Lot 035: 1925 BAYLISS-THOMAS TOURER

Founded as a Coventry bicycle maker by Messrs Bayliss and Thomas during 1874, the Excelsior Motor Company Ltd had already made the jump to motorcycle manufacture by the time it relocated to Tyseley, Birmingham in 1921. Choosing to diversify into motor cars the following year but conscious that a Belgian concern were already marketing four-wheeled Excelsiors, it resurrected the Bayliss-Thomas moniker so as to avoid confusion. Although, the prototype was an air-cooled three-wheeler, production models were rather more orthodox in design. Based around a leaf-sprung, drum-braked chassis, the Bayliss-Thomas was initially powered by a 1.5 litre Coventry-Simplex sidevalve four-cylinder engine mated to a Wrigley gearbox with no differential. However, later versions could be specified with a more advanced 1.1 litre Meadows OHV powerplant. Predominantly bodied as a four-seater tourer or boat-tailed sports, the Bayliss-Thomas remained in production until 1929 (though, only around 1,000 are thought to have been sold). Interestingly, Captain Noel Macklin chose a Bayliss-Thomas chassis as the basis for the first Invicta. Finished in blue over black with black leather upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "good" (Meadows engine, manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, paintwork) or "very good" (chassis, bodywork, wheels / tyres) condition. Reportedly "coveted for over forty-five years by a British gentleman owner" who had it "extensively restored to a very high standard during that time", 'ON 575' is understood to "start and run well". Riding on artillery wheels and apparently sporting a Mulliner body, this intriguing Vintage Light Car is deemed by the seller to be "a genuine piece of rare Great British Heritage". PLEASE NOTE: Since the catalogue went to press we have learnt that this lot has magneto ignition, 12-volt electrics and sidescreens. It also possesses a MOT certificate valid until April 2009.