Highlights

Older restoration in smart black and Old English White
Fully retrimmed interior with black and tan leather
Previously owned by William Boddy, founder of the Brooklands Society
Fitted with modern running gear with originals included
Factory 2.6L OHC engine overhauled during restoration
Recent voluntary MOT test in 2023
Rare and very high quality interwar classic with commercial scope
Currently fitted with modern running gear, original equipment provided for restoration
The car is sold as a restoration project for renovation

The province of the car with ownership and records by William Boddy, is important as he is a significant figure in the Vintage Car world. Reference to Founder of Brooklands Society being the most significant element.

The Appeal

Britain had Rolls-Royce, continental Europe had Delauney & Belleville. Widely regarded as one of, if not the best, European car maker of the early motoring years, and recipient of high praise from none other than W O Bentley for its 2.6L OHC engine, the firm’s Saint Denis works built the chassis and running gear that transported the cream of society.

This chassis was delivered new to coachbuilders Maythorn and Sons in late 1926. It is a P4B car, which was built between 1922 and 1927 with the 2.6L engine admired by WO.. They installed a 6ft tall seven seat limousine body - known as a ‘Top Hat’ for obvious reasons - that was originally painted green over black with brass brightwork. Photographs of that configuration are supplied with the car.

Before the vendor's father-in-law acquired the car in 1997, it was owned by William Boddy, founder of the Brooklands Society and a well known figure in vintage motoring circles. On purchase it was burgundy over black with its original mechanicals.

He set about a comprehensive restoration to create a distinctive wedding car. He changed the colour scheme to the current Old English White with black and removed the running gear to both preserve it and create a more reliable, usable car. The original engine was overhauled and, with the other removed components, remains with the car.

The car is now fitted with a Ford Pinto engine, a 5-speed gearbox, and a revised rear axle, plus a hydraulic braking system. The wheels are also more durable aluminium artillery items. Much of the glass has also been replaced with tougher safety units. It has been fully rewired.

It is a mark of the current keeper’s approach that this 99-year-old car was subject to a voluntary MOT in 2023, which it passed without advisories. It has covered few miles since that test.

The car is sold as a restoration project for renovation. While fitted with modern running gear it has the scope to return to original standard. Alternatively, there is scope to return it to original. Whichever way its future lies, we wish this lovely car well on its next journey.

History and Paperwork

Acquired as a chassis, running gear and engine from Delauney & Belleville
First registered in the UK in November 1926
Coachbuilt by Maythorn & Sons of Biggleswade and London
Three registered UK keepers
The total number of keepers may be higher due to nature of DVLA record keeping
Car has been various colours during its life as detailed above
Changed to current colour scheme in 2003 and registered with DVLA
Brought into the current family ownership in 1997
Before the vendors Farther in Law acquired the car in 1997 it was part of the Griffith’s collection for several years and before that owned by William Boddy
Restored on acquisition with restoration of mechanicals and repaint
Originally used for weddings after modernisation
Original registration (ML302) on retention certificate, available separately
Last MOT ran to 27th April 2024 with no advisories
8,187 miles on last MOT and showing 8,189 miles in photos
Dry stored during current keeper’s ownership
Removed parts included as shown in photos

Work during restoration including mechanical conversion:

Original engine overhauled including head gasket, water pump, coil, sparkplugs and leads
Engine, propshaft and rear axle removed
Fitted with 2L Ford Pinto engine and 5spd Ford gearbox
Leyland Sherpa rear axle fitted
Front stub replaced with hydraulic braking system
Sand cast aluminium artillery wheels replace wooden originals
Rewired but original light units retained
New interior in soft brown leather for rear and black leather for chauffeur area
Toughened safety glass fitted including top screen with lower screen retained as original
Repainted in Old English White with black roof and trim

The Condition

Original Maythorn & Sons seven seat limousine ‘Top Hat’ body
Five seats in rear, including folding seats and two in front
Restyled in Old English white over black and remains in very good order
Black artillery wheels as detailed above with vintage tyres
Interior renewed in soft brown leather, including door panels, seating, and roof lining
Toughened safety glass installed for all windows, with refurbished auto rise mechanisms
Original brass brightwork retained with added brake lights and indicators
Well-kept interior with some modifications to driver’s area including modern speedometer and pedals
Rear storage box and front side screens included
Exterior brasswork presents well with bright, lightly patinated finish
Original light fittings with modern electrics rewired in
No structural advisories on last MOT in 2023
Car is sold as a restoration project for renovation

The Mechanics

1,993cc Ford Pinto 4cyl engine
5-speed Ford fully synchromesh gearbox
Full hydraulic braking system installed
Original Delaunay Belleville engine, gearbox and parts retained for restoration
Original suspension and chassis remain intact
No reported running or driving faults
No advisories on last MOT in 2023

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