Lot Ended
Description
Ex-Sir
Roddy Llewellyn; in the current family ownership since 1987; runs and drives;
stalled restoration; nice winter project
Launched in
1932, the 10/4 was Austin's best-selling car in the 1930s and continued in
production until 1947. It was powered by a four-cylinder side-valve 1125cc
engine producing 21bhp and driving the rear wheels through a four-speed gearbox
and open drive shaft to a live rear axle.
Mechanical upgrades for 1934 included a stronger chassis, synchromesh
on the top two gears and 12-volt electrics. The radiator was also redesigned
with a body-colour rather than chrome surround. The four-light saloon was
renamed the Lichfield and got a protruding boot which enclosed the spare wheel.
It cost £155 and was capable of 55mph with 34mpg economy, remaining in
production until 1937 when it was replaced by the more streamlined Cambridge
saloon.
First registered in Surrey in April 1936,
this Lichfield was formerly owned by Sir Roddy Llewellyn, a Baronet and Olympic
showjumping gold medallist who famously had an affair with Princess Margaret in
the mid-1970s. Registered to his London address, it isn’t clear when he acquired
the car but he certainly owned it prior to 1980 and kept it until
1986.
It was then briefly owned by a Mr R Munday
of Worthing who sold it via the Worthing Carriage Company in January 1987 for
£1,450. It has been in single-family-ownership ever since.
Tucked away in a Herefordshire barn for the last few decades, we are
told that 'Dippy Jane', as she is affectionately known, runs and
drives, with good 25psi oil pressure. As you can see in the photos, she has
been partially stripped for a light restoration which was never completed and
could do with some tidying here and there.
The sliding fabric sunroof is
present but not currently fitted, although there are detailed instructions
showing how it works and how to fit it properly. The wooden dash surround and
other bits of interior woodwork are also present, along with the
original roller-blind for the rear window and all other parts to complete
the car (see photos). The body looks reassuringly rust-free and the doors fit
well with little or no play.
For a
video of the car running and driving, copy and paste this link into your
browser:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOypidMb1T0&t=22s
This
looks like a nice winter project for someone and will prove a real talking point
down at the pub. Who knows what might have gone on inside its cosy confines? If
only cars could talk...
Consigned by James Dennison – 07970 309907 –
[email protected]