Descrição
1903 Stevens-Duryea Model L 7HP Twin Cylinder - VCC Dated
1903 Stevens Duryea Model L 7HP Runabout
Registration No - BS8692
Chassis No - 354
VCC Dating Cert No - 4188
The Stevens-Duryea motor company was formed in 1901 when The Stevens Arms & Tool Co. Offered a car designed by J. Frank Duryea, who had built some of America’s first automobiles in 1895. In November of that same year, Mr Duryea won the first automobile race ever held in America.
In 1903, Stevens-Duryea produced a motor carriage with a horizontally opposed 2 cylinder engine which was rated at 7HP. The car boasted a unique starting feature whereby it could be started from the seat of the motorcar, instead of direct cranking.
This example of a 1903 ‘Model L’ found its way into Europe when it was imported into Holland by dealer Philip De Vos. The car arrived in exceptionally original condition and was ‘untouched’ from its initial configuration. The car still boasts its Dietz side lamps.
Chassis 354 remained in the De Vos collection until it was auctioned in Bond Street in 2017. The car was not running, undated and required restoration. It was purchased by renown veteran car enthusiast Mr J Dennis OBE who undertook the total restoration of the car and looking at the history file, appears to have logged a staggering 900 hours at a cost of around £25, 000+. Included within these costs were mechanical overhaul, full repaint and coach line and retrimming of the hood and front seat. Once he had completed the car, he moved it on to a new custodian and former VCC President.
During the Ex- VCC Presidents ownership, the ongoing maintenance and fettling continued to get the car into the condition it is today, starting, driving and running well. Having driven this car myself, I can say it is a feast for the senses, its 3 speed constant mesh gearbox is easy to use, the tiller steering remarkably direct and the handbrake very effective. In top gear, this is a car that is capable of over 40MPH, making it an exceptionally quick ‘Brighton runner’. Complete with cape cart hood for some November weather protection, this is an exceptionally capable 4-seat car.
The car was presented before the VCC Dating committee and was signed off in August 2020 with full report present in the file. The car was noted as being ‘fully representative of the Model L 7HP of 1903’. Upon its dating confirmation it was run in both the 2022 and 2023 London to Brighton Runs.
Summary:
London to Brighton Eligible 4 seater
Exceptional performance vs £
Restored example in good running order currently
Powerful 40MPH car
Ex VCC Presidents car
1 of 3 VCC Dated Stevens-Duryea cars
£95, 000 GBP
