Descrizione
Arab Motors had been founded in Letchworth, Hertfordshire in 1922 by automotive engineer Reid Railton on his departure from Leyland Motors.
Following the death in 1927 of his friend Parry-Thomas, killed driving the 'Babs' land
speed record car at Pendine Sands, Railton closed the Arab factory and moved to
Brooklands working for Thomson & Taylor. Railton took over as the company's Technical
Director with responsibility for John Cobb's Napier-Railton that took the Brooklands
Outer Circuit record in 1933, as well as Sir Malcolm Campbell's Bluebird land speed
record cars of 1931 to 1935.
The car offered here is the first Arab low chassis model and was assembled at Thomson & Taylor's Brooklands. It was originally completed with engine number 'EA 12' but in 1936 was fitted with S. R engine 'EA 20' from one of Railton's earlier racers. Railton competed with this engine in the 75mph Short Handicap and 90mph Long Handicap events at the Brooklands Easter Meeting in 1924, and the car also raced at Southport and elsewhere. The engine's casting date of 1923 and a contemporary photograph from the late Sir Henry Spurrier's albums both confirm its origins.
From November 1934 – 1941 the car was owned by a succession of Leyland premium apprentices (see old buff log book) and from 1941 to 1974 the Arab passed through various hands, including those of the Stratford upon Avon Museum, before being acquired by the well known motoring
historian and author, Brian Demaus. During Brian Demaus' ownership the Arab was
restored as close as possible to its specification at time of first registration in March
1929. Thomson & Taylor's original coachwork was retained while the engine was
rebuilt by Ron Foottit of Cleobury Garages Ltd and the gearbox overhauled by Templeton Engineering of Woodmancote, Cheltenham.
Since completion the Arab has participated in various vintage motoring
events, competed at one VSCC meeting and attended Brooklands Reunions,
covering some 67, 000 miles to date.
Offered with a fantastic history file including correspondence, old motorsport and the Automobile magazines articles. Old style buff logbook, current MOT and Swansea V5 document, 'PK 7930' represents a possibly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire one of the
world's rarest cars, designed by one of the most famous automobile engineers of all
time. A sure way into the most glamorous events
For a gallery of photos and videos please visit our website, or email, call Historic Competition Services
+32 (0)3 353 33 31 using the button below
