1926 Vauxhall 14/40 Sports special - 30/98 spec engine

Engine upgraded with 30-98 type components, not necessarily to full spec

• Expertly engineered in New Zealand using a 14/40 Chassis
• Powered by a modified 23-60 engine to 30-98 spec
• Recent specialist attention to suspension and brakes
• Very smart, high-quality Connolly buttoned hide upholstery
• Fast, agile and suitable and ready for a number of sporting events

This Vauxhall’s early life started in New Zealand as a regular 14/40 until eventually the car was acquired by an engineer who took the decision to construct a Sporting Vauxhall Special using the lightweight 14/40 chassis and adding a 23-60 engine over-bored to 30-98 specification. A 30-98 Velox-style body was fabricated and fitted along with a long-range fuel tank and the cabin was finished with a well-considered dashboard including Vauxhall instruments and lovely high-quality Connolly buttoned hide upholstery.

In 2016, the car was purchased and imported into the UK by an acknowledged vintage Vauxhall specialist and registered here as BF 7763. Once in the UK, it made its way to another highly regarded vintage Vauxhall engineer with the instruction to conduct any work necessary to bring the car up to standard. Some correct-type front and rear shock absorbers were sourced and fitted, the engine was checked thoroughly and the braking system overhauled before being returned to its owner.

The old Special then went to an expert trim specialist familiar with big Vauxhalls to have the interior re-trimmed. The whole of the upholstery was stripped out and replaced by period-correct black Connolly hide, buttoned in the correct pattern. The hood and side screens were in superb order and a hood bag and a tonneau cover were now made to complete the weather equipment.

With a relatively light body, a powerful engine, 3:1 E-Type rear axle ratio and a long-range fuel tank, this attractive vintage Vauxhall is suitable for endurance rallies such as the Flying Scotsman and Rally the Globe events amongst many others. Welcome at VSCC events and Trials, this Special would also be completely at home at Shelsley Walsh and especially at Prescott, where the champagne party organised by the Register, can be particularly memorable.