Descripción
1926 Theophile Schneider 25SP (known as 13/ 55 or "Le Mans" model in the U. K.).
Very rare car – according to the Theophile Schneider Register, only nine confirmed car/ chassis numbers of this model remain worldwide. It is the only known type 25SP survivor that originated in Australia and possibly Grand Prix raced. Car in UK (Bristol), correctly V5 Registered, and with UK vintage plates. Serious inquiries invited for this imposing and beautiful 2 Litre French Racer.
HISTORY: Theophile Schneider (Th. Schneider, or THS for short) was a low-volume French manufacturer with a competition history in pre-WW1 French Grand Prix racing. The 2 Litre Theophile Schneider of the 1920’s was designated as the type “25 SP”.
This particular car: Believed originally delivered new in chassis form to Australia. Previous owner 15 years who purchased from former long term custodianship. During that ownership all mechanical components, engine, gearbox and differential were checked and rebuilt as required. Also during that period a boat-tail body (aluminium over ash frame with mahogany coping and English leather interior) was built by Artisan Coachworks (Melbourne) to a high specification design, ascribed to Labourdette at considerable cost (photos available). The only known documented information of a 2 Litre THS residing in Australia is the car that ran in the 1929 Australian Grand Prix, entered by the Vice President of the Victorian Light Car Club, Ernie King. That car reportedly retired from the race after shedding a wheel at speed. 1928 and 1929 issues of the VLCC magazine also record that King’s THS participated in a variety of club events. It's official whereabouts is unknown, but could possibly be this particular car.
SPECIFICATION:
Chassis number 128;
Engine number 130SP;
2 Litre overhead valve engine;
Four-speed gearbox;
High ratio differential;
Zenith 36mm HAK carburettor;
Four-wheel brakes (rear brakes of significant proportion);
Thermo-syphon cooling;
Cone clutch and crash box;
820x120 Excelsior tyres on beaded-edge rims.
Tonneau cover
GENERAL INFORMATION: The car for sale here is three chassis numbers away from the car that placed sixth at the 1926 Le Mans 24 hour race. It is believed that the Le Mans car is currently in the Musée Henri Malartre. The respected connoisseur, Serge Pozzoli, himself a 25SP owner, claimed that the Le Mans car was timed down the pit straight at 140km/ h. Comparable to, but rarer than, such cars as the Delage DISS and the Ballot LTS, the Theophile Schneider 25SP ranks amongst the quintessential, elegant, quality French fast tourers of the 1920’s. Motoring correspondent Hubert Keogh, in the May 1929 edition of Motor Sport magazine, stated “To sum up, the Le Mans Schneider impressed me very favourably, and I would consider it eminently suitable for the sporting driver who requires a high speed car”. In recent years the car has been carefully maintained and driven regularly but conservatively.
COMMENTS: The purchase includes comprehensive period marque, original handbook, model literature and data and some spare parts (full differential inc rear axle, rear brakes, dynostarter, carburettor, magneto etc).
Additional photos available on request.
