1928 Vauxhall 20-60 Grafton Drophead Coupé with Dickey

A very rare survivor with just a handful known to exist. This Vauxhall 20/60 left the Vauxhall Luton works in May of 1928 equipped with the Grafton Drop Head Coupé body made under contract by The Grosvenor Carriage Company. When just one year old, it was sold to one Bernard Richardson in Camelford, Cornwall and subsequently spent its entire life in Cornwall with a picture in the history file showing the car in 1935 on Fore Street in Camelford.

The car as a whole has a very original, gently patinated feel to it and the older grey paintwork presents well.  The interior is upholstered in brown leather with the seat base and back having been replaced at some time in the distant past whilst the door cards and woodwork remain original. The hood is a canvas affair clearly of great age but is easily raised and lowered. The rear lid hinges open to reveal a comfortable 'dickey' seat able to accommodate two additional passengers.

These Vauxhalls were serious performance cars in their day and this example is no exception. The 3-litre, six-cylinder engine pulls strongly making light work of hills, and the 4-speed gearbox is easy to use. Handling and braking are excellent and, as a whole, the car has a very sporty feel to it.  An original instruction manual also comes with the paperwork.

This car is a real time-warp survivor from the past and is simply a pleasure to drive. The scalloped bonnet edges instantly proclaim Vauxhall, as does the Griffin mascot atop of the radiator. In good order throughout, this is car that has clearly been well-maintained and looked after and appears eminently usable on a regular basis.