Whether you like the term ‘oily rag’ or ‘barn find’ or ‘ripe for restoration’ you have a treat in store on Wednesday 12 November when H & H auctions will offer a car in just such a condition at their Pavilion Gardens sale. The 1928 Alvis 12/50 2-seater has spent the last 40 years stood on blocks after the vendor stopped using it. He bought it in 1965 and the fitting of a rear view mirror and trafficators suggest it was driven regularly and safely ( if you can get in the driver's seat without the handbrake going up your trouser leg!). It will be an easy and rewarding job to recondition this car for use whilst ( I hope) retaining all its patina acquired over many years of quality vintage motoring.
If you want something a little sportier then look at lot 65 – a 1935 Riley 12/4 tourer with twin-cam 4 cylinder engine of 1496cc and 4-speed pre-selector gearbox. In excellent condition all round, this car with modern indicators and full weather equipment is ready for you to settle into the leather upholstery and use it as every day transport.
I confess to having a weak spot for 6-light saloons – there’s something about their spacious sober lines that has a peculiar attraction. This 1934 Austin 16/6 York Saloon has had the benefit of a thorough re-build so its smooth 2.1 Litre 6 cylinder engine can offer trusty transport to its next owner whether it be family motoring, film work or wedding hire.
Another 1934 saloon, of French name but built in Britain, is a Citroen Ten Rosalie with 4 cylinder sidevalve 1465cc engine and 3-speed gearbox which offered 90kph in the year before André Citroën died. Watching the construction of the Eiffel Tower had triggered his interest in engineering and an early visit to Ford’s USA production line led to his success with his car assembly line.
There are three LHD Model A Fords to choose from – a 1930 convertible cabriolet, a red/black 1930 saloon and a grey over black 1930 saloon. All in good order and will no doubt find buyers in the growing band of British enthusiasts who are enjoying these strong reliable cars.
Text Robin Batchelor, pictures courtesy H&H auctions.