Under the Hammer

Ahead of our Golden Age of Motoring Sale, we spoke to Head of the Motor Car Department for Bonhams UK, Tim Schofield about his top picks going under the hammer on 4 November.

This sale consists of 21 veteran car Lots which is one of the largest Bonhams have offered in c.20 years. There are 15 cars that are dated pre-1905 so are eligible for the London to Brighton Run, and several of the cars are from the late 1800s, trikes, forcers and even steam!

Lot 207

1897 Daimler 4hp Twin-Cylinder Tonneau Engine

The world’s oldest Daimler on the road and the second to leave the Coventry factory, which was test driven by the Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII). First owned by Colonel Arthur Mulliner of the coachbuilder family, the motor car was naturally fitted with a bespoke Mulliner Tonneau body. A veteran of many London to Brighton runs, the Daimler is now offered from 72 years’ single-family ownership.

Lot 215

1898 Peugeot Type 15 8hp Twin-Cylinder Double-Phaeton

An advanced motor car for its day, the Peugeot offered 4-speed plus reverse transmission, plus an early form of cruise control. This car had a nut-and-bolt restoration by specialist Smallbone and Sons in the 1990s, taking part in the 100^th anniversary Veteran Car Run upon completion and has made the journey from London to Brighton numerous times since.

Lot 216

1904 Lagonda 10hp Tricar

The name Lagonda is now associated with Aston Martin sports cars, but the company’s founder (an ex-opera singer) started by building motorcycles in his greenhouse. Tricars joined the line up in 1904 powered by Lagonda’s 10hp engine, successfully tested on trials such as the Land’s End to John O’Groats.

 This prototype is believed to be the oldest known Lagonda and is one of just three surviving Tricars. The only Lagonda eligible for the London to Brighton run, it has taken part many times as well as in the Sunbeam MotorCycle Club’s Pioneer Run.

Lot 217

1904 Napier 15hp Four-Cylinder Rear-Entrance Tonneau

The premier English marque of the Veteran era, Napier was known for competing in epic drives and races, and this year celebrates the 120^th anniversary of its victory in the Gordon Bennett Race, early motorsport’s ultimate prize. Offered from 66 years’ family ownership, in which it was fully restored as a labour of love from a barn find, this early four-cylinder motor car is of course eligible for the Veteran Car Run.

Lot 220

1898 De Dion Bouton 1¾hp Tricycle

One of the great pioneer motoring manufacturers, De Dion Bouton produced the world’s first high-revving engines which, fitted to their early tricycles, were used in new-fangled motor sport events by early racing drivers such as Charles Jarrott. The tricycles are enjoying a revival with dedicated races and this restored and refined example has participated in the Pioneer Run and De Dion Bouton Club track events.

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