Over the years there have been many coachbuilders. Most we know, but we had never heard of Domain Motor Body Builders of 348 Saint Kilda Road in Melbourne, Australia. Yet this company produced the coachwork of at least two of the only three six-cylinder Th. Schneider cars that were imported in Australia. And one of those two became famous as on 4 July 1925 a Mr. A.H. Barnes from Sydney lowered the Adelaide to Melbourne record. He drove the 573 miles in twelve hours and ten minutes, which was quite an achievement as the road linking the two cities was mostly unpaved at the time. This same Th. Schneider survived in remarkably original condition, the Domain signature still on its sill plates. Having been in the hands of two careful owners since the 1960s, the 1921 Th. Schneider 4½-Litre Tourer will be offered on February 5 by RM Auctions during their inaugural auction in Paris. It's lot 19, and in our opinion well worth a look as it will give its rivals, the Vauxhall 30-98 or the 4½-Litre Bentley, a run for the money!
(Photos Tim Scott, courtesy of RM Auctions)