Highlights
- Restored car in classic British Racing Green
- Well documented history back to 1932
- One of approximately 100 survivors
- Versatile seven-seater coachwork
- Matching numbers chassis number on scuttle and floorboards
- Engine rebuilt by Keith Pointing
- Four keepers since returning to UK in 1998
The Appeal
This characterful 23/60 is a very different kind of Vauxhall to the ones usually associated with the marque. Before 1925 the firm was a competitor to Bentley and Sunbeam, producing high performance, highly regarded sports tourers like this one.
The 23/60 evolved the 4litre engine of the earlier D-Type, gaining a new OHV cylinder head that modernised it and improved performance. Just 1,300 were built in a variety of body styles, with only 100 believed to have survived.
This example is one of the better known, thanks to appearances at historic events like the 2022 VSCC Prescott meet. Fitted with a versatile seven seat Malvern body, it began life on the other side of the world in Australia before returning home in 1998. There have been just four registered keepers in the intervening 26 years.
The history back to 1932 is well known and documented in the extensive file. Since arriving back here it has been extensively restored, including an engine rebuild by specialist Keith Pointing within the last 10 years. It remains a matching numbers, factory correct chassis, the ‘15/06/23’ date stamp still visible in the photographs.
The 23/60 is one of the best regarded of interwar British models. This one has the provenance and condition to make it stand out.
History and Paperwork
- Chassis stamp indicates build date of 15th June 1923
- Delivered new to Australia
- Ownership history in Australia dating back to 1932
- Imported into the UK in May 1998 by specialist Orchid Cars
- First registered in UK on 24th May 1999
- Four registered keepers since returning to UK
- Registered as 'SV 7736' in the UK
- Sold to Mr Ray Harris of the West Midlands upon import
- One further owner before acquisition by the previous keeper in 2015
- Acquired by the current keeper in September 2022
- Maintained by Keith Pointing including engine rebuild
- Offered with a good history file
- VIN number OD720
- Retains its original chassis with stamps on scuttle and floorboards
- Wings are also date stamped
- VSCC Prescott 2022 scrutineering sticker
The Condition
- Repainted and reupholstered with emphasis on factory-correct originality
- Finished in classic British Racing Green with complementary green leather cabin
- Currently fitted with discreet door and body decals that could likely be easily removed
- Chassis number present on scuttle and floorboards and both wings date-stamped
- Bodywork in good order with only localised signs of use as shown in photographs
- This is largely restricted to edge chips to doors and pillars and some stone chips
- Well trimmed and factory correct seven seat ‘Malvern’ interior in green leather
- Interior is well kept with light signs of age as illustrated in photographs
- This includes light scuffs to driver’s side A post trim and to front bench
- Door cards and side trims are well kept with minor marks to note in photographs
- Versatile seven seat layout with folding middle row which fold flush with floor
- Grey carpets throughout in good condition but with light stains to rear area
- Wheels and tyres present well with black wires and Michelin vintage specificaiton rubber
- Controls and instrumentation are said to work correctly
- Lighting and exterior fittings appear to be well kept
- Black fabric folding roof in good condition and works correctly
- There are a couple of age-related small tears in the hood, which could be easily repaired
- Underside presents well with solid structure
With its aluminium bonnet and vast seven-seat ‘racing green’ Malvern bodywork, this is a glorious example of British interwar motoring. The older restoration aimed to preserve originality - the wings and chassis retain their factory date stamps - and has held up very well, the paintwork showing only very minor signs of use. None are immediately visible.
Inside the complementary dark green leather interior is beautifully trimmed and equally factory correct. The three rows of seats include a central row that can be folded flat to the floor to increase rear legroom. A vast black roof provides all weather protection, but surely this is a car to enjoy the wind in your hair and be seen in.
The Mechanics
- 3,969cc 4cyl OHV Vauxhall engine
- 4spd manual gearbox
- Engine rebuilt by Keith Pointing since 2015
- Engine and transmission reported to work correctly and smoothly
- Used for recent VSCC events including Prescott, without issue
- No reported running or driving issues
Charles Evelyn King’s reworking of the original Pomeroy 4litre motor added performance and smoothness to match the evolution of rivals from Bentley and Sunbeam. These were quick and powerful cars and this one would surely have entertained its seven occupants in period.
It continues to do the same now thanks to regular appearances at VSCC events since it arrived back here in 1998. Thanks to an engine rebuild by specialist Keith Pointing it is in very good mechanical health with no reported issues.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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