•Delivered new in France
•Off the road in storage from 1940 until the 1990s
•Formerly owned by Sir Ray Tindle, OBE
•First driven by Sir Ray in the 2005 LBVCR
•Many-time London-to-Brighton Run participant (using a Passport)

This Aster-engined Gladiator, a four-seat rear-entrance tonneau, was bought new in 1901 by a Dr Griffen, a veterinary surgeon of north-west France, and used as his family car. So useful and reliable it proved to be that he decided to put it to work, travelling to his clients far and wide. With the quickly detachable rear seats removed for work, he commissioned the local carpenter to make a bespoke box for his medical supplies and equipment, thus creating a business car for the week and a four-seat tourer for the weekends. The box, though not currently attached and without medical supplies, is included in the sale!

As befitting a man of his standing, Dr Griffen purchased a larger, four-cylinder Clement Bayard some years later, while still retaining his trusty old Gladiator for work. He kept them both up until the outbreak of WW2, at which point he dismantled and concealed them in his house to avoid confiscation by invading German troops.

Dr Griffen died in 1952 and the cars remained secreted in his unoccupied house for some considerable time due to a family dispute. Ultimately the house was acquired by the town council and the contents sold in 1993. The dismantled cars were acquired by the French collector, Bernard Houzetin. Having been reassembled, this car was acquired in 2004 by longtime sponsor of the London-to-Brighton Run, Sir Ray Tindle, OBE and first driven by him in the 2005 LBVCR. A full article on this car's history was published in that year's LBVCR programme, a copy of which is on file.

Since then the Gladiator has competed many times in the London-to-Brighton Run using a Passport, the VCC's recognised dating method for cars that have not been formally inspected/vetted by them. Several Passports are on file. After several Runs during the vendor's father's ownership, the car was officially inspected by the VCC dating committee and a lengthy report was issued by them (see file). The committee's latest findings are summarised as follows: "As the vehicle is made up of parts from different manufacturers the Dating rules preclude the award of either a Dating Certificate or Eligibility Certificate and only allow a Composite Certificate to be awarded (The DAC is satisfied that the Major parts 'were made before the Deadline') as it is not possible to date all the components a specific date cannot be awarded."

Currently EU registered, the Gladiator and our vendor have taken part in several London-to-Brighton Runs, the Regent Street Concours and other Veteran car events in the UK and abroad. The vendor now feels that, due to advancing years, it is time to let it find a new home.

Used regularly over the years and said to be still running well, this pretty Gladiator can come with a bespoke enclosed trailer if the purchaser so requires. A comprehensive file detailing the history of the car (a good deal in French), various event reports and maintenance records is included together with the EU registration document and associated paperwork accumulated over the last 20 years. A small quantity of engine spares is included in the sale.

Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Car Department.