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Preserving The Automobile

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Preserving The Automobile.

When we saw that Bonhams had named their next auction 'Preserving The Automobile' we were keen to see what treasures were to be found in their catalogue of cars to be sold on Monday 5 October at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum in Philadelphia. The 1908 Rainier Model D 45/50hp Seven Passenger Touring is a true 'Time Warp' car and a magnificent beast with large 50 HP engine and 4 speed gearbox. You could not own this car without wanting to drive it so it will need a little careful attention to ensure no more horse hair flies away from the ancient upholstery. It should be straightforward to prepare the mechanics for road use, preferably in the dry because the hood will no longer offer protection! 

The condition of the weather protection on the time warp 1937 Morgan Super Sport is academic because Morgan owners never put the hood up - the speed ensures the rain flies over the top. The previous owner loooked after it well in his 60 year custody and with its Matchless OHV 990cc engine sitting proudly up front we can see the buyer lovingly checking the mechanics, filling up with fresh oil and petrol and going straight out for a blast. The hood on the 1913 Napier Type 44 will give good service, but that's not what you buy it for. The pre-eminent luxury car of its day still sporting its original touring coachwork by Cunard. A pedigree going back to its origins thanks to the list of distinguished owners in UK and USA. The older restoration has mellowed nicely and its secondary patina will improve with use - easy to do since the car is 'on the button' and the big 6 cylinder engine running well.'

The 1936 Wanderer W25 K Roadsteris an extremely rare Porsche-designed competitor to the BMW 328 and a product of the Auto Union consortium. The 2 litre OHV supercharged engine gives 85HP, 4-speed box and striking Wendler coachwork will surely generate lively bidding. It was Mrs Roy Fox, wife of famous '30s band leader, who noticed an incurable knock from the engine of her 1936 Rolls-Royce Phantom III 40/50 and shipped it back to Rolls Royce who fitted the 7 litre prototypeV12 from an experimental chassis. Independent front suspension, twin spares and handsome Mulliner coachwork all help explain why 'The Motor' magazine described it as "...a car which is a joy to handle and which, in its perfection of workmanship and finish, is also an example of engineering at its finest level." Long may the Preservation of The Automobile continue.

(Text Robin Batchelor, pictures courtesy Bonhams)


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