Make: Thornycroft
Model: 20HP 4 Cylinder Double Phaeton
Year: 1903
Price: 500000

Vintage and Prestige are proud to offer this 1903 Thornycroft 20HP 4 Cylinder Double Phaeton For Sale.Registration: AA 575Chassis no: BZ 14Engine no: BZ 14 This incredible motor car comes to us with the finest of histories having been owned by Mr Tom Thornycroft (one of the companies founders) up until 1957, and has had only 4 owners from new! Mr John Brown purchased the car in 1957, he then sold the car to Mr John Carter but must have missed this incredible machine dearly as he purchased her back. The current owners have been the custodians since 1987 and can be credited for the immaculate condition you see her in today. They have kindly sent a detailed list of the work carried out under their ownership:Full nut and bolt restoration, including full stripping of body from chassisEngine and gearbox removed.Engine fully stripped.All parts crack tested. Crankshaft reground.New white metal bearings made for big ends and mains.Cylinder blocks re-bored and new pistons manufactured.New primary gears manufactured for distributor drive.Inlet induction valves reconditioned.Carburettor overhauled.Clutch fully reconditioned (fluid type) including new drive plates.Gearbox stripped and where applicable new gears manufactured, new type oil seals fitted and all new bearings.Propshaft remanufactured to include stronger U couplings.Rear axle stripped and new bearing fitted including new type seals.New outboard brake shoes manufactured to increase stopping aid.Rear springs re-tensioned with extra leaf fitted.Suspension stops introduced to balance rear.Water coolant tank restored and fitted to chassis under rear floor, special cover with tool for access added.Side steps and floorboards recovered.All body work stripped and where necessary woodwork replaced.All leather replaced with Connolly.Body fully prepped and painted including hand coachlines.Wheels fully restored, painted and lined.Rear storage case added to rear with retaining brackets.All lamps re finished.A starter motor has been manufactured solely for this vehicle, and is operated by a discreet switch.Fully enclosed side screen system made.This Thornycroft has been maintained perfectly and has a 100% completion record for the London to Brighton Classic Car Run. The appearance of this beautiful brass car truly does take some beating, every part of the car has its own character or flare, it would certainly be a challenge to improve the look. The paintwork is finished to an extremely high standard in red; there is a yellow coachline all around the car, which helps to highlight the shape of this Double Phaeton Coachwork. The rear section of the coachwork is completely original to the car and like so many was taken off in winter months and stored, the front section has been rebuilt to the exact original design to restore her to the former glory. The closer you look the more detail you notice; the Thornycroft step plates, the discreet spare wheel, the 5 stage rear wings, it goes on and on. The look with the pram hood up is exceptional and easily operated by one person. There is also a side screen system that completely encloses the car and allows for almost dry motoring. The Connolly leather is buttoned to the backs and finished to the highest of standards, this certainly is a driveable car but finished to a concours standard! Once you finish looking around the exterior details, you finally get to the engine. 2.5 litres, 4 cylinders and 3 gears, this is a capable car. Having completed the Brighton run on many occasions with 6 people on board, you can gentle breeze past the lesser cylinder cars (no names mentioned) who are all jumping out to push on Burgess hill. The operation is simple, a tickle of the carburettor, a flick of the ignition system and she is ready to go; in the early morning when you are full of energy you can turn her over on the handle and feel her fire up straight away, however later in the day when you are feeling slightly more lethargic, a discreet finger on the hidden button will bring her to life instantly and you will not even here the starter working. This vehicle truly is an incredible is a piece of driveable history, in our showroom and ready for viewing. Office 01375 379719Richard Biddulph 07967 260673Christoff Cowens 07772188037We accept Credit/Debit Cards.Part Exchange welcome.Weekend & evening viewings OK.Viewings by appointment :Prestige House.9 Globe Industrial Estate,Grays, Essex, RM17 6ST