The staff at COYS Auction House will be busy on Saturday 16 january because they are running two sales on the same day - one in Birmingham, UK and one in Maastricht, Holland. The Dutch event is named the Grand Marques sale so let's look at a couple of Rolls Royce cars. The 1927 Phantom I Pall Mall Tourer looks as regal and important as it did in 1927 with black coachwork and ivory coach-line pin striping. A high quality car which has enjoyed careful previous owners, the most recent employing a private mechanic to care for it. The 1937 Phantom III offered has a 7.3 litre V12 engine beneath the bonnet and is fitted with Barker limousine coachwork and includes the optional, yet desirable division, rear luggage rack and even two occasional seats in the rear allowing for 7 passengers. Another V12 luxury car is the 1935 Lincoln K Model - a rare survivor of just 278 built. Finished in black with buttoned cloth interior and lovely art deco design, the 46K miles on the clock may well represent the car's total usage. A 5.5 litre V8 powers the 1929 Cadillac 341-A Fleetwood saloon in forest green and midnight black and the period luggage trunk on the back is full of stories of previous owners and their picnics and grand tours.
A variety of smaller cars include an open top 1926 Amilcar G model with lovely original interior and hood and a delightful 1937 Morris Twelve Four Saloon in black with blue interior and in very good condition. The 1926 Fiat 509A Tourer is painted red (of course) and is 'running sweetly'. We always enjoy seeing (and driving) Woodies and this 1937 Ford Model 78 from UK has been so well rebuilt there is not a speck of dirt to be seen. After 12 years inside a collection it now needs a new owner to drive it on the road! There is also a 1936 BMW 328 Roadster where the description explains the picture is of a 'similar car' and then lists the parts, new and old, which were used to make this car.
Just one pre-war car in the Birmingham sale at the Autosport International Racing car Show and that is a 1934 MG PA with one owner from 1969. The sight of the dash board will make you turn your cap backwards, roar off towards your favourite winding lanes and arrive at the pub aged 20 again - and don't forget to walk round and open the door for your sweetheart!
(Text Robin Batchelor, pictures courtesy COYS)