Vintage Vauxhalls consigned for Motorclassica auction

Oldest of the four is a 1913 D-Type 25hp open tourer. Derived from the famous 'Prince Henry' model Vauxhall of 1910, the D-Type featured a new Laurence Pomeroy-designed 4 litre engine with a silent chain drive for the camshaft and magneto, fitted to a wider (36in) and longer (10ft 7in) chassis. Introduced late in 1912, many D-Types served as staff cars for British forces during World War I, transporting the likes of both King George V on the Western Front, and General Kitchener in Jerusalem. The D-Type remained current until 1922 and very few Edwardian examples survive today.

The example to be auctioned by Bonhams is believed to be the earliest surviving example of the 25hp model. Restored some time ago with replica coachwork, this vehicle has competed in rallies and events across America, Japan, Europe, and Australia, including the VSCCA 60th Anniversary "Around Australia Rally" in 2004. Bonhams estimate the value of this vehicle at $120,000 - $140,000.

The second D-Type is another 25hp model, but from 1920 with the 'Kington' tourer body offered by Vauxhall in the late 1910s. This example was originally sold in New Zealand, and had its original body replaced with a lightweight body for beach racing. Owned by the same family until 1979, the Kington D-Type was brought to Australia in the 1980s, before coming into the possession of the current owner in 1989. Restored in the past decade, the Vauxhall had its NZ-fitted lightweight 'racing' body replaced with a more period-correct Kington tourer body, which was painted in the green with black guards combination this vehicle was believed to have worn originally. Bonhams estimate the value of the nut & bolt restored 1920 Vauxhall D-Type at $120,000 - $140,000.

Third of the Vauxhall quartet is a 1922 23/60hp OD Kington tourer. 1922 was the introductory year for the 23/60, which was a development of the D-Type. What set the 23/60 apart from its predecessor was the use of an overhead valve engine, a feature developed by Charles King, Laurence Pomeroy's successor as Vauxhall's Chief Engineer. Also known as the 'OD' the 23/60 was built until 1926, with many examples going to overseas markets.

The example consigned for the Bonhams auction is in the final stages of a thorough restoration process, with most of the work already completed. A new open tourer body and bonnet have been made and the interior completely re-trimmed in British Racing Green leather upholstery. Other work completed includes the wiring, a rebuilt clutch, and new fuel tank and lines. Period correct headlamps, sidelights and tail lights are all included, along with an owner's manual and receipts indicating in the vicinity of $30,000 worth of work completed. Bonhams have valued this Vauxhall at $50,000 - $60,000.

The final and 'newest' member of the Vauxhall quarter is a 1925 30/98 OE Velox tourer. This example is expected to be the top seller of the four, due to its condition and the fact that it features the more powerful 4.2 litre overhead valve four cylinder engine. Combined with lightweight 'Velox' bodywork, this 110bhp tourer was the Grand Tourer of its day, and featured the front wheel cable-operated brakes that were introduced in 1923. By the time this example was built, the 30/98 design was starting to show its age, and would only survive in the Vauxhall catalogue until 1927.

The example offered has been fully restored and rebodied, with records of ownership going back to 1948. Matching numbers are on all components bar the back axle, which came from another car. Bonhams estimate the value of the '25 30/98 Velox at $230,000 - $260,000.

Bonhams 'Collectors Motor Cars, Motorcycles, Automobilia & Number Plates' auction is being held on Sunday, October 23, in conjunction with Motorclassica at the Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne.

For more details on this and other lots from Bonhams Motorclassica auction, go to www.bonhams.com/aus/auction/19746/

images: Ross Williams and Joel Strickland