Brightwells have listed an interesting variety of cars in their next auction to be held on wednesday 23 November at the auction centre in Leominster, Herefordshire.
The 1934 Riley 12/6 Mentone Saloon was our favourite before we even read the description, which starts, “...At once let it be said that this is an outstanding car… Most of the cars tested by us in the Midlands pass along a certain private road on which there is a shallow S-bend. Although on no previous occasion has this been taken at more than 50mph, the Riley 12/6 went through it at 70mph. No doubt some other cars could have done the same, but the Riley simply pleaded for it.” The Light Car June 1934.
Drivers with good taste are increasingly waking up to the quality of Rileys and despite its 'no reserve', this rare, swift and handsome pre-war sporting six cylinder saloon will attract fierce bidding. You watch.
Lot 86 is a 1927 Crossley 15/30 Tourer with a lusty 2.4-litre engine delivering masses of low-down torque, making it easy and great fun to drive. The original prop shaft has been improved with Hardy Spicer joints to transform the driving experience. A high quality, usable and powerful Vintage tourer with bags of space for friends, family, dogs, picnics etc.
The FIAT 509 caused a sensation when unveiled at the Paris show in 1924, its powerful four-wheel brakes, peppy OHC engine and quality construction wowed the crowds who placed orders in droves. This delightful 1929 509A is pretty and practical with previous drivers including Mrs Anne Wisdom and Pat Moss.
The catalogue description for the 1934 Hillman Aero Minx( Lot 31) is full of encouraging comments..."rare and attractive - for restoration"..." largely complete"... "engine reputedly rebuilt"... "new set of wheel spinners".
This lovely car will find a buyer and in a year or two, it will be turning heads just as it did in the thirties and people may be heard to say it is better than its equivalent MG - just as they did in 1934.
We are told the Jowett Car Club is the oldest one-make club in the world, so here's your chance to join and go trialling as well. This saloon is known as the 'White Lady' - a tongue in cheek reference to Jowett's production models - the 'Black Prince' and 'Grey Knight'. Compared to other engines of the day, the Jowett four-stroke horizontally opposed two-cylinder engine was a smooth and powerful unit and quickly earned its nickname ‘the little engine with the big pull’ . You can read about it in Lot 37.
If you were wondering what to do this winter - fret no more! ... " Not a project for the faint hearted, it is nevertheless all there and should help fill those dark winter nights when there is nothing on the telly…." Become a Morris owner and breathe life back into this 1932 Morris 10 Saloon and if you falter and start to question your sanity, just remember it has a sliding roof so you can transport grandfather clocks, skis, tall house plants.... or the Christmas Tree!
Text Robin Batchelor, pictures courtesy Brightwells.