Description
A rare Barker bodied Lanchester LD10 from the end of the production run.
Conceived before WW2, the LD10 entered production in 1946 and the first three series of cars carried pressed steel bodies by Briggs. It was the delay in the supply of these bodies that led to the final 579 cars receiving coach built bodies, of which approximately 550 were fitted with this attractive four-light sports saloon by Barker. At £1, 270 it was expensive, hence so few were made.
The Barker body featured aluminium panelling for the roof, doors and boot.
This particular example was registered in December 1950 by Coventry and Jeffs of Victoria Street, Bristol and sold to Miss Gertrude Bailey of Bournemouth. According to the original buff log book Miss Bailey was to keep the car until 1968 when it was bought by Mr Allan Townsend of Poole. It would appear that Mr Townsend owned the car twice and it was eventually consigned to auction in Stroud in 2021 after it had been off the road for over twenty years.
Having covered only 67, 000 miles from new and in such original condition, the Lanchester easily found a new sympathetic owner in Mr Phil Lomas who recommissioned the car over the next year or so before it was purchased by the last owner.
Work was carried out to the brakes, shock absorbers, rear springs and cooling system. The bumpers were re-chromed and the clock, temperature gauge and water pump were rebuilt by specialists. The rear sections of the exhaust have been replaced with stainless steel items.
It is clear that this is a car of high quality, befitting the Lanchester name. The interior, which is in a remarkable state of preservation is extremely comfortable and features some nice touches such as sun visors on the front side windows as well as the windscreen. The instrument panel and door cappings are polished walnut rather than the painted metal of the Briggs bodied cars.
The engine was a development of the pre-war 10HP unit, which had been modernized by Weslake, driving through a fluid flywheel to a four speed pre-selector gearbox. Front suspension was independent but leaf springs were retained at the rear.
The engine starts readily, runs quietly and the pre-selector gearbox is a delight to use.
It will be evident from the photos that the bodywork is in need of some attention, principally to the door sills and edges of the wings. None of this is structural so can be done over time and the car can be used ‘as is’.
The car comes with jack, toolkit, radiator blind, Owners Handbook and a few sundry spares.
The car also comes with a desirable registration which is transferable
This is a really charming little car and deserves a sympathetic new owner who will improve it yet cherish its originality.
A video of the car can be viewed on the St Andrews Autos YouTube channel.
To arrange a viewing call James or contact us via the website.
Thank you for reading.
