Lucien Rosengart should rightly be as famous as Henry Ford or André Citroën. The inventor of... table football, he also played a major role in manufacturers such as Citroën and then Peugeot, before persuading Austin to build a new type of small, economical car. It was the car that would ensure the future of the British firm: the Seven.
In return, he obtained a licence to build the Seven in a newly acquired factory in 1925.
Naturally, Rosengart was not content simply to produce identical copies of the Seven under his own name. He undertook a series of evolutions of the Seven's design, culminating in the LR62. Among its many innovations was a 1.1-litre, 6-cylinder engine.
Unfortunately, Rosengart cars were not as successful as had been hoped, so little information is available about them today. Which makes the discovery of this LR62 gem all the more exciting. This vehicle was fully restored under the watchful eye of its owner, a Rosengart collector, in 2015. Like many Seven's before it, it has been painstakingly transformed into a racing car with aerodynamic competition-style bodywork.
It's a beautiful car and a fascinating piece of automotive history. It is a real masterpiece for any collection.IMG_7090 DENIS POYARD.jpg3.79 MB
History and documentation
We are told that this car was first registered in 1933.
Part of a collection of Rosengart vehicles
Restored by the vendor between 2014 and 2015
This work included the structure and interior
Modified racer style bodywork
Registered as a two-seater on the Carte Grise
Lucien Rosengart was an engineer, investor and innovator who is little known today, but who played a crucial role in the early French and British automotive industries. He intervened at key moments in the development of Citroën and Peugeot to provide the vital finance they needed to keep trading.
He is also known as the inventor of table football.
He tried to convince Citroën and Peugeot to build an inexpensive family car that would expand the car market and increase sales. Both refused. When he went to Austin in England with the same idea, the company was also initially reluctant. But Rosengart proved persuasive and the end result was the Austin Seven, the company's pre-war landmark car.
Part of the deal involved Rosengart obtaining a licence to build Seven's in France. He bought a factory in 1925 and began production under his own name. Not content to simply produce carbon copies, he began experimenting with cars based on the Seven that developed the "small, economical" theme.
The LR62 was the latest evolution of this idea and featured a Rosengart 6-cylinder 1100cc engine.
Sales of Rosengart cars were never strong, not helped by relatively high prices and the new idea of a small, economical car. The company continued after the war with a range of more modern cars but finally closed its doors in 1955.
This car belongs to a well-known Rosengart collector. It was restored in 2014 and 2015, with work covering the body, chassis and mechanicals.
Restored in 2015 and little used by the collector owner
Transformed with an aerodynamic racer-style body for two people
Wooden chassis and aluminium body restored in 2014
Powder coated chassis
In very good condition with stylish colour scheme and neat detailing
No mudguards
Red chassis and wheels accentuate the brown paintwork well
Well upholstered interior with red leather seat and red cab roll cover
Roller cover shows very slight signs of wear but is otherwise well maintained
Vintage-style steering wheel and aluminium dashboard with period dials
Small storage space behind the front seats
Like many of its Austin Seven counterparts, this lovely LR62 has been converted to racing 'racer' style with a boat tail aluminium body. It was fully restored in 2014/2015, the work being overseen by the vendor who is a Rosengart collector. The quality of this work and the overall good condition are evident from the photographs. The red and brown livery works particularly well, and has been carefully worked down to the last detail with Rosengart decals and a red chassis. Inside, the cab has been reworked and is simple but elegantly presented.
We're told it starts straight away and the brakes are in good condition
Under the majestic bonnet is where Rosengart has woven much of its magic. The LR62 is powered by a 1,100cc 6-cylinder engine that is claimed to be capable of reaching a speed of 145km/h, a remarkable achievement for such a small car. It is equipped with a three-speed manual gearbox and pneumatically assisted brakes. The vendor has fitted an electric fuel pump to improve reliability.
The engine was rebuilt during the restoration. The seller tells us that the car starts straight away, brakes well and drives very well.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to Car & Classic's terms and conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights under EU consumer protection legislation do not apply. Car & Classic's returns policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your bid is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is "sold as seen", on an "as is where is" basis and without warranty. A full vehicle inspection prior to purchase is strongly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for illustrative purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final Auction or Bid price, as specified in the advert.
✓ Buyers are responsible for the collection or delivery of the vehicle. Importing vehicles may incur additional customs duties and import taxes. On request, Car & Classic can refer you to a third-party transport company. For more details, please email [email protected]. Prices start at €150 + VAT within the same country or €400 + VAT for cross-border journeys.
