Lanchester, one of Britain’s and indeed the world’s earliest carmakers, began building motorcars in the late nineteenth century and sold its first car to the public in 1901. Based on the chassis of the BSA Ten, the new Lanchester Ten featured a 1,200 cc engine and was the first small car to be fitted with the Fluid Flywheel coupled to a Wilson four-speed pre-selector gearbox.

Part of a Daimler and Lanchester collection that was moved from Great Britain to North America about 25 years ago, it is largely original with only one repaint and has recently been serviced with new brakes, Fluid Flywheel seal, head gasket and radiator. The Mulliner semi-coachbuilt body, which features a sliding sunroof and rear-mounted enclosed spare, is finished in blue while the fenders and bodywork above the beltline are black. The interior is completely original, and although it shows some wear, it is still quite usable. This little prewar British saloon’s rarity and originality give it particular charm and definite appeal.