Summary

1444cc 43hp sedan with taxi livery and Daimler Fluid Flywheel with 4-speed gearbox. Right-hand drive. Largely original, practical, stylish, comfortable and rare.

Details

Lanchester, one of Britain's and indeed the world's earliest carmakers, sold its first car to the public in 1901. In 1931, Lanchester production was moved to Daimler's factory in Coventry. By September of the following year, Lanchester had announced the Lanchester Ten. It featured a 1203cc engine and was the first small car to be fitted with the Fluid Flywheel coupled to a Wilson 4-speed pre-selector gearbox that would become ubiquitous on both Daimlers and Lanchesters in the years to come. The engine grew from 1203cc to 1444cc in 1935, and in 1936 the Ten received a significant facelift and a change in nomenclature. The Lanchester Eleven featured a larger, more voluptuous body that shared its shape and proportions with the larger, more expensive offerings from Lanchester and Daimler. Engine improvements for the Eleven included replacing the SU carburetor with a Solex for smoother running and a 5hp increase, bringing the total to 43hp. A fine, small saloon in its day, the Lanchester Eleven is a rare sight today, especially in the United States. This 1937 Lanchester Eleven is a rare find. 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 body work above the beltline are black. The interior is completely original, and although it shows some wear, it is still quite useable. Liveried as a taxi, an employment which its smoothly-operating Fluid Flywheel is ideally suited, it makes a definitive statement of practicality and utility. The pillarless body with front and rear-hinged rear doors give easy access for passengers to the rear compartment, while the comfortable and lightly worn black leather upholstery is inviting.