Description
H&H Classic Auction @ The Imperial War Museum, Duxford/ Cambridgeshire
9th of October , 2024 13:00
1938 Vauxhall GY 25 Wingham Cabriolet
Estimate
£40, 000 - £45, 000
Registration No: XS 4714
Chassis No: GY5703
MOT: Exempt
One of only five known to have survived
Fitted with the original hand-made body by Martin-Walter of Folkestone
Understood to have had c.£230, 000 spent on the extensive restoration
Offered from long-term previous ownership
Re-trimmed interior and fitted with a new hood
The Vauxhall GY 25 was produced between 1937 and 1940. Approximately 6, 800 were built during that time period, with the 1939/ 40 models being used as ambulances and staff cars in the RAF during WWII and is powered by a 25hp 3215cc straight-six engine which is derived from a Chevrolet unit, an engine shared with Vauxhall after it was acquired by GM in 1929. The Wingham Cabriolets were all finished with hand-made bodies by Martin-Walter of Folkestone.
One of just five known survivors globally, this 1938 Vauxhall GY 25 Wingham Cabriolet was one of an extremely limited number of cars built on the Vauxhall Big Six chassis. This particular long-wheelbase Wingham Cabriolet only became available in 1938 and features an extended luggage boot, which, according to original promotional material, was “large enough to take suitcases, golf clubs etc.”
Built by Vauxhall Motors in July 1938, as certified by Vauxhall Heritage, ‘XS 4714’, a Paisley number, is a very special car indeed – recently returned to the road after what was essentially a 50-year restoration, the last owner began restoring the car in 1973, when he sadly passed away and the restoration stalled. The car has had a fastidiously detailed restoration, which has just been finished off by a well-known and highly respected classic car dealer. All the repair and rectification work had been carried out in stages over the years ‘as and when’ the previous owner’s budget allowed, and to an exacting and diligent standard. The Vauxhall is 'Said' to have superb paint throughout, with no visible dents or damage and excellent brightwork, right down to the accurate Red and Blue Vauxhall badge and the original fluted bonnet, while the chassis is said to be 'Excellent' and the refurbished wheels are also in great order. The seats and door trims have been re-covered in Light Tan leather by Moore’s Classic Car Interiors of Aylsham, Norfolk. The centrepiece of the interior is its beautiful art deco four-dial dash. The quality of the trim is otherwise exceptional – new carpets, neatly retrimmed door cards and a beautiful and highly polished wooden dash. At the rear, the luggage area is spacious and well-equipped, with a new spare wheel cover. From the bespoke wooden cappings to the quirky full-opening chauffeur and bride doors, it’s a machine that truly celebrates the artisan nature of coach-built cars.
Mechanically, the Wingham Cabriolet came with a 3. 2-litre straight-six engine, the largest of the Big Six engines, and with a manual transmission, mechanically akin to the famous 30/ 98 Tourer. It has been extensively overhauled throughout with the engine, brakes, steering and suspension all seeing work. The weather equipment is also present. In total c.£230, 000 has been spent completely restoring, replacing or refurbishing every area of the car possible. Now finished to a show-worthy standard 'XS 4714' is accompanied by numerous rare spares and a V5C Registration Document.
