Description
Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire Viewing: Tues 13th October from 12pm Auction 14th October, 2026 12:00 Location: Pavilion Gardens St John's Rd, Buxton SK17 6BE Registration No: LJ 6819 Chassis No: 16735 MOT: Exempt Attractive six-light saloon coachwork by Mulliner Current ownership for approximately 20 years Winner of Best Vintage Vehicle at the Cromford Vintage Steam Rally Offered with a desirable registration number, period luggage trunk and original manuals Benefits from a stainless-steel exhaust Some recommissioning required Founded by the pioneering brothers Frederick, George and Frank Lanchester, the Lanchester Motor Company earned an enviable reputation for producing technically advanced and beautifully engineered motor cars. The company’s innovative approach resulted in some of the most distinctive British cars of the Edwardian and Vintage periods, with the marque becoming particularly noted for its refinement, mechanical sophistication and understated quality. Following Lanchester’s acquisition by the Birmingham Small Arms Company in 1931, production was transferred to Daimler’s Coventry works. Announced in September 1932, the Lanchester Ten represented a new and more accessible chapter in the company’s history. Although compact and rated at just 10hp for taxation purposes, it incorporated engineering more commonly associated with considerably larger and more expensive motor cars. Designated the LA10, the model was powered by a 1, 203cc overhead-valve four-cylinder engine allied to Daimler’s fluid flywheel and Wilson four-speed pre-selector transmission. Rather than operating a conventional manual gearbox, the driver could select the next ratio in advance before engaging it through a pedal, making the Ten notably smooth and straightforward to drive by contemporary standards. Its well-appointed interior and composed road manners further distinguished it from many competing small cars of the period. This handsome example wears six-light saloon coachwork by the respected Birmingham coachbuilder Mulliner, the term “six-light” referring to its three side windows on each side. The generous glazing, upright proportions and finely detailed coachwork lend the Lanchester an imposing presence that belies its relatively compact dimensions. Understood to have been sold new in Bournemouth, this particular LA10 is reputed to have been originally owned by an actress. It has remained in the current ownership for approximately 20 years and was reportedly finished entirely in black when acquired by the vendor. Around 15 years ago, the car was refinished in its attractive present two-tone colour scheme of black over cream, which particularly complements the Mulliner bodywork and period brightwork. During the vendor’s ownership, replacement hubcaps were carefully sourced and re-chromed, other chrome parts were replated, while a stainless-steel exhaust system was also fitted. The Lanchester has been exhibited at various events and was awarded Best Vintage Vehicle at the Cromford Vintage Steam Rally, reflecting the appeal it has enjoyed on the show field. Accompanying the car are its maintenance and driver’s manuals, together with a period luggage trunk which adds further character and practicality. It is also offered with its desirable registration number. Having seen limited recent use, a degree of recommissioning will be required before the car returns to regular service. Combining attractive Mulliner coachwork, sophisticated pre-selector transmission, long-term ownership and appealing early provenance, this characterful Lanchester Ten represents an uncommon opportunity to acquire a particularly charming example of one of Britain’s more individual pre-war marques. ** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply** Entry by catalogue and can be purchased for £20 (admits 2...
