Beschrijving
UTAC | Millbrook, Bedford
Viewing: Tues 24th June from 12pm
Auction: Wed 25th June from 9am
Location: Millbrook Proving Ground, Station Lane, Bedford MK45 2JQ
1924 Standard Warwick SL04
No Reserve
Registration No: BF 4703
Chassis No: 44347
MOT: Exempt
Understood to be one of just three or four Warwicks remaining - now 101 years old
Known and interesting history dating back to 1949
In current family ownership for 16 years and ready for its next custodian
A civil engineer by profession, Reginald Walter Maudslay was quick to recognise the rapidly increasing scope of the horseless carriage and founded the Standard Motor Company in Coventry during 1903. By the end of that year, three cars powered by over-square single-cylinder engines had been produced, and a workforce of twenty-five had been assembled. There are various explanations for the company name, from the cars being built from ‘standardised patterns and interchangeable parts’ to the founder’s aim of maintaining ‘the best possible standard’. Whatever the origin, success followed, and by 1924 production had reached 10, 000 cars per year—achieving a market share comparable to that of the Austin Motor Company.
Standard models of the 1920s were often named after English towns—not just those local to the factory, such as Canley, Kenilworth, and Warwick, but also places much further afield, including Teignmouth, Falmouth, and Exmouth. The Warwick SLO4 was a 4/ 5-seater Tourer powered by an advanced 1, 944cc four-cylinder OHV engine rated at 13. 9hp, mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. Records suggest that only three or four Warwicks survive today, making them exceptionally rare.
First registered on 4 July 1924, this particular Standard Warwick is presented in an attractive Green with Black wings and a contrasting Burgundy leather interior. Little is known of its early life, but a continuation book shows it was in the ownership of David Walker Laurie, Grangemouth, by August 1949, then painted in Black. It changed hands to William Oliver Body of Pickering, Yorkshire, in 1951 and remained with him for ten years before briefly passing through Midgeley Bros Ltd of Harton Moor Garage, Flaxton, in March 1961. It then entered the ownership of Macharg, Rennie and Lindsay Ltd of Glasgow in May.
As Standard-Triumph main agents in Glasgow, Macharg, Rennie and Lindsay carried out repairs shortly after acquisition, including chassis servicing, rewiring, hood re-covering, and repainting the car in British Racing Green. The Warwick was then displayed in their showroom alongside a 1913 Standard 9. 5hp Two-Seater and the latest Triumph models of the 1960s.
Following a downturn in the motor trade, the company sold both Standards, and the Warwick passed through auction at Beaulieu in 1980. It was then sold via a dealer near Glasgow to a buyer in Austria, who kept the car for 18 years. In 1998, it was imported by Malcolm Elder & Son of Bicester, who retained it for a further eight years. In 2006, it was sold to Mr E. Luke of Bognor Regis, then via Orchid Cars to Mr C. Morris, who kept it briefly and retained the original registration number. The car was subsequently re-registered as ‘BF 4703’ and returned to Orchid Cars, who sold it to the current owners in July 2009.
In current family ownership, ‘BF 4703’ has been enjoyed on regular outings to local shows and events, including the local steam fair. It benefited from an engine overhaul circa 2010 following low oil pressure and an Autovac overhaul 6–7 years ago, though little mileage has been covered since.
The car is accompanied by a charming history file, including the original continuation book and photographs of the car during its time at Macharg, Rennie and Lindsay Ltd. Also included are a replacement parts booklet, copies of Autovac manuals, a Zenith service guide, correspondence with the Standard Register, and the current V5C. Some spare parts are also present, notably including a spare engine.
Now unused for three or four years and with the owner sadly passed, this rare and interesting Standard would benefit from some light recommissioning before being enjoyed once again.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
