VAR Forum

From the Archive
Photographs donated via the VAR website.

A very interesting 20/4 with small and large scuttle ventilators, twin spare wheels and a very large Klaxon on the running board.
Also a 1927 narrow track Windsor with a lamp or badge bar attached.

The photographs were take in the 1920s. Judging by the condition of the cars almost certainly when nearly new. Location Lickey Hills?

We are offered many photographs, usually relating to an enquiry asking if the car still exists. I ask for a photograph to aid identification and permission to scan, and add to our archive. Comments on the 20/4 would be welcome.
Mike E

Ok, I'll don my asbestos suit and put my head above the parapet. Looking at the 20/4, it appears to be a short (10'10") wheelbase as witnessed by the closeness of the rear doors to the rear wing. Low chassis by the shape of the front dumbirons. A shorter body than the limousines to allow room for the twin spares forward of the rear crossmember. A two piece windscreen and I can see the backs of the front seats so definitely a saloon, not limousine. My best guess is a Carlton.

It also has wooden artillery wheels with beaded edge tyres. I can't imagine anyone at the date this photo must have been taken swapping steel wheels with wired on tyres for beaded edge so these wheels must have been original equipment on this car. Is this right for 1925? I would have put it at 1924 but could well be wrong there. The photo is evidence of the relatively common practice of updating or "modernising" cars in this era. A good number of cars were updated in the 1930's by fitting cosmetic pieces such as an apron between the dumbirons but this car has not had that particular treatment. The front brakes are certainly a later modification. The large scuttle vents look like they may have come from a 12/4 and the extra vent closer to the bonnet is a different shape to that fitted as standard on 20/4's so could be a period accessory.

I now await being shot down in flames!
Martin

I've had another look at the 20 photo. There appears to be pipes connected to the shackle pins. Could this car have been fitted with a centralised chassis lubrication system?

Martin

Very interesting photos and discussion, I am new to vintage cars, but thanks for sharing!

Daniel