1923 Vauxhall 23-60

Highlights

- Restored car in classic British Racing Green
- Well documented history back to 1932
- One of approximately 100 survivors
- Versatile seven-seater coachwork
- Matching numbers chassis number on scuttle and floorboards
- Engine rebuilt by Keith Pointing
- Four keepers since returning to UK in 1998

The Appeal

This characterful 23/ 60 is a very different kind of Vauxhall to the ones usually associated with the marque. Before 1925 the firm was a competitor to Bentley and Sunbeam, producing high performance, highly regarded sports tourers like this one.
The 23/ 60 evolved the 4litre engine of the earlier D-Type, gaining a new OHV cylinder head that modernised it and improved performance. Just 1, 300 were built in a variety of body styles, with only 100 believed to have survived.
This example is one of the better known, thanks to appearances at historic events like the 2022 VSCC Prescott meet. Fitted with a versatile seven seat Malvern body, it began life on the other side of the world in Australia before returning home in 1998. There have been just four registered keepers in the intervening 26 years.
The history back to 1932 is well known and documented in the extensive file. Since arriving back here it has been extensively restored, including an engine rebuild by specialist Keith Pointing within the last 10 years. It remains a matching numbers, factory correct chassis, the ‘15/ 06/ 23’ date stamp still visible in the photographs.
The 23/ 60 is one of the best regarded of interwar British models. This one has the provenance and condition to make it stand out.

The Condition

Repainted and reupholstered with emphasis on factory-correct originality
Finished in classic British Racing Green with complementary green leather cabin
Currently fitted with discreet door and body decals that could likely be easily removed
Chassis number present on scuttle and floorboards and both wings date-stamped
Bodywork in good order with only localised signs of use as shown in photographs
This is largely restricted to edge chips to doors and pillars and some stone chips
Well trimmed and factory correct seven seat ‘Malvern’ interior in green leather
Interior is well kept with light signs of age as illustrated in photographs
This includes light scuffs to driver’s side A post trim and to front bench
Door cards and side trims are well kept with minor marks to note in photographs
Versatile seven seat layout with folding middle row which fold flush with floor
Grey carpets throughout in good condition but with light stains to rear area
Wheels and tyres present well with black wires and Michelin vintage specificaiton rubber
Controls and instrumentation are said to work correctly
Lighting and exterior fittings appear to be well kept
Black fabric folding roof in good condition and works correctly
There are a couple of age-related small tears in the hood, which could be easily repaired
Underside presents well with solid structure
With its aluminium bonnet and vast seven-seat ‘racing green’ Malvern bodywork, this is a glorious example of British interwar motoring. The older restoration aimed to preserve originality - the wings and chassis retain their factory date stamps - and has held up very well, the paintwork showing only very minor signs of use. None are immediately visible.
Inside the complementary dark green leather interior is beautifully trimmed and equally factory correct. The three rows of seats include a central row that can be folded flat to the floor to increase rear legroom. A vast black roof provides all weather protection, but surely this is a car to enjoy the wind in your hair and be seen in.

The Mechanics

3, 969cc 4cyl OHV Vauxhall engine
4spd manual gearbox
Engine rebuilt by Keith Pointing since 2015
Engine and transmission reported to work correctly and smoothly
Used for recent VSCC events including Prescott, without issue
No reported running or driving issues
Charles Evelyn King’s reworking of the original Pomeroy 4litre motor added performance and smoothness to match the evolution of rivals from Bentley and Sunbeam. These were quick and powerful cars and this one would surely have entertained its seven occupants in period.
It continues to do the same now thanks to regular appearances at VSCC events since it arrived back here in 1998. Thanks to an engine rebuild by specialist Keith Pointing it is in very good mechanical health with no reported issues. History and Paperwork

Chassis stamp indicates build date of 15th June 1923
Delivered new to Australia
Ownership history in Australia dating back to 1932
Imported into the UK in May 1998 by specialist Orchid Cars
First registered in UK on 24th May 1999
Four registered keepers since returning to UK
Registered as 'SV 7736' in the UK
Sold to Mr Ray Harris of the West Midlands upon import
One further owner before acquisition by the previous keeper in 2015
Acquired by the current keeper in September 2022
Maintained by Keith Pointing including engine rebuild
Offered with a good history file
VIN number OD720
Retains its original chassis with stamps on scuttle and floorboards
Wings are also date stamped
VSCC Prescott 2022 scrutineering sticker
Purchased for a pan-European Tour that unfortunately has been abandoned due to relocation. Looking for a new owner to cherish and enjoy.