Description
Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire
Viewing: Tues 8th April from 12pm
Auction: Wed 9th April from 9am
Location: IWM Duxford Airfield, Cambridge CB22 4QR
1938 Lanchester 14/ 6 Doctors Coupe
Charlesworth of Birmingham coachwork
Estimate £14, 000 - £16, 000
Registration No: VAS 487
Chassis No: 34355
MOT: Exempt
Reputedly the sole survivor of just two chassis fitted with this particular style of Doctor's Coupe coachwork by Charlesworth
Extensively restored during a twenty-five year sojourn in Sweden
Offered with history file, workshop manual, and sundry photographs
6-cylinder engine, 4-speed pre-selector gearbox and flywheel
Announced in October 1937, the revised Lanchester Fourteen Roadrider was equipped with independent front suspension. Powered by a 1. 8 litre OHV six-cylinder engine allied to four-speed pre-selector transmission, it was reputedly capable of 70mph and 22mpg. Although, the majority of examples were supplied as four- or six-light saloons, the model was available as a bare chassis too should a customer wish to have it bodied by an external coachbuilder.
Reputedly the sole survivor of just two Lanchester Fourteen Roadrider chassis that were clothed with this particular style of Doctor’s Coupe coachwork by Charlesworth, chassis 34355 is further understood to have been laid-up at the outbreak of World War Two. Apparently showing a mere 8, 000 or so miles to its odometer at the time, the four-seater was left slumbering until the early 1970s. Said to have been extensively restored during a twenty-five year sojourn in Sweden (with the work rumoured to have cost the equivalent of £100, 000 in today’s money), the Lanchester returned to these shores in 2003. Covering a mere 5, 000 or so miles since then, its unwarranted mileage reading has increased to c. 62, 240. Fitted with a stainless steel exhaust, ‘VAS 487’ is offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, history file, workshop manual and sundry photographs.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
