1925 VAUXHALL 30-98 OE FOUR-SEAT TOURER

 

Many knowledgeable enthusiasts consider the Vauxhall OE 30-98 to be the finest British sporting car of the vintage era.  Bill Boddy wrote ‘For me, no car of the vintage period has the same appeal as a 30-98.’ The big engine, light weight car has been repeated many times throughout motoring history and Vauxhalls’ famous and illustrious 30-98 was one of the earliest and most successful applications of the formula.

Joseph Higginson (car dealer and competitor) approached Vauxhall designer Laurence Pomeroy Senior to design a light and powerful car, resulting in the 30-98. It achieved the hill-climb record at Shelsely Walsh in 1913.

 Following considerable success, the side valve E type car was superseded in 1923 by the OE model with overhead valves in its 4.2 litre engine and a stronger chassis. The sleek “Velox” four-seater touring body proved a comfortable and attractive fitment to this chassis.

In Australia, the Sydney agent Boyd Edkins and a number of enthusiastic owners had established the reputation of the Vauxhall by completing high speed trials over long distances. These cemented the reputation of the OE 30-98 as the sporting man’s machine. Competition successes continued to clock up, with hill climb, track, long distance and even sand racing by amateurs continuing.

 With brilliant brand management by Boyd Edkins the Vauxhall OE 30-98 has been firmly imprinted in the annals of Australian sporting history. His endeavours increased 30-98 model sales to even greater levels than on the home market due to high cruising speeds and general robustness that suited Australian conditions and demands. 

From the information collated on this car, it is a fully restored example sold new in Australia though its pre-war history is unknown. Post-War it was owned by Victorian V.S.C.C member J. Sullivan, and then it went to South Australia with Ben Tillett followed by J. Harvie. It was dismantled in c1950 and the parts were acquired by Laurie Vinall and Philip Martin. The constituent parts of OE 177 were brought together by the vendor over a number of years, which required the purchase of three project cars to re-unite them. OE177 has undergone an exacting restoration over more than ten years.

The new polished aluminium Velox body has been built in South Australia by the vendor, with expert panel work, principally by Steve Bennett. The original style deep-buttoned upholstery was done in Melbourne by Robert Casha. All the minor body fittings are either original Vauxhall or are exact replicas. The degree to which detail is pursued in this restoration is illustrated by the metal braided wiring used throughout. For ease of driving in modern traffic, the footbrake system is simplified, flashing indicators are incorporated in the original lamps and the front seat slides are extended and lowered to suit tall drivers.  The motor car has completed around 1000 miles since its total restoration and fully rebuilt engine.

This car represents a rare opportunity to acquire a fully restored going concern; the marque hardly being presented at auction at all in the world in recent times: being tightly held by collectors and usually changing hands privately; making this an exciting and unique opportunity for anyone who enjoys the very best in vintage sports car motoring. 

CHASSIS NO: 177

ENGINE NO: 176

REGISTRATION NO: 30-98 (S.A. HISTORIC, NON-TRANSFERABLE. NEITHER PHYSICAL PLATE NOR THE RIGHT TO DISPLAY THIS REGISTRATION IS OFFERED FOR SALE WITH THIS LOT).