Guy Newton
Senior Specialist, Private Sales Manager
Lot 282
1925 Vauxhall 30-98 OE-type Velox Tourer
Registration no. UM 2060 Chassis no. OE 250 Engine no. OE 224
18 September 2021, 13:00 BST
Chichester, Goodwood£200,000 - £250,000
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1925 Vauxhall 30-98 OE-type Velox Tourer
Registration no. UM 2060
Chassis no. OE 250
Engine no. OE 224
Registration no. UM 2060
Chassis no. OE 250
Engine no. OE 224
• Later overhead-valve model
• Marque authority Arthur Archer's personal car for 30-plus years
• Restored by Archer's of Dunmow in the 1990s
• Extensively toured
• Marque authority Arthur Archer's personal car for 30-plus years
• Restored by Archer's of Dunmow in the 1990s
• Extensively toured
Footnotes
One of the later, overhead-valve models, chassis number 'OE250' left Vauxhall's Luton factory on 27th July 1925 and was registered as 'UM 2060', a Leeds County Council mark. The original coachwork is unknown but by 1927 the car had a racing two-seat body fitted; it was advertised in The Autocar of 9th September that year having covered some 3,000 miles.
In 1949, 'OE250' was purchased by motor engineer Arthur Archer, who kept the car until 1985. Acknowledged as the world authority on the Vauxhall 30-98, Arthur had purchased 'OE250' from one Eclin Molyneux of Angmering, Sussex as a rolling chassis restoration project, complete with sidevalve engine 'E344' but lacking both a body and bulkhead. It is understood the Mr Molyneux had purchased the 30-98 from Barry Drake, assistant workshop manager at Ricardo. 'OE250' was pictured in Motor Sport's edition of 2nd April 1949.
Arthur rebuilt 'OE250' utilising many parts from 'E312', an earlier E-type 30-98 that he owned, including the older car's Mann Egerton body. During the 1950s, 'UM 2060' was used as his 'daily driver' and for numerous VSCC events, including the Bisley Rally, Welsh Trial, and Prescott Hill Climb. Following his father's death in 1953, Arthur was forced to concentrate more on the family business and 'OE250' was confined to road use only thereafter. At some time he acquired overhead-valve engine number 'OE244', a mere six away from the car's original unit, with the intention of eventually fitting it to 'OE250'.
In 1984 Arthur Archer transferred the Mann Egerton body back to chassis 'E312' and the following year sold 'OE250' to a new owner. Engine 'OE244' was included in the sale together with a multitude of useful parts that Arthur had accumulated over the years, including a near-perfect cylinder head and a serviceable set of original clutch discs.
Naturally, given its unrivalled experience with the Vauxhall 30-98, Archer's of Dunmow was commissioned to overhaul the rear axle and engine 'OE244', fitting the latter with a slightly hotter Julian Ghosh camshaft in the process (see photographic records on file). Master coachbuilder Steve Penny was commissioned to build a replica Velox body to correct specification, and following further work by Archer's, the car was sent for trimming to John Foy, the man responsible for upholstering Nic Portway's unique 30-98 saloon.
Following its completion, 'UM 2060' participated in three VSCC Welsh Trials and was also used extensively for touring. Serviced by Archer's, the car was offered for sale at a UK auction in December 2012 where it was purchased by the current vendor. Since its restoration some 28 years ago, 'UM 2060' has been toured extensively and is presented in typical touring condition. Being an OE, this car has four-wheel brakes and, as a late example, also incorporates the 'high radiator'; high-mounted headlamps; enlarged passenger front door (providing easier access); lovely 'pointed' style wings; and a counter-balanced crankshaft, resulting in a very smooth-running engine.
As is the case with many 30-98s, 'OE250' is not a 'matching numbers' car. However, it does have a known and continuous history and the Arthur Archer connection is significant. 'OE250' was Arthur's personal car, and over the 30-plus years of his ownership evolved into what it is today. There are several period photographs of the car with Archer Archer behind the wheel.
Recently examined and re-commissioned by Jonathan Wood (Vintage & Thoroughbred Restorations), this Vauxhall 30-98 offers a wonderful opportunity to own a magnificent example of 'The Finest of Sporting Cars' with a known history.