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 3^rd and 4^th – 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.