Details
1903 VAUXHALL VOITURETTE
Registration No. T.B.A.
Chassis No. 0345
Engine No. 0345
Black with black interior
Engine: Single horizontal cylinder, 970cc, water cooled, 5 h.p.; Gearbox: two speed epicyclic, single chain drive; Brakes: rear, external contracting; Suspension: coils springs front and rear. Side-tiller steering.
The Vauxhall Iron Works Co. Ltd., London, produced some forty examples of the successful 5 h.p. model in their first year of production (1903), although only two are known to survive. The oldest car is housed in the Science Museum (chassis no. 338) although it is not in running condition; the other is the example on offer today, chassis no. 345, making this the oldest known running Vauxhall and the second earliest Vauxhall in existance.
These early 5 h.p. cars were described by the firm as "Standard Light Cars", and had a single chain final drive on the near-side and side tiller steering. They were sold for 130 guineas in standard form as a two seater - but for an additional six guineas one could opt for the front seat "for two young persons or one adult", as supplied to Mr E.M. Blakeley. on chassis number 345. These early 5 h.p. cars also were fitted with wire wheels and pneumatic tyres, and coil springs all round. The engine and radiator was situated under the front seat, which had cooling vents in the side no doubt helping to keep the front passengers warm on the cooler journeys.
This particular Vauxhall has been kept in good running order and has seen regular use; it has competed on various events and rallies including the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run and last year was driven from London to Kempton Park, immediately following a drive to London of over 200 miles. The current MoT ran out in August but the owner hopes to have a new certificate issued by the time of the sale. It is in very good all round condition, carries the V.C.C. dating certificate number 410 and has been in the same ownership since October 1965. The file of history includes an old stlye log book dating back to 1953. An important milestone in British motoring history.
Registration No. T.B.A.
Chassis No. 0345
Engine No. 0345
Black with black interior
Engine: Single horizontal cylinder, 970cc, water cooled, 5 h.p.; Gearbox: two speed epicyclic, single chain drive; Brakes: rear, external contracting; Suspension: coils springs front and rear. Side-tiller steering.
The Vauxhall Iron Works Co. Ltd., London, produced some forty examples of the successful 5 h.p. model in their first year of production (1903), although only two are known to survive. The oldest car is housed in the Science Museum (chassis no. 338) although it is not in running condition; the other is the example on offer today, chassis no. 345, making this the oldest known running Vauxhall and the second earliest Vauxhall in existance.
These early 5 h.p. cars were described by the firm as "Standard Light Cars", and had a single chain final drive on the near-side and side tiller steering. They were sold for 130 guineas in standard form as a two seater - but for an additional six guineas one could opt for the front seat "for two young persons or one adult", as supplied to Mr E.M. Blakeley. on chassis number 345. These early 5 h.p. cars also were fitted with wire wheels and pneumatic tyres, and coil springs all round. The engine and radiator was situated under the front seat, which had cooling vents in the side no doubt helping to keep the front passengers warm on the cooler journeys.
This particular Vauxhall has been kept in good running order and has seen regular use; it has competed on various events and rallies including the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run and last year was driven from London to Kempton Park, immediately following a drive to London of over 200 miles. The current MoT ran out in August but the owner hopes to have a new certificate issued by the time of the sale. It is in very good all round condition, carries the V.C.C. dating certificate number 410 and has been in the same ownership since October 1965. The file of history includes an old stlye log book dating back to 1953. An important milestone in British motoring history.