1914 Vauxhall Prince Henry
Chassis Number: C129
Engine Number: D522C
Registration:
V6289
• One of only a small number of cars remaining in private hands worldwide.
• Impressive in both sight sound and performance, this is a fast and very usable Edwardian open tourer.
• Extensively used for numerous VSCC events from taking class wins in hill climbs, to circuit racing and even trialling.
Vauxhall is one of the most revered names in true Vintage motoring. The brainchild of one of Britain’s most
distinguished motor engineers Lawrence Pomeroy, the striking Prince Henry closely followed the Hispano Suiza
Alfonso as one of the first true sports cars and marked the start of a journey of one of the greatest Vintage Sports Cars
ever built, the 30/98.
In the winter of 1907-08, Vauxhall’s chief engineer F. W. Hodges took a long holiday to Egypt. While he was away
Vauxhall’s managing director Percy Kinder decided to enter three cars into the RAC 2000 Mile Trial. The task of
developing the existing cars was given to the promising 24 year old draughtsman Lawrence Pomeroy. He completely
redesigned the engine giving it a mono block casting for the cylinders and a single camshaft operating in an L-head. The
impressive new 3,054cc engine gave 40bhp, 17 bhp more than its predecessor and Kinder was victorious in the event
beating the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost. This marked the end of Hogest regime and the start of Pomeroy’s eleven year
reign as the head of Vauxhall’s engineering department.
T. + 44 (0)1285 831 488
E. [email protected]
www.williamianson.com
Bolstered by his victory in the 2000 Mile Trial Kinder decided to
enter three cars into the 1910 Prince Henry Trials. Pomeroy set to and
upped the power of the engine to 60bhp at 2,800rpm and the cars
carried narrow four-seat doorless bodies with the destructive pointed
vee-radiator. Although the event was won by the larger AustroDaimlers, two of the three cars made non stop runs. Off of the back of
their success the factory announced a line of cars replicating the three
Works cars, to go on sale towards the end of 1911. Officially known
as the C-Type they were more commonly known as the Prince Henry.
They were offered with the standard doorless body with a bulbous
back as well as the factory option with small doors and a straighter
back. With a top speed of around 75mph they acquired a reputation
for good handling and flexible performance in top gear.
Widely campaigned in hill climbs and reliability trials, the Prince
Henry continued to build its fine reputation with a penalty free
performance in the 1911 St. Petersburg to Sebastopol Trials and two
clear runs for Kinder and Hellgren in the 1912 Swedish Winter Trials.
The Russian success earned them a significant foothold in the market
there with the Tsar Nicholas II having at least two cars.
In 1913 The Prince Henry’s engine was enlarged to 3,969cc giving the
same power at a lower revolution of 2,500rpm. Electric lighting was
standard and starters were available from 1914. The model was
produced up until early 1915 with 140 of the larger engined built as
supposed to the 50 smaller engined example.
T. + 44 (0)1285 831 488
E. [email protected]
www.williamianson.com
This beautifully proportioned example is one of only a small number of these fabulous cars still in private hands
worldwide. Purchased from Ian Poulson in incomplete and unrestored condition by the last owner Tudor Roberts, he
entrusted internationally renown expert in the restoration of Edwardian cars, Ben Collings, with the task of rebuilding
the car to what you see today.
Well known Vauxhall historian, Nic Portway, was consulted by Mr. Roberts before he purchased the car and the
provenance of Edwardian origin of all of the major components was confirmed by him and the car has been happily
accepted by the the 30/98 community of the VSCC as being a true Edwardian Prince Henry. The original chassis, crank
case, block, gearbox, steering column and front axle were all sourced in Australia. According to Nic Portway the
crankcase and block are from the George Green Collection and the crank case is date stamped 1914 with D533C
stamped on the front timing cover. The gearbox and steering box are both Edwardian and the front axle is an A-Type
machined down. The rear axle is from a Prince Henry and came from County Wexford in Ireland.
T. + 44 (0)1285 831 488
E. [email protected]
www.williamianson.com
Once restored Mr. Roberts used the car
for many VSCC sprints and hill climbs
as well as circuit racing. It even had a
number of outings in VSCC Trials.
According to MR. Roberts former
VSCC president and highly regarded
campaigner of Edwardian cars, Roger
Collings who borrowed the car for
several VSCC events said “this is the
best Edwardian touring car I have ever
driven, it is fast, safe, clean, reliable
and beautiful”.
The current owner has continued to use
the car for tours and events including
the centenary celebrations at Shelsley
Walsh. He has had some service work
undertaken by Ecurie Bertelli. The car
is accompanied by four spare wheels,
two with 880x120 beaded edge tyres
and two wheels to take well based tyres
for trialling.
Impressive in both sight sound and
performance, this is a true Edwardian
touring car and is an ideal, desirable
entry for the ever growing number of
tours, rallies, hill climbs and events
held around the world. With the open
road awaiting, this is a true Edwardian
thoroughbred that can still put many a
vintage car to shame.
T. + 44 (0)1285 831 488
E. [email protected]
www.williamianson.com