Vauxhall enters two veterans into 89th London to Brighton run
Amongst doubt over whether the world's second-oldest Vauxhall would make it to the start-line of this year's Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, but thanks to a recent rebuild the car is all set for the famous event.
The car, known simply as the '5hp', suffered a broken crankshaft earlier this year, which caused Vauxhall's senior vehicle restorer Andy Boddy to locate someone able to produce a new crankshaft before November 1, when 5hp will start the classic run.
According to Andy, 'timing was crucial. We'd already entered our 1904 car in the run, but having 5hp there too was important. Phoenix Engineering in Slough pulled out all the stops to manufacture a new crank, and fingers crossed, we'll have everything back together in time.'
5hp, registered BS8213, was Vauxhall's 45th vehicle built by the company in its first year of manufacturing in 1903. A rare four-seat model, passengers sit over the engine, ahead of the driver. Bought and restored by Vauxhall Heritage 20 years ago, it has entered the veteran run on many occasions.
The veteran Vauxhall was originally bought by a Scottish shipbuilder for £154. 5hp has a water-cooled 983cc engine, with a top speed of 20mph.
5hp will be accompanied by 6hp, registered JNM 400. It was one of 70 cars produced by Vauxhall in 1904, in South London. Alike to 5hp, JNM 400 is a London to Brighton regular, also featuring a one-litre single-cylinder engine.
This makes Vauxhall the sole remaining UK car manufacturer eligible to enter the veteran run, which is only open to cars built before 1905.
by: Vertu Editorial