Lot Ended
Description
1935 Vauxhall Grosvenor Big Six BXL
Believed
one of just 9 left running world-wide; in super order from long term lady
ownership; driven 55 miles to the sale
Yet another fabulous and rare car on offer here at
Brightwells. Considered to be one of just nine remaining world-wide and just
three in Britain according to the Vauxhall club this is indeed a fine
opportunity.
Believed to be one of just 796 BXL (Long wheel-Base
Limousine Big Six’s) built, costing some £550 in 1934/5, a premium of £225 over
the standard saloon it is powered by a 3180cc six cylinder based on the YV Cadet
engine but with improved cylinder head and 5.6:1 compression it developed a
taxable rated 27hp and was quite the flying machine, reaching some 72mph on a
test in 1934 conducted by The Motor magazine. Transmission is by four-speed
manual with a silent third and synchromesh on 3rd and 4th
– it takes some mastery to get it right with a mixture of double-declutching and
confidence (or ability!) to get it right, but is a sweet moment when it one
‘gets it’.
Dating from January 1935 the car was assigned JM1660 and
purchased new by Miss Gwendolen Smith of Manchester who had her family crest on
the two rear doors, the car was chauffer driven until it was sold in March 1939.
The next owner, a Mr Hellen of Conniston Lake, Cumbria kept her for some 55
years, hiding it away during the war. The car was used for private hire after
the war until 1964 when he retired returning the car to its war-time store until
sale and purchase in 1994 by Vauxhall main dealer Wass of Leeds who lovingly
restored the car to its former glory. This included a full restoration of the
bodywork and engine with photographs on file. The car was kept in their showroom
and attended various shows and events.
The car looks to have then spent some time in Ballymena,
County Antrim, being re-registered TAS 936. Our intrepid lady became the next
owner purchasing it from Vintage specialists Malcom Elder & Son opting to
have ‘Candice’ as it became known re-sprayed from cream and black to primrose
and black along with fitment of new springs and exhaust system. Maintained in
house by our vintage and classic car mad owner this is a reluctant sale of a
much loved car that’s seen regular use in all weathers proving very reliable and
has not only been all over the UK to various club meets and events but has also
been driven more than 50 miles to the sale. A cracker of a car in very good
usable order with rarity and looks most definitely on its side with a
considerable history file to boot. Get those fingers tapping and
bidding.
* All charges are subject to VAT