Description
Kelham Hall | Newark, Nottinghamshire Viewing: Tues 22nd September 2026 from 12pm Auction: Weds 23rd September 2026 12pm Location: Kelham Hall Main Street, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG23 5QX Registration No: VSU 450 Chassis No: 211218 MOT: Exempt Finished in cream and beige with a brown mohair interior Rare and characterful Golfer’s Coupe coachwork Benefiting from previous long-term ownership spanning some 28 years Showing 72, 628 miles Offered in evocative barn-find condition and requiring recommissioning Offered with a V5C noted in the previous owner’s name Few names in Canadian motoring history carry quite the significance of McLaughlin. Established in Oshawa, Ontario, the McLaughlin Motor Car Company grew from the highly successful carriage-building concern founded by Robert McLaughlin. An agreement with Buick saw McLaughlin automobiles adopt Buick running gear while retaining their own distinctive identity and coachwork, beginning an association that would ultimately lead to the formation of General Motors of Canada. By the 1930s, McLaughlin-Buick occupied an enviable position in the Canadian market, combining the proven engineering and smooth multi-cylinder performance of Buick with the craftsmanship and individuality for which McLaughlin had become renowned. Today, surviving examples are considerably less frequently encountered than their American Buick counterparts and are particularly unusual on British roads. Dating from 1934, the example offered here is made all the more interesting by its rare Golfer’s Coupe configuration. A wonderfully evocative body style from an era when manufacturers produced automobiles for increasingly specific leisure pursuits, the Golfer’s Coupe combined sporting two-door proportions with practical accommodation intended to appeal to the affluent owner. The result is an unusually characterful machine with considerable period charm. The styling perfectly captures the transition taking place in American and Canadian automobile design during the early 1930s. Its long bonnet, prominent radiator, flowing wings, rear-mounted spare wheel and carefully considered brightwork create an imposing appearance, while the compact passenger compartment gives the car a noticeably sporting profile. Underneath, McLaughlin-Buick benefited from Buick’s well-established engineering expertise. By this period Buick had become particularly associated with smooth straight-eight power, providing the effortless delivery and refinement ideally suited to a substantial touring car. Combined with the McLaughlin’s imposing proportions, the result was a motor car capable of covering considerable distances in comfort and style. The example offered here represents that increasingly elusive prospect in the pre-war motor car world: a genuine barn find. Rather than having been freshly restored or extensively prepared for sale, ‘VSU 450’ is presented in wonderfully evocative ‘as discovered’ condition following a prolonged period of inactivity. Adding considerably to its appeal is the McLaughlin-Buick’s previous long-term ownership, having remained with its former custodian for some 28 years. Such lengthy ownership is increasingly noteworthy for a motor car now more than ninety years old and provides an appealing element of continuity within its history. Having remained unused for a number of years, the car will require recommissioning before returning to the road. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves as to the extent of the work required, but therein lies much of its attraction. This is an opportunity to revive a highly unusual pre-war motor car rather than simply acquire another completed restoration. McLaughlin-Buicks are rare machines in their own right, but the distinctive Golfer’s Coupe makes this example particularly intriguing. With its unusual Canadian heritage, handsome pre-war styling, 28 years of previous ownership and wonderfully evocative barn-find condition, ‘VSU 450’ represents a fascinating opportunity. Once carefully recommissioned and returned to the road, this rare McLaughlin-Buick should be quite something. ** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply** Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2...
