Description
Model Lloyd 350 Deluxe Microcar
Registration Number ETF 444
Engine 350cc Villiers Single 2-stroke
Fuel Petrol
Place of Origin Grimsby, UK
Condition Restored and ready to go
Drive Side RHD
Price £17, 500
What a stunning little car! Thought to be one of only three surviving examples, this is a rare opportunity to purchase a Lloyd 350 Deluxe microcar, as produced in Grimsby before the war.
This example was produced in 1939 by the little-known Grimsby firm and registered in 1940. It is known to be one of the last produced by the company before the outbreak of the war. At the time, owning a Lloyd 350 was known as being a particularly cheap (allegedly the cheapest) form of car ownership. There are a few anecdotes about the company; our favourite being that the wooden frames of these cars often used wood from left over fish boxes readily available in the fishing town of Grimsby. The story goes that the writing of those pallets could be seen in the finished cars if you knew where to look! Whilst we have not found any in this car, the thorough search proved to us that this example is presented today in superb condition throughout.
When new, it was used by the Gas, Light and Coke Company and sold for around £80. The Gas, Light and Coal Company reputably had a fleet of Lloyd 350 cars, of which only 98 were ever built. Since then, the example offered for sale here was found in a rubbish tip before being restored to its current, high standard in around the 1980s. It has changed hands a couple of times since and looks to have been used just enough since to keep it reliable without being worn out. It comes with a current V5C, some photos of the restoration and a substantial folder of paperwork including receipts and history about the little-known manufacturer.
It is powered using a single cylinder, Villers 350cc engine which can be found under the boot cover. The Lloyd 350 boasts an efficiency of up to 40mpg and a top speed which could keep up with modern day traffic! Following cooling problems in the earlier Lloyd 350 models, Lloyd created their own, water-cooled cylinder which can be found on this example. The ‘deluxe’ model was significant as it incorporated electric start and lights (two especially useful features for today’s roads!). It starts on the button every time and the lighting works as it should. The non-deluxe models were started using a pull start handle by the driver-side door and that handle can be found on this example and it works as it should. The engine drives through an Albion three-speed and reverse gearbox and everything does what it should. The owners notes that the choke (which is not usually needed or used) has been removed however the levers for the choke to be reinstated have been left in place.
The paint is generally very good for an older restoration with some age-related bubbling in places on one of the wings. There is no rust, and the aluminium body is faring well. The wooden frame is in good order. The upholstery is nicely presented with a fresh-looking hood and tonneau cover included.
Overall, this wonderfully quirky and unique pre-war British-built car offers an unusual example to own a product of Lloyd Cars Ltd, Grimsby.
Asking Price - £17, 500
This Lloyd is based at our premises near Exeter. As with all vehicles listed for sale, we always recommend viewing in person where possible. We ask that all enquiries are made to us at Berrybrook Steam & Classics. Please ask about our flexible part-exchange options. Delivery can be arranged to anywhere in the UK, and beyond, at buyer's expense.
