1913 Hotchkiss Model AD 20/30 Tourer

•Originally bodied as a open-drive limousine
•Converted into a fire engine in Australia
•Imported into the UK circa 2000 and restored
•Current body formerly on a Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost
•An older restoration
•Substantial history file

Powered by a 5.7-litre four-cylinder engine, this Hotchkiss Model 20/30 is the only example of its type in the UK. Chassis number '21200' was originally fitted with an open-drive limousine body before being imported into Australia where it was re-bodied as a fire engine and saw service with the Melbourne Fire Brigade. It is one of thirty-or-so Hotchkiss motor cars to be converted into fire appliances in Australia. Sadly, the original bodies were destroyed in a warehouse fire in 1957.

Circa 2000 the Hotchkiss - still in fire engine specification - was imported into the UK and sold to its previous owner, the late Geoffrey St John, by Orchid Cars of Amesbury, Wiltshire (copy advertisement and invoice on file). The body currently fitted was purchased by Mr St John from Brooks' Summer Vintage Sale in July 2000 (Lot 823) when it was described as 'in very good condition and suitable for a medium size late Edwardian tourer' (see file). According to an article in the VSCC journal (copy on file) 'this had been mounted on a Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost chassis but the body fitted the Hotchkiss chassis with remarkably little modification. Some mechanical work was required which included the fitting of aluminium pistons to replace the maker's heavy cast iron ones with a considerable improvement in performance and smoothness'.

Brian Gray's article continues: 'The car is large, high and handsome and is beautifully built, the bodywork finished in green with dark blue wings and lots of brass for the chauffeur to polish'. Fortunately for the 'chauffeur', this 5.7-litre monster now has an electric starter. Power is transmitted via a cone clutch to a four-speed gearbox; top gear is relatively high and the final drive ratio is 2.9:1. The Hotchkiss is said to progress effortlessly with an abundance of torque in reserve. Retardation is looked after by rear-wheel brakes operated by the handbrake, plus a foot-operated transmission brake.

When Geoffrey St John died, the Hotchkiss passed to a local enthusiast friend. Inactive for a few years, the car has been run recently but will need further gentle recommissioning before returning to the road. The substantial history file contains images and reports of the vehicle while in Australia; photographs of the restoration; a V5C Registration Certificate; and a quantity of MoTs and bills.