Remains of a 1912 Regal Underslaung, found in Virginia, USA ( editor: well in fact at PreWarcar, check 'Sales History' ) in September 2005, an almost bare chassis ( Nr. #2722 ) with only small bits of a body (see photo as found), but it was clear that it wasn't a factory coachwork. Cowl, racing bucket seat and remains of a round petrol tank indicated sporty use in its past. The underslung set up is a joy to the eye alone.
Jan Bruijn decided to restore the car as a race car and use as much original parts as possible, the radiator core was beyond repair but the old radiator shell was saved, so was the bonnet and all mechanical parts with exception of a part of the clutch. The chassis was heavily pitted by rust but could be retained after strengthening inside. The four cylinder 3.5 litre 25HP is cast as a monobloc with the crankshaft showing an offset with the goal to reduce the effect of sideforces of the pistons after combustion. The engine is connected with a straightforward three spead gearbox.
The cowl was beyond repair as was the sheet metal of the seat. To blend old and new parts Jan and his mechanics choose to paint the car by hand and make the finish as a well used car. To your editor's pleasure and pride jan Bruijn adds: "We were very Lucky to locate some very nice period fittings such as the early rev counter and fuel pressure pump through the parts of sale pages of PreWarCar."
A restoration that took us nearly12 years. Jan Bruijn of Galleria Style & Auto will exhibit the car for its very first re-appearance at the Concours d'Elegance at the Palace Het Loo, next 3rd and 4th of July.
(photos courtesy Galleria Style & Auto)