Registration - VSV 725

Chassis No. - 33483

M.O.T. - Exempt

Odometer - 19,723

Bold and brilliant in black-over-red paintwork, this example of Lanchester’s Fourteen Roadrider Deluxe is powered by 2,250cc six-cylinder overhead-valve detachable-head engine, matched to the the marque’s fluid flywheel and pre-selector transmission driving the rear wheels. ‘VSV 725’ is a beautiful car, even for the period, featuring a fastback rear with split rear windscreen, as well as traditional running boards, swooping wheel arches, flip-out indicators, rear-hinged front doors, and radiator-topping thermometer. The cabin is remarkably spacious up front thanks to the steering column mounted gear shifter, as well as wide-opening doors, and bench-style seats front and rear, trimmed in red leather, mirroring the colour of the carpets.

Offered in highly original condition, ‘VSV 725’ is offered with a large amount of paperwork, including buff log-book, a selection of old tax disks, maintenance manual, and technical drawings. With just five previous keepers in more than 85 years, the Lanchester has been with the current owner for the past three years. Showing fewer than 20,000 miles indicated on the odometer, the overall condition is rated as very good overall by the vendor. The paintwork is considered ‘average’ but the interior and bodywork are thought of as ‘good’ and the engine, transmission, and electrics are all considered ‘excellent’.

• Rare 1930s six-cylinder saloon
• Large folder of paperwork
• Highly original example inside and out

The Fourteen Roadrider Deluxe was Lanchester’s last model to go into production before the outbreak of World War II, launched in 1937. The lower-priced version of parent firm Daimler’s DB17 the Roadrider Deluxe used a number of shared parts with its more luxurious stablemate. Available in four-door saloon form only, the Fourteen Roadrider Deluxe was the second-generation model, with a new engine, chassis, and styling compared to the non-Roadrider predecessor, including independent front suspension. Also known as the Lanchester 14/2, the Fourteen Roadrider Deluxe saw production halted by the war, and not replaced until 1950 with a new Fourteen.