collection
• Completely restored 2024-2025

This unique 1903 Georges Richard is probably one of the most photographed cars to participate in the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, having been actively campaigned in that event from 1962 by that great motoring enthusiast and writer, the late Lord David Strathcarron. The car had been acquired by Veteran Car Club stalwart, F E Davis, in the 1950s from South Devon, at that time in a forlorn state and fitted with an Edwardian Austin engine. In 1957 it passed to fellow VCC member Michael Wilcock of Worthing, who in turn sold it to G M Jeffreys of Hertfordshire before the car passed to Lord Strathcarron. When found the car consisted of little more than a substantially complete rolling chassis, though prior to Lord Strathcarron's acquisition extensive renovation had been carried out.

Correspondence on file confirms that the great majority of the chassis detail is Georges Richard and, in the absence of a suitable Georges Richard engine, the Veteran Car Club approved the fitting of a 10hp, twin-cylinder, De Dion Bouton engine. A Brougham body, believed to date from 1895 and to be by Thrupp & Maberly, had been located and found to fit the chassis well, creating one of the snuggest and most comfortable cars for the annual pilgrimage to Brighton. During Lord Strathcarron's ownership the Georges Richard regularly participated in the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, failing to finish on only one occasion. The car comes with considerable correspondence from the 1950s when previous owners were researching its history, together with an old-style buff logbook dating from 1957 and some invoices for work carried out.

The Brougham coachwork is superbly coach-painted in maroon livery with gold coachlining. The interior is upholstered in deep-buttoned Burgundy leather. The side windows operate on railway carriage drop-down principles. The car is equipped with brass P&H oil side lamps, an oil rear lamp, a rear view mirror and a bulb horn together with a flower vase to the interior. A useful rear box compartment provides carrying space for the Brighton Run essentials.

The power unit is the aforementioned twin-cylinder De Dion Bouton with atmospheric inlet and mechanical exhaust valves. Of 90x110mm bore/stroke, the engine displaces 1,400cc, making this a particularly nimble Brighton car; indeed, the three-speed gearbox enables even the notorious Clayton Hill to be ascended with ease. Displayed in The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu for many years, the car carries a Veteran Car Club Dating Plate and is offered with Dating Certificate no.726, issued in July 1957.

In November 2006 the Georges Richard was offered for sale at Bonhams' 'Brighton Run' auction by order of the executors of the late Lord David Strathcarron (Lot 204) where it was purchased by Sir Ray Tindle. The car had an entry for the 2006 Run and Sir Ray asked Bonhams' Chairman, the late Robert Brooks, if he would like to drive it. Robert gratefully accepted the offer, taking the wheel with Bonhams' Jamie Knight as passenger. Sir Ray undertook numerous Runs in the following years before ownership passed to the current owner, a friend of Sir Ray, joining his museum collection.

During 2024-2025 a complete restoration was carried out in the museum's workshop. Works undertaken included stripping the car to the wood and totally rebuilding the engine: pistons, valves crankshaft and all new white-metal bearings. In addition, the wheels and rear axle were rebuilt, and a new radiator, water tanks, fuel tank and battery fitted. The body was stripped down to wood, repaired where necessary and carefully hand painted; interior trim was refreshed and replaced where necessary, and new tyres fitted. The rebuild was completed in March 2025. Our vendor advises us that the car has been tested and found to be working correctly; however, running-in and de-snagging will be required before extended use. Offered with a V5C document.