Vauxhall introduced the 25hp D-type to their model range at the Olympia Motor Show in 1912, a model which was to remain in production until 1922 and proved sturdy and reliable on staff car duties during The Great War. The 3,969cc engine, with bore and stroke of 95mm x 140mm, was conventional in all respects, following a basic Pomeroy design from 1908. Indeed it was this engine which was to be further tuned and developed to power the famous Prince Henry sporting models. Although chassis were delivered to bespoke coachbuilders by far the greater number of D-type Vauxhalls were to carry factory coachwork and in all some 4,000 or so D-type chassis left the Luton production line. Offered here is a comprehensively restored example of the desirable 4-litre Vauxhall D-type, being an early post-war version with Kington Open Tourer coachwork by Vauxhall Motors, Ltd. Believed to have delivered to C.A.Messenger of St Heliers, New Zealand in 1920, this D-type was reputedly acquired on the advice of his son, Dick Messenger, who is said to have driven similar examples during The Great War in France as an army staff car driver. The Vauxhall's time in New Zealand with the Messenger family is well known and it was raced there in the Twenties with a simple, lightweight body, competing at Muriwai Beach and elsewhere. The Messenger's were great motoring enthusiasts and owned, amongst other cars, a 1922 Sunbeam T.T. The Vauxhall remained with the original owners until 1979 and thereafter came to Australia, being purchased by the present owner's family in 1989 and forming part of his extensive private collection ever since and has been used on a number of rallies and events. Although remarkably original, the Vauxhall was getting a little tired, both mechanically and cosmetically, in recent years and the decision was taken to return it to its former glory. Most of the work was undertaken by marque specialist Barry Ford in Stanthorpe, Queensland although the body was done locally in Adelaide. After discovering traces of green paint beneath the door hinges the owner decided to return the colour scheme back to green with black wings. The owner describes the restoration as a total nut and bolt effort, resulting in the stunning condition as presented today.
Vauxhall introduced the 25hp D-type to their model range at the Olympia Motor Show in 1912, a model which was to remain in production until 1922 and proved sturdy and reliable on staff car duties during The Great War. The 3,969cc engine, with bore and stroke of 95mm x 140mm, was conventional in all respects, following a basic Pomeroy design from 1908. Indeed it was this engine which was to be further tuned and developed to power the famous Prince Henry sporting models. Although chassis were delivered to bespoke coachbuilders by far the greater number of D-type Vauxhalls were to carry factory coachwork and in all some 4,000 or so D-type chassis left the Luton production line. Offered here is a comprehensively restored example of the desirable 4-litre Vauxhall D-type, being an early post-war version with Kington Open Tourer coachwork by Vauxhall Motors, Ltd. Believed to have delivered to C.A.Messenger of St Heliers, New Zealand in 1920, this D-type was reputedly acquired on the advice of his son, Dick Messenger, who is said to have driven similar examples during The Great War in France as an army staff car driver. The Vauxhall's time in New Zealand with the Messenger family is well known and it was raced there in the Twenties with a simple, lightweight body, competing at Muriwai Beach and elsewhere. The Messenger's were great motoring enthusiasts and owned, amongst other cars, a 1922 Sunbeam T.T. The Vauxhall remained with the original owners until 1979 and thereafter came to Australia, being purchased by the present owner's family in 1989 and forming part of his extensive private collection ever since and has been used on a number of rallies and events. Although remarkably original, the Vauxhall was getting a little tired, both mechanically and cosmetically, in recent years and the decision was taken to return it to its former glory. Most of the work was undertaken by marque specialist Barry Ford in Stanthorpe, Queensland although the body was done locally in Adelaide. After discovering traces of green paint beneath the door hinges the owner decided to return the colour scheme back to green with black wings. The owner describes the restoration as a total nut and bolt effort, resulting in the stunning condition as presented today.
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.jpg "Quelle: Christie's")
.jpg "Quelle: Christie's")
